Yesterday was my first race/long run since my injury in August. I had the best intentions to train for this race (as noted in the post a few weeks ago) but since then life sort of happened. I ended up getting in a few 4-5 mile runs each week before the race but I wasn’t able to get in a 10 miler like I had hoped. Given the lack of training I didn’t have high expectations for my performance and instead focused on having fun and enjoying Anne Marie’s company.
Race:
Anne Marie and I had a solid plan going in to the race, We were hoping to finish under 2 hours (9:15 ish average pace) but wanted to make sure we took it out slow. The Chilly 1/2 course is pretty hilly through the middle miles (6-12) so we wanted to make sure we had enough energy to make it through that section. We started slow, around 10 min/mile and slowly sped up through the first 6 miles to about 9:30. I was feeling great at mile 6 so I kept going and ended up hitting splits of 8:38-8:40 through the back half of the race to finish in just under 2 hours, 1:58. I was a few minutes off my PR (1:55) but was very happy with the finish. I also got a chance to see my friend Allie who was watching at mile 10, it was so great to see a friendly face during a difficult portion of the race!
I felt like I ran a smart race overall, though I wish I had taken my second GU around mile 10. I took the first one right around mile 6 and felt great but at mile 10 my stomach wasn’t feeling another GU and I hit a little wall through the last mile of the race. Next time, I will try to take a second GU even if I only get to eat 1/2 of it around mile 10 to help feel strong through the last three miles.
Overall we had a great day! The race was really well organized: started on time, plenty of bathrooms and tons of volunteers at the aid stations. I will definitely be coming back next year! Congrats to all the finishers yesterday!
My Day in Pictures:
Really looking forward to a few rest days before I start training for the Frosty 1/2 Marathon on December 14th.
Boston Update:
I got my first few emails from the LLS coaches and am very excited that our first TNT meeting is less than 1 month away! I have been making progress in my fundraising efforts, thanks to everyone who has donated! I’m hoping to get 1/2 way to my goal by Christmas. If you haven’t already, please consider donating at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ma/boston15/dclowes
Thanks 🙂
Dana Runs Boston 