The race started behind a shopping center. We ran on road for a short distance. Then onto twisty single track for roughly 2 miles. The bulk of the remainder was on dirt levee road that was loose and uneven, but straight. It finished on a very short hard surface again.
Highlights: It *was* beautiful. And I had a few fans waiting for me near the turn around point. Husband surprised me by bringing the dogs out! I did stop for a moment to give him my long sleeve shirt so that I didn't have to run with it tied around my waist. That was helpful. And shortly afterwards, I found myself running with a lady who was keeping my same pace at that point. We started talking during the final mile and finished together.
I think this graph from my Garmin tells the pacing story better than simply looking at mile splits.
#1 - I started off too fast. I know better, but I did it anyway. I believe this is mainly due to my inexperience with this distance. I wasn't really sure what my 10K pace felt like.
#2 - The single track section was much more *difficult* than I imagined it would be. I enjoyed it for the first mile, then I was ready for it to be over. I definitely need to practice running on single track if I'm going to do more of these types of races.
#3 - Once we got out on the dirt levee road, I fell into a pace that I was able to (mostly) hold onto for the rest of the race. I'm pleased with that.
The official results have me at 1:03:15, 10:11 average pace. That's less than a minute off (aka slower than) my personal best 10K time which was a road race, so I am thrilled with this finish time given the race surface. I believe that I have a personal best 10K inside me just waiting for the perfect race to make itself known. ;-)
All in all, a great way to spend an autumn morning. I realize that I am truly blessed to be able to run right now. I hope whatever you all did this weekend was equally wonderful.
Edited to add - Official results are posted and I'm happy to see that I finished 11 of 23 F45-49. It is *nice* to be solidly middle of the pack these days. :-)
Whoot PR, and in an off road race even, sweet!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a wonderful 10K race! You did awesome and you look fantastic:) You should be feeling very proud of yourself Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI never know what my 10K pace is either...too long to "sprint" like a 5K, but my 13.1 pace seems so slow...
ReplyDeleteSounds like you did just the right thing...oh, and of course LOVE the green!
Whoo great job!
ReplyDeleteI ALWAYS start too fast :S
10k is tough. I really don't like the distance at all! Get job to take it on as a trail race. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWell done Lisa! Sounds like a really fun morning and very encouraging to you as well. That perfect race is just waiting for you, I am sure!
ReplyDeletethat's a great pace, and on a tough terrain! way to go :)
ReplyDeleteThat's NOT a shabby pace! Good job.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree, running is a pretty great way to spend an autumn morning.
Have a wonderful week ahead.
Well done! That's a great time for a course including single track. Training on technical trails is vital for enjoyment and good running in trail races. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteAh yes, starting off too fast! I like to break a 10K into three segments and run accordingly.
ReplyDeletethanks to runners world this month I now know what single track means and it sounds scary.. fun but pretty much a complete promise that I'd trip and fall on my face :)
ReplyDeletecongrats on a fun day
well done! you had a fun race and no problems what so ever. couldn't be happier for ya! tis the season for more 10Ks :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
ReplyDeleteWay to go on the race!! That is awesome :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a nice mix of surfaces to race on. It was a great weekend for running.
ReplyDeleteGreat race. A flat surface = instant PR!
ReplyDeleteI believe pacing for a 10k goes...start out fast and hope to keep going fast...until you end fast and in a heap. ;)
Nice job on the 10K girl! Great time! I always start out too fast when I am running by myself... my sister is my best pacer, but we never get to run together anymore!
ReplyDeletewow you did AWESOME!!! congrats on such a great race :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the 10K! Awesome to be so close to your PR given the trails.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Sounds like a great race!! :0)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a fun off road race. I haven't ran off road since high school cross country, but maybe I will sometime in the future.
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog from Tall Mom on the Run. I am just beginning to run again after having my first son, so I thought it would be helpful to follow a few other running blogs for the motivation.
Stop by sometime!!
I have the same issue with 10k, just knowing how to pace it just right.
ReplyDeleteYou did great! It kind of feels good to be in the middle. :)