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 