I've had a goal of running a sub 42 minute 10k for years. I was hoping I could do it here. I ran the resolution run on Jan. 1st and ran a 42:38. And on that day, I couldn't have run any harder. My hip was also bothering me these past 2 days, so, I wasn't sure how things would go.
Well, I started off fast as usual and hit the first mile at 6:16. Probably too fast, but I knew that I had to start off strong because I also fade hear the middle (and I remember there was a long gradual hill at mile 3). So, I kept track of my average pace and tried to stay around 6:40. My pace started to slow when I hit the hill at mile 3, so I was nervous about that 42 minute mark. But I dug deep and thankfully a downhill came at mile 5 where I could really kick it up a notch. I was averaging around a 6:15 for the last 3/4 mile and just tried to hang on. We turned the corner where it went uphill for about a 1/2 to the finish. There were 2 girls that I was able to pass during that last stretch. I looked at my watch and realized that I was going to do it. I was going to hit my goal. Finally! I crossed the line and smiled big because I gave it my all and had a good race. I'm now officially able to secure a sub-seeded spot at the P'tree Road Race, which is what I've been wanting to do for years.