My 10k Race Recap

So my first disclaimer here is that I am a dork! Yup, a dork! 

Here is my first 10k Race Recap!

My alarm was set for 4:45 a.m. and unlike every morning during the week, I jumped up! I was totally fired up! 

I did some quick yoga stretches & headed downstairs to eat some breakfast…..

This would be where my failure to plan ahead hit me! Since I ended up with the flu last week on Wednesday & Thursday, my Thursday which was my “off” day from work was supposed to include a trip to the grocery store. Obviously that didn’t get scratched off my “To do” list & I stood in the middle of the kitchen wondering what in the world I could eat before my race. I settled on a KIND bar thinking that would at least keep me full until race time! 

I had planned ahead on my clothing & other running essentials the night before….at least I had something ready to go!

Took off in my car about 6:00 a.m. and yes, I totally pumped up the jams LOUD in my car & was completely singing & dancing away…..All.By.Myself. 

I was PUMPED, people! So excited!

The Run Club was meeting up to stretch out & get warmed up with our Trainer so, for me who is typically a race day “loner,” this was fun! To be meeting up with people to get fired up & be nervous with! Great pre-race time! 

We were finally out in the chute waiting to start running….as we stood there forever….the other girls in the run club were talking about their time goals. Then, there was me, who says, “Just gonna go slow & steady. I am a slow runner.” Again, I found I was doubting in myself. Judging myself against others. That darn comparison piece.

Then, all of that negative self-talk came out in my mind. “You really should have stuck to your training plan more.” “You didn’t run enough during the week & even skipped some of your longer training runs.” “Next time you commit you need to really do it & stop cheating yourself.” “Oh boy, I really hope I don’t embarrass myself.” “Can I even run this race?” “I should have done the 5k.” 

Finally, I yelled “ENOUGH” to myself. Enough doubt. I was prepared. Yes, of course, I could have run more & should not have skipped out on some of my runs on my training plan. But, even though maybe I hadn’t been running I had been very active. I only missed one of my runners studio classes that I know helped my running out tremendously. My body was much stronger now than it was when I ran my half-marathon in the fall. 

I reminded myself I was only racing myself & no one else. I was not running to impress them. I was running for my buddy, Kingsley. I was running for me. 

I thought to myself that if I came in around 1:10 I would be happy, even if I was a little over 1:10. It seemed like a good goal & I knew it was something I was going to accomplish.

FINALLY – RACE TIME!

My music was playing. My legs felt great. The energy around me was awesome!

So, I ran. I put one foot in front of the other….over and over again.

It was HOT! The sun was baking us for pretty much the entire run. No, I’m not complaining that the sun was out & it was a gorgeous morning….there have been years in the past where it has snowed on this race day & been super cold. However, I will state that none of my training runs had been this nice….mostly cold, sometimes snowy, and rainy! There were a few times we got shaded by some buildings & I did consider walking for a moment to milk the shade…but I did not! 

The spectators were amazing & all over the course – SO FUN! So many fun signs to read & chuckle at. So many adorable kids wanting to give you high fives along the way! 

I believe it was just after we hit mile #4 that the HILLS began! Really….the last half of the race? The first one was fairly steep & long….I saw many runners ahead of me stop & walk up it. I thought about it, I considered it, and then told myself I was stronger than that. So, I kept running. At that moment, I didn’t realize that the next 1.5 miles was all hills and most uphill….why did we never get to go down a hill? But I kept running. I kept saying my favorite saying, “I can. I will. I’m gonna.”

The best part about miles 4 through the end of the race is that I, yes I, was 

PASSING PEOPLE! Typically, I am getting passed all the time. As I was passing, I was feeling good too…not struggling! 

Finally, the finish line was crossed! I stopped my Garmin & was so proud as I saw 1:08:57. I made my goal….I passed my goal! 

My fabulous trainer was waiting at the finish line to greet us all! She made it so fun to have someone there with a giant smile of pride for you! 

Our Run Club hooked back up & got some fun finish pictures & then grabbed our freebie beer! I only got about 3 sips out of mine before I had to run off for a teeball game! 

This race for me was such a blast! I think the team aspect of the run club really made the day exciting! There were people there cheering for me and with me! It was a different race day feel for me & one I really enjoyed! 

Now as a small little push to myself…..I will admit that the race day atmosphere really makes me want to try for that 25k race next year…..we shall see! 

On a totally different note, today my Miss Jacee is NINE! How in the world has it been 9 years already? This girl is totally a blessing – such a light to your day! I am so proud of the girl she is!!! 

Until Next Time~

*krisha*