Acura 10 Miler-Race Recap

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, pre-race jitters are something that I have dealt with in the past. Today's race was no different. I had a hard time falling asleep last night ( a mixture of apprehension and excitement) and then proceeded to wake up a number of times throughout the night, thinking about the race. When the alarm did go off at 6:10 I had a quick second of panic, thinking that I had overslept and missed the entire thing!

What a way to start the day. Once up my nerves were replaced almost entirely by excitement. I was actually eager to get out and run this event! Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, almost entirely eliminating my appetite but I decided I couldn't run 16k on an empty stomach. Instead a made a small morning snack of 1 slice of whole grain toast with peanut butter and gulped water mixed with some electrolyte replacement.

We arrived at the race site with plenty of time to spare (I can't stand the thought of running late when my stomach is already going bananas!) The Boyfriend accompanied me to the run as moral support (so sweet right?) and I was meeting a friend and running partner from work who'd be joining me on the course.

We chatted strategy (don't go out too quickly), used the port-a-potty (a race day must no matter how you feel about public washrooms any other day!) and stretched as we approached the 8:30 gun time.

The start time came and to my surprise we moved through the corrals quite quickly (I was near the back as I am from the school of "slow and steady wins the race"..at least for now). Before I knew it we were off and running.Yipee!

Samantha's thoughts as she progressed through the 10 miles:

1k: "Ok, so here I go. Its warm out here so I am just going to have to take it easy. Wow, there are more people here then I thought. I hope we spread out a little more then this later on"

2k: "Hmm, 2k? Is that it. It seems like I have been running a little longer then that. Oh well, 2k down only 14 to go"

2.5k (the turnaround for the 5k taking place at the same time): "Oh look at them they are on their way back already. Maybe I should have signed up for the 5k.... No! You're doing fine. Keep running."

4k: "Here's the first water station. I better run to the bathroom now while I have a chance" (too much pre-run water guzzling I think)

5-6k: "It is HOT out here!! This is a little more tiring then I expected"

7-9k: "Its really, really HOT out here!! Why did I sign up for this? Why do I do this to myself? I'm never running longer then 6k again! Screw the 1/2 marathon!"

10-12k: "Ok just take it easy. Its hot so don't push it. Just run as fast as you can and try to stay strong. Drink more water"

12-14k: "So this isn't that terrible. Yes its hot and you're tired but you can do it! You are almost done, just keep going"

15k: "One to go, one to go, one to go. Run Samantha run!!"

15.75k:" Oh, oh, oh!! There's the finish line. I can just taste it. Victory is mine! Run with everything you got girl!"

16k: "Water...water...water"

As you can tell I struggled through parts of the course. I hated moments, loved moments and more or less just got through the rest. And the funniest part is that I went from liking running, to hating it, to vowing to never EVER run again, to finishing and starting to talk training plans for the 1/2 marathon in September. Crazy thing, this running business is.

All and all I would say it was a good run. Slower then I wanted it to be, hotter then I wanted it to be, more gruelling (at times) then I wanted it to be but a good experience and definitely something to use to my advantage as a continue to train for my next goal: the 1/2 Marathon (21k..oh boy!!)

The Boyfriend took me out for a late breakfast after the run. I craved pancakes earlier in the morning but ended up with a spinach, mushroom and tomato omelette and some fresh fruit and plain whole wheat toast. Very yummy refuelling grub!

 

Since then we have spent the day relaxing and watching soccer (congratulations Spain!) Its great to run the races but I must be honest and admit that my favorite part is relishing in the fact that they are over!

So tell me, what did you do today that you're proud of?