Last December I set a goal to run one race per month for an entire year. Overall I was successful with this goal. I missed one race in August, and in November I made my own Turkey Trot because I went to sign up too late. Ok so I missed two races, but I’m going to pretend that the T-Trot counts. The year has flown by, and if you asked me last year about all the races and runs I would have completed I would have laughed in your face. Yesterday I ran my last race of 2012.
The day was cold. I mean really cold.
It also was trying to rain, but thankfully held off until the race was over. I always get to races extra early to avoid last minute crowds trying to get their packets. I don’t want any added stress, otherwise it would jeopardize my chances of winning. Joke..
The 5K was called The Frosty 5K, and the 10K was The Grinch 10K. I’d rather be The Grinch anyway. I should have worn green. Instead I attempted dressing to the occasion.
My shirt has candy canes and my socks are Santa-ish. I didn’t win best costume, but I tried. I wanted to wear my new leggings, but didn’t dare get them ruined.
I’m in love
This race course was the same as the race I ran in March for St.Patty’s day. This meant the chances for a legit PR would be good. I have come to realize that no matter where I am when I run, whether it’s in a “race” or running on the road for fun I always have the same pace. I never try to actually “race.” Just keep that information in your frontal lobe, I’ll come back to it.
Once the race started I warmed up pretty quick. For the first 3 miles the pace was a steady 10:30. This is my regular pace. I felt fine, and was enjoying the run. At about mile 4 I saw an older gentleman start to pass me. Something inside of me clicked and all of a sudden I was like, “No.” Just no..no this man is not going to pass me, and no I am not going to leisurely finish this race. So I turned on the juices. Right before the huge hill nonetheless. I turned the pace from 10:30 to 9:30 and held strong the rest of the race.
Once I started to feel myself slowing down, another girl around my age came out of no where and had an amazing cadence and stride to her run. She started to pull ahead of me. Once again I said, “no.” I turned up the juices even more. At this point I wasn’t going for a PR, I just wanted to beat this girl. She was on my heels for over half of a mile. Right before the end another fatty hill reared it’s ugly face, and thankfully Manfriend was there to give me that extra push I needed. Once the end was in sight I ran as fast as I could and left her in my dust.
Overall finish time was 1:01:32 with a 9:55 pace. EXACTLY 2 minutes faster than my last 10K. Literally down to the second. I shaved 2 minutes off, and if I had only “raced” from the beginning I could have gotten that sub 1:00!! Next time..for sure. I am more than happy with this race rounding out my year.
Afterwards I stuffed my face with a vegan burger and brainstormed ideas for 2013 fitness goals. I see some more half marathons in my near future!!
Q: What were your main fitness goals of 2012?
Blissfulbritt 
40 thoughts on “The Grinch 10K”
Jade
I love the goal to race each month! Awesome 10k PR. Hey sometimes those old guys are in really good shape! I will tell you my 2013 fitness goal: marathon! Probably a few other things as well, but that’s the main thing!
pickyrunner
Way to go! I love that goal. I might have to do that for 2013 🙂
TorontoRunner
woohooo!! That’s a great race girl!! Congrats! ANd how cute do you look?!?!
I’m with Jade..if I can stay healthy, I want that marathon in 2013!!
An Unrefined Vegan
Shattered that previous PR! Nothing like an old man at one’s heels to get one moving! :-).
runnerheather
Congrats on the PR!
laceyjbrown
Congratulations! So impressive. Especially your commitment. Now you can really enjoy the holidays!
Emily
what?! give me those leggings, did I miss a post where you talked about where you got them? if not, spill the beans lady!
Brittany
Forever 21..$13 bucks!! I got the LAST pair in my size. They sold like HOT CAKES! HURRY!!
Laura
Congrats! & awesome leggings. I am jealous of your cold winder running endeavours. I really need to just get out there and embrace the cold! haha.
Alex @ therunwithin
man I am jealous, I would love to be able to do one race a month. that is an awesome goal.
Leesa D
Nice work on the PR! But I had to laugh at your “really cold” day. I went for a run yesterday and was excited that it was actually a nice day for a run…at -6C (21F). I guess we are much more used to that in Alberta. 🙂
I love your goal of a race every month. That sounds awesome! My goal for last year was to run my first 10K and for 2013 I’m going to run my first half!
Brittany
Ohhh dear lord 21F!? EWW! You win..that is terribly cold! You will love the half..it was such an accomplishment for me!
Luv What You Do
Congats! That is an amazing goal to do a race per month. Congrats on that! 2 minutes is a big decrease…way to go! I don’t think I met any of my 2012 goals…on to bigger and better in 2013!
Rach @ This Italian Family
Oh girl, I LOVE your new leggings! I understand why you didn’t want to risk ruining them for sure. You still looked super Christmassy, though! 🙂 And girl, congrats on being SO fast! I’m impressed! 🙂
Melissa @ Mouthwatering Morsel
whoo! good job on the race! and running 10 out of 12 is a lot! I don’t think I have that kind of motivation … yet.
Megan
That is awesome, go you! It is always exciting to PR!! And BTW that girl would not have been near you had you been racing the whole time, you are a BOSS.
HollieisFueledByLOLZ
I’m really happy for you finding your inner speed demon. That is awesome and the first break out race is the best. I’m so happy for you and I say…a race a month again!
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile
WOOO!!! You’re amazing!
petit4chocolatier
Congratulations! You are an inspiration 🙂
karinacocina17
i was actually considering that same goal for 2013! I think it would be so cool to say i ran in a race each month. Heck I’ve never ran more than 3 or 4 in a year! Also….I love those tights!!
Lou
Awesome! You are a star – must be such a great feeling 🙂
GiGi Eats Celebrities
My main fitness goal is to wear as sexy of socks as you do when I work out! Mission will be accomplished TOMORROW!!!!
jessielovestorun
1. WAY TO GO GIRL! Great race & way to turn it up during your race
2. LOVE those leggings. They are adorable 🙂
Khushboo Thadani
Way to go on the PR….super impressive! One of my fitness goals was to strength train regularly…..I think I knocked that one out of the park :)!
Preveena
Brittany! i think i should follow your blog closely, so that i would feel motivated to train more often. I am so impressed. 🙂
afracooking
I am impressed! Congratulations!!!
B
I love your running outfit! and WTG on a great race!
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because
“Afterwards I stuffed my face with a vegan burger and brainstormed ideas for 2013 fitness goals”
Yes! I love celebrating and looking forward to the future! Congrats on a great race!
missymiller
Speedy Gonzalez! (Ps- you win best outfit according to me.)
itsthecookiemonster
youre starting to get runners feet! congrats! 🙂
Brittany
Bahaha, best compliment ever!
moderngirlnutrition
Congrats Brittany! And I think you should’ve won best costume haha:)
katalysthealth
Yes those leggings are awesome!! And congrats on the race my friend!
cleaneatingveggiegirl
Your running outfit is hilarious! Love the spirit! 🙂
Ali Mc
I love your outfit and MUST have those leggings!!!! I saw this pair on pinterest once but couldn’t track down where to buy them…..those remind me of them 😦
and CONGRATS on the PR!!!!!!!! you’re amazing!!!
caloricandcrazy
Congrats on the PR!!! I currently run a 1:02 10k, so I admire your 9:55 pace!! 😀
I’m hoping to run in a lot of races next year, and start collecting those bibs (and free bars/swag :P!)
The Healthy Flavor
That’s an awesome time Brittany!! I haven’t ran in awhile and miss it. My last race was a half marathon before getting pregnant. Love the leggings too…too cute!! 🙂
Kristen RD (@swankydietitian)
Great job! I love what you wore!!!!
I have been there. You are keeping a good pace and a certain person passes you (I shouldn’t discriminate, but older like you said) and then you really want to push it!! That’s great!
Pumpedpumpkin
Great job with the 10k! I also had a similar experience with my first 10k on thanksgiving. But since it was my first 10k I didn’t want to blow it all out there the first few miles so I held back, I can’t wait to do another one to pick up my pace. My fitness goal of 2012 was a triathlon I can check it off my list now!
Kate
Great race! Two minutes faster in the 10k is awesome. I’m trying to brainstorm good 2013 fitness goals too. I can’t believe the year is almost over!