March Mad Dash 10 Mile Recap

This weekend I ventured off to North Park (a favorite spot of mine but one that is just over an hour away from me, so not worth going to except for a race) for a new distance for myself--a 10 mile race. The park is huge (3,075 acres to be exact) and has tons of trails, but the loop that is usually used for races is a 5-mile one. I ran on it almost a year ago when I ran the JC Stone 50k Ultra and that time I did 4 laps (plus an extra one they tack on in the beginning) for a 21 mile training run. This year, I figured, how hard could 2 laps be?!

I left my phone in the car so I didn't get any pictures before or during (obviously) but you'll see that I snapped a few afterwards. I got there with 35 minutes to spare, got an awesome parking spot, and picked up my bib. The thing that is awesome about North Park is that there are always a ton of people running there if there is a race going on or not! It makes for an awesome mood and atmosphere. It was 50 and overcast, but as soon as I stepped over to the starting line area (with 10 min to go), the sun came out and I swear it was 60 degrees all of the sudden. I had pinned my bib to my jacket (I NEVER overdress!! So unlike me) so I had to unpin it and take it off during the race. More on that later. Pre race there was a woman from the church that the race was raising money for that is a nurse and massage therapist. She saw me stretching and warming up (something I'm really trying to be more diligent about so I'm not so sore post-run or post-race!) and offered to massage me. Let me tell you.... I have NEVER felt so good before a race--completely loose and relaxed--or after!! I really need to look into treating myself to a massage after a long race.

Anyway the race began on time and I was feeling good! I decided to aim for 9:15 miles and thought I'd be able to do that based on my current fitness level.

Mi 1-4 were 8:58, 9:29, 9:01, 9:22, (I started off strong! This is a pretty hilly course! There is a huge one coming during mile 4-5/9-10). At this point I had taken off my jacket and tied it around my waist but could see my car coming up so I chucked my jacket on top of it! haha It was much better running the rest of the time without it.

Mi 5- 10: 9:51, 9:50, 9:56, 9:49, 10:02, 10:52, and 1:03 for the last .13 for a total of 1:28:50 and an average pace of 9:42. This race was REALLY humbling and helped me realize I have a long way to go still. It reminded me how poorly I pace myself (I need to warm up for the first mile or two and then settle into a pace!) BUT I am grateful for a beautiful day, supporting a good cause, and a long run. There's nowhere to go but UP!

Free race photos baby!

Afterwards the sun was really shining and it was about 64 so I changed into my race shirt and read on one of the park benches. Really couldn't have asked for a more relaxing day afterwards!

My view from my bench! 

My lunch stop on the drive home! 

Afterwards I met a friend for a pedi and got in a nice upper body workout before relaxing with Brad for the night. All in all, I'm glad I got the miles in and would love to do the race again--when I'm in better shape! ;)