My coach, David, thought this 10k would be a good race for me to do in order to collect good HR data in planning for my marathon training. My goal was to run as hard as I could without getting injured or getting my typical side stitch, as well as getting an idea of my fitness level after having taken some time off from running competitions.

The Hottest Half 10k was a flat out-and-back course along the lake. Because it started at 7am, I didn't suffer high temps or humidity. It was actually very pleasant!

At mile 1, I had a 7:23 pace. Mile 2 was about the same but a few seconds slower. I slowed up more between Miles 3-5 to not hurt too bad. David was waiting after Mile 2 for me, and I gave him a high-five. I knew I was doing well when the 10k-ers left the Half marathon group. From what I could tell, only two women were ahead of me. This wasn't a race that I had trained for, so I wasn't interested in catching them. I wasn't upset, either, at Mile 5 when another woman passed me. She had a great pace!

Mile 5.5 thru the end was great because you could see the finish line the entire time. I really like not having a "blind finish." I picked up the pace and stayed strong up the final hill to the finish.

I finished 4th female overall and received a 1st place award for my age group! Most importantly, my HR data looked pretty good afterwards. 184 was my average. At a lower zone, I should be able to maintain 8:25 for my marathon.

Thanks, David, for your support and for helping me trust I would do fine :) I la loo!