Ran the Yankee Homcoming in Newburyport last night – great race in a great town. Race went right through downtown, people lined the streets, crowds cheered and many houses had set up impromptu misting stations and blasted music from their front yards. It was warmer weather than I've run this fast this far in before, but not too hot – about 78 degrees.
According to my Garmin, I ran my goal pace (7:15s), but that's because my Garmin showed my total distance at 10.14 miles at a total time of 1:13:29. My official pace was 7:20s, with a total distance of 10 miles and a total time of 1:13:13. Part of this is because in a big race, you start a ways back from the official starting line. Then there's the weaving through the crowd, and my inexpert working of the corners.
Either way, I'm happy with both times, and figure I'm moving in the direction I need to for my race goal this fall. It feels like a long way from the runner I was last fall before I started training for the half. And I know for sure there's a long way to go; not just to this October race, but in general. I like that feeling. It's a beginner feeling, and there's so much sense of potential in that.
This was my first race with the Garmin, and it really helped me rein in during the first couple of miles. Adrenalin made me think I was going too slowly, but I saw was tending toward 6:50s… I pulled back to 7s and was able to conserve for the hills and those hard miles at 6, 7 and 8.
I ran with the Fuel Belt, and was glad it did — but I didn't need all four (8oz) bottles. I would have been better off leaving two behind. Especially considering I experimented with carrying water in two and Gatorade in two. Now after a long run, I like Gatorade just fine. But during a race on a warm night, it tastes as thick and sweet as syrup — made we want to gag. Blech.
One of the best parts of the race for me was having Kris and the kids there at the start and the finish. It means a lot that Kris wants to make these events family events; it's important enough to her that she's willing to juggle the three kids during all the chaos of a big crowd in order to make that happen – a challenge as daunting as any race, believe me. Coming out of the cool down chute and having them there waiting wide-armed to give hugs (which they always get a bit tentative about when they see how sweaty I am!) is invaluable. I'm looking forward to taking my turn — in September, it will be Kris' race, and I'll wait with the baby stroller at the finish line!
Before and after the race.
Tags: 10 mile, Running, Yankee Homecoming
