Great Cow Harbor 10-Kilometer Run - Run10k

Conditions were ideal today (dry streets, 65 degrees, little sun) and I gave it my best. This is not an easy 10k by any stretch of the imagination, but I've raced it three times prior and completed a few training runs on the course, so I know where to hammer and where to hold back. My first time for this race in 2006 was 51:03 minutes, last year 2007 was 44:07, and now in 2008 I've chopped off a whopping 13 seconds - which is actually great considering running has not been my focus this year. Last year I had 10 consecutive 25+ mile week average coming into the race (marathon training). That's far from the case this year. I'm also a solid 4 pounds heavier.

Sigh. My MoJo tank is a little over 1/2 full; normally it's almost completely full. I just scheduled too many races this year and I'm starting to feel burnt out. I'd like to blame the Olympic Tri I did this past Sunday, but Ralph (rtocco) did that race and he blew by me today from a later corral. My hat is off to you Ralph, who finished with a 42:36!

Since Cow Harbor is the first race ever that I've done in my life, I always make a point to make it an "A Race". Next year I think I'll cut my race count in half and focus more on a 10k specific training plan the month prior. I also need to get down to my tru race weight with I am 9 pounds away from. At 2 seconds per mile faster per pound lost, that would have cut 1:48 off my time with the same effort.

Met my friend Bill who PR'd big time with a 46:08 (which is awesome cause he's around 189), played my kids on the playground; congratulated my cousin Chris who smoooooked the run with a 35th place overall and a time of 35:59!! Congratulate Ralph for a breakout 10k performance (which I predicted in writing on his inspire - and even mentioned to him in the corral).


My endurance is decent right now, but my speed is non-existent. My weight is slowing me down, and the fact that I scheduled just waaay too many races this year.


Cow Harbor is the marathon of 10k's. There are news reporters, staggered gun start, a few olympic participants, television coverage, the t-shirt is awesome, the crowd support is phenomenal, the Northport scenery is amazing, and there is the notorious James St. Hill. Cow Habor has been rated one of the must-do, best 10k races in America. Ryan Hall set the course record here in 2006. The after-party here on Main Street is also as good as it gets. This is a magical great event.