Pikes Peak - Run10k

As strange as it sounds, this was my first official 10k. Even with all my racing during my youth, and the longer distances I have done, I never actually signed up for a 10k. So here's to my PR :)

I was absolutely floored how well the first 60% of the race went. Miles 1, 2 and 3 came by in around 7:30, which actually would have given me an unofficial 5k PR had I timed it. Furthermore, I felt so fresh at mile 3 that I probably could have gone out a full 15 to 30 seconds faster per mile had it stopped there.

Mile 4 - This is where it started getting difficult. Not hard, just started to notice that my legs weren't as fresh as they had been for the previous 4 miles. To be expected though, as I was just about topping my training mileage.

Mile 5 - I told Michelle to go ahead, though I kept her in sight for the rest of the race. I just couldn't generate the leg-turnover that I needed to keep with her. There was an incline here that mentally took me out of the game for a few minutes. It wasn't really a hill, but enough to really set my calves into "tense-up mode," I never gave up, but I did slow substantially.

Mile 6 - Knowing the race was so close was heartening. Knowing that I was only nearing the midpoint of 13.1 was disheartening, so I focused on the positive. I am certain that my training will get me there over the next few months, but mile 6 certainly was a struggle. I do think I increased my pace though during this mile, so I am proud of that.

Last .2 - Downhill, stride out, thankfully I had something left to give (gravity helped) and I saw that I was close to going over into 49 minutes, so I booked it. Crossed the finish line, felt my calves lock up. Woops! But they worked out, so all was good.

Not much, I think we went out at a conservative pace, which, in hindsight probably could have been a little faster -- though, I don't know how that would have affected me later. I could have put a little more into the bridge miles between 4 and 6, but for my level of training, I won't beat myself up too hard about it.

Walked around looking for my friend Jason, grabbed a donut and two waters. I should have run, but I was more worried about missing him in the crowd (there were close to 3000 on site).


I think just base training at this point. Probably being my first 10k, and longest run of the season played part of it.


Wonderful race, and I plan on doing it next year (and hopefully taking a bunch off this PR with it). Michelle was a great racing partner, and once I can get a better base under me, I can probably start hanging with her longer.

She ended up finishing 25 in her AG, and 141 for the women, so GO MICHELLE!