Heart of Summer 10K Race Report

I ran for a couple years before I started doing any racing. For my second marathon, I hired a coach and he was shocked that I hadn’t done any racing in preparation for my first marathon. In his mind, this was one of the many reasons I had a lousy performance. Once I started racing, I realized how much it adds to the whole running experience. No matter how a race turns out, I always enjoy the preparation process, from selecting a race to putting on the bib on race day.

For our race this weekend, I had planned to run a brisk but not killer 10K and then stick around to see my 15 year old run the 5K. The weather was as good as can be expected for the middle of July, just a little humid but not too bad. My plan was to run the first three miles at a 9:50 pace, and then pick it up a little for a negative split. That would be fast enough for a good work out but not so fast as to induce puking at the finish line.

Having never run this race or route before, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew it was two loops around Lake Nokomis, but that was it. The first mile went by in 9:29 and my heart rate was still pretty low. It was quickly evident that this course was as flat as a pancake. The mile splits tell the story:

Mile 1:  9:29

Mile 2:  9:19

Mile 3:  9:19

Mile 4:  9:03

Mile 5:  8:58

Mile 6:  8:47

Last .26 mile:  2:06      8:25 pace

Finish time: 57:07  Pace for 6.2 miles:  9:11

Geez, I wish I had done my homework and realized that this was a PR course. Every mile I ran I was able to pick it up just a little bit. I hadn’t bothered to remind myself of what my 10K PR time was before the race because I wasn’t even thinking about coming close to it. Turns out my PR is 57:02 from two years ago. Bummer. That time was from the Firecracker 10K which is a much tougher course, but still!  I wasn’t even close to puking and could have easily come in under 57 minutes if I had tried. Oh, well. I guess I’ve had enough races that I expected to do well and they didn’t go that way that I shouldn’t complain when I expect little and come within spitting distance of my PR.

I got done with my race in time to see Brady run by just after the start of the 5K. I was a little surprised to see that he was in front with a couple other guys. Not deterred by my mortification at the triathlon last weekend, I yelled to him that the course was flat and fast. I received only minor eye rolling for that bit of advice. I got something to eat and drink while Mike and I waited at the 5K finish. The announcer was standing right next to us and started chatting us up. Before too long, we saw the lead police car with lights flashing heading towards us, and there was Brady running all alone behind him. Mike told the announcer that the winner is our son and he handed Mike the microphone. Mike got to announce Brady’s name, age and school as he crossed the finish line for his first 5K win. The organizer handed Brady an envelope with a $25 gift certificate and we gave him a pat on the back. Here we are after the big win:

It was a great day! After visiting with some friends who also ran, we headed home and relaxed for the rest of the day. I had a biking date with Mike on Sunday. He had to ride 80 miles, so I tagged along for the first 40 miles. I did some track work on Tuesday and I’m ready for my long run tomorrow. Then it’s off to St. Louis and a run with Brian Flash and Velma. I’m looking forward to it!