I went into this race not knowing how I'd be able to perform. I figured I'd be able to PR because I've upped my mileage considerably since my last ten-miler (training for the Marine Corps Marathon), but I missed about two weeks of training with the swine flu.

Since I wasn't sure what time I could hope for, I just decided to go out quickly and see how long I could hang on. I averaged right around 9:15-9:20 every mile and felt pretty good. The few miles running past the Smithsonians and down to the Capitol was faster -- and on the way back I realized it was because it was a slight downhill.

I am not a huge fan of the bridge in the last couple of miles, but it wasn't as hot this year so it wasn't as bad as in previous years. I was able to pick it up in the last two miles and passed a lot of people. I also love the way they do the finish line at this race -- you turn the corner and BAM, you're done.

This was a great race. Even though it has more runners, it never felt as congested as the Cherry Blossom Ten-Miler always does. And the weather was PERFECT. I shaved about three minutes off my previous PR and was very happy with the results. It definitely made me more confident about my first marathon in two weeks.

Not much. I think I could have gone out even a little faster, because I had a lot left in the last two miles.

Walked through the looooong exit chute. Grabbed a bagel and met up with my husband and my fastie friend who ran a 1:10 as a warmup for the Baltimore Marathon (crazy girl). Stretched a little and braved the Metro home.