Spring Thaw - 10 Mile Run

This weekend was right before my 8-year stroke anniversary AND it was the first time I had ever run 10 miles. I had a lot of emotions going into this race. Mind you, I wasn’t looking at this as a race - (okay maybe a “C” race); I was really using it as another training opportunity to prepare for my half marathon in May and both of my 70.3 triathlons (July and September).

But it ended up being so much more than just another run or just another race.

I was very excited getting ready the morning of the race, knowing what was in front of me. I had been preparing, and made sure to recover correctly the week prior. I wanted to do as well as I could - in other words - I wasn’t going to walk AT ALL - and I wanted to feel my best at the end of the race. I wanted to see how well my training had been going and if I had been preparing correctly.

It was a pleasant day, sun was out, mid 50s, but windy — very, very windy! I’m glad I took an extra fleece and gloves to stretch in and stay warm before the race. I really needed it! (Of course I didn’t keep them on while I ran, I like to be cold at the beginning - I know how hot and sweaty I get when I run.)

Then it was time to toe the line. I know I’m considered a very slow runner, so I always go towards the back of the pack - I mean behind the pacers. I have no problem doing this either. This is my race, my journey - no one else’s. I planned to run a zone 1/zone 2 (heart rate) run the entire time. My training plan told me to run 1:25 minutes - I did a little over 7 miles in that time, of which I was happy with. I wasn’t even looking at my Garmin while I ran. I had no idea how fast I was going or what my mileage was until my watch said in it’s ladies monotone voice, “lap 1, 11:30.” I went completely on how I felt. I tried to focus on my form as much as I could, not tensing any part of my body, and not getting out of breath. I achieved all of those things throughout the entire race. Win-win-win!

The course was mostly flat, as in there were no hills; however, there was a slope to the left for any rain or snow runoff (I assume). That makes it a little weird to run on. I run on the course a descent amount, so I was expecting it, but after a time, it did take its toll on my body - though it could have been the mileage too.

I felt really good during most of the race. Around mile 8.5, I was starting to get tired. I had a feeling that I was mentally going to have to push myself through. But then I went through a water station and grabbed some Gatorade. It perked me up. Then I went through the second water station and had some more. (I didn’t drink anything on the first five miles. I chew gum to keep my mouth from being dry, and I take supplements prior to racing.) This was exactly what I needed to finish the race super strong. I felt almost like I had just started the race, with a few sore muscles. So I picked up my pace a little, and kept it going the last mile and a half. When there was about 400 meters to go, I went even faster, almost a sprint for me. I wanted to come in strong and see if I could hit my time on my first mile. (I didn’t, but I didn’t care.) I felt so good.

I finished 10-miles. I felt amazing. I was proud; I was slow; and I didn’t care! I finished strong and I ran the entire thing!!

Results

Spring Thaw - 10 mi

runningGwen Myslinskirace, running, spring thaw, north park, gwen myslinski