I ran my first 10k on Saturday at the Fill Their Plates Run at Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. It was a smaller race that included a 5k and kids races. The event is held to raise money for the Kids Against Hunger foundation which raises money to create, pack, and send meals to kids in need around the world.
Since the distance around Lake Calhoun is almost a perfect 5k, I had a feeling the course would be 2 laps around and it was. This was fun for me because I have logged quite a few miles around this lake in my day. I used to live about 1/2 mile from the lake in my bachelorette days. Mr. BKL also made another appearance as race team support crew. I told him he didn't have to come, but he got out of bed way earlier than he would ever like to admit on a Saturday morning.
To keep it short and sweet, I had fun and got a time I am happy with. What more can you ask? My goal was 50 minutes even. I figured setting a more attainable goal would be more reasonable, even though I had a feeling running sub 8 minute miles would be a pretty safe bet. You never know what can happen with the weather or race day conditions though. Here are my Garmin splits:
As you can see, I have some serious issues with running further than I need to. A whole tenth for a 10k seems high. Oh well....
I think I could have fun a little faster. I didn't want to kick it in too early, so I played it safe on mile 4 and 5, but I think this was a little too safe. I felt great the whole race and finished refreshed which was a good thing. I suppose not being entirely exhausted and/or injured is a good way to walk away from a race.
Overall, I am pretty happy with this effort. I didn't get in nearly as much speed work as I had hoped after Fargo, so I am satisfied. I also ran without my iPod! ZOMG! It was actually pleasant. The course was pretty empty in terms of people cheering but 6.2 miles goes by pretty fast.
And another thing to be happy about? Finally meeting some blog friends!
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| Thanks Courtenay for the photo! |
Here are Lisa, me, and Courtenay before the 10k race. They are even more adorable in real life. Lisa ran the 10k and Courtenay ran the 5k and we all PR'd! Well, mine was automatic, but it still counts. It was great to meet you both!
Official results:
48:42, 7:52 pace
42/290 overall
10/? females
1st or 3rd in 25-29 age group. The reason I am not sure is not all the ages are listed on the results.
What's my deal with running a tenth more than I have to especially at a not very crowded race?
