El Scorcho - 25k - Run25k

Well, this run is a 25K or a 50K. Since I couldn't train for 6 weeks due to a stress fracture, I knew trying to do the 25K would be dumb.

So my goal was to run 6 miles and to run it with a challenging pace. My goal was 60 minutes or less. I was hoping I would get FASTER than a 10 minute mile- and I did!!!

Started out with the pack, and kept an eye on my Garmin. I knew if went out too fast or got caught up with other people, I'd blow myself out early.

I had put on my headphones and had the music up pretty high. Usually I'm pretty interactive with the crowd and volunteers, but this time I was very focused. I had a goal and I was going to reach it. That meant no slowing down, no stopping, no getting water (I had my hand held water bottle), just focusing on my pace and keeping up the effort.

Tried to keep around a 9:30 minute mile. Pulled it off for the most part. I did walk a couple of times, but then told myself to suck it up and to keep running.

Once my Garmin hit 6 miles, I hit stop and then I started walking. Walked to the finish and turned in my chip. Yes, it was hard and I felt... kind of like a loser... but I knew it was the right decision and that the people watching didn't know my story.

Mile 1- 9:37 mm
Mile 2- 9:18 mm
Mile 3- 9:32 mm
Mile 4- 9:22 mm
Mile 5- 9:38 mm
Mile 6- 9:47 mm

Once I was done I went to where we setup the chairs and I waited for Aimee, Jen and then Jonny to pass. I cheered them on until they all finished!

Had lots of fun hanging out and chatting with Aimee's friends, and then with her and Jen once they stopped. Jonny finished shortly thereafter... and he beat his time last year by 30 minutes!!!! So proud of him! :)

Side note: I do suck as a girlfriend though. While I caught him going by loops 2-4, I missed him finishing. Ugh. I had my head turned and was talking. I all fairness though, he picked up the pace on the last 3 miles from a 11:20 mm to a 9:30 mm. So my inner time clock was not set to his lightening speed!

Picture 1- Jonny and I pre-race
Picture 2- Jonny, Jen (Jah2212) and I pre-race
Picture 3- Aimee (Aimeep), me and Jen.
Picture 4- All of us!


This is a really great race and I love that it starts at midnight. It's very much a "grass roots" race but they do a great job with the shirts and aid stations.

The food this year wasn't as great as last year, but it's not like I needed a lot of food after running only 6 miles. I did notice that most people brought their own support crews, food, etc. though. So the food probably isn't all that important for the most part.

I will be going back in 2010! I really love doing this race!