George Washington Birthday Classic 10k - Run10k

This was my first 10k, and I really wanted to have fun with it. My goals were to finish, to have fun, and to try to "race" for the first time. My previous experience has taught me that I'm very bad at trying to go fast; I really just wind up going exactly the same speed as I do when I'm training, and I then I get a tshirt at the end of it. I wanted to try to push myself this time.

First loop I kept my breathing normal, and didn't push too hard. I stayed mostly with the pack that I started with, but noticed right away that I was moving faster than I usually train at. Cool! I started the first loop at around a 10:00, with training pace being around 11:15 or so. It seemed to take a very long time to get to the turnaround, and I felt very much like I was practically the last person there. I guess when the weather gets cold, only the diehards show up, which makes for a fast race. The winner came in at just about 30:00 exactly. I know this because he came in just as I was finishing my first loop. I was going much faster than I planned to, but I was feeling good.

My second loop I had planned to do faster, so push harder. I wanted to start going faster, then at the turn around really just see what I could do. Garmin told me I was now running 9:45, which was very cool to see. Breathing was still okay, and I was starting to pick people off, which is the best part of starting in the back. Took some water at around 4 miles. I'd passed several water stations, mostly because I felt as though if I put anything in my mouth I'd vomit. I never felt this nauseated at my 5k's, and I didn't want to be the chick who puked, but if it came down to it.... The water didn't really do anything for me, didn't seem refreshing or helpful, so I just had a couple sips and kept on going. Got to the turnaround and put down the gas. Kind of. I really felt like I was moving. Garmin said 8:45 at one point. I really passed a lot of people, and I was still feeling pretty good. But even so, some of the people that I passed practially caught up with me at the end. I passed these two guys at around the 5 mile marker, and left them in the dust, and they finished literally right behind me. I guess I just need more experience with racing, to figure out how fast I can go, and when to put in the speed. I finished strong, and felt great. Tired, spent. Not like my other races, where I just needed a few minutes to catch my breath. This time I needed to keep moving, keep my muscles from locking, keep my heart from popping out of my chest. It was awesome.

I don't know, nothing really. Next time I think I'll wait untill a little close to the end and then really run for the finish, just to see what happens. I don't have a racing style yet, so I just need to find what works for me. I did far and away better than I ever thought I would, so I'm pretty psyched.

Walked around briskly outside, grabbed some water. Headed back into the theater to pick up my stuff and my husband at our pre-arranged meeting spot. He said I did great, and he got some great pictures. I needed to keep moving, because my hamstrings felt pretty tight. Got home and jumped right into an ice bath.


My lack of knowledge of myself as an athlete. I'm still a beginner, so I don't hold it against myself. I think I did pretty darn good.


This was a really great venue. Post race wasn't great, because the theater was opening up for Saturday matinee business, but it still was fantastic. I'd give it 5 stars for the bathrooms alone. No lines, spotless bathrooms, and real stalls!