This may be the last year that I run the Army Ten Miler, although I’m pretty sure I said that last year, and here I am gearing up for it again.
First, the logistics are a hassle. Packet pick-up used to be in Arlington, Virginia–any easy stop on my way home from work. For the past few years it’s been at the D.C. Armory–a painful drive or Metro ride away. With 30,000 registered runners, the race-day energy is great, but the post-race crowds are overwhelming. I just can’t enjoy the food, music, or celebration with so many people around.
Second, the official rules prohibit runners from carrying cell phones or cameras–even though the race is run on public streets! I’m not one to stop mid-race to take a picture, but I do like to take pictures at the start and finish. The first (and only) year I ran without my phone, it took me an hour to find my husband after the race. (Yes, we had a designated meeting place, but for some reason that didn’t work.)
Third, this year’s course change seems to eliminate the best of the route and keep the worst.
I can’t believe that we don’t run up to the Capitol this year!
That loop at mile 1 is up an exit ramp. The climb isn’t too bad, but the road is so narrow, last year I was forced to walk when those in front of me stopped running. Grrr. And, you can’t tell from this map, but that blue line after the last water stop takes you up and over an overpass right before the finish line–that’s just cruel!
But, I’ve signed up to run this year and am going to give it my best!
I’ve got seven weeks and six weekends between now and the race. I’ve already started my vague “training plan.” I am going to continue to run three days a week, with one long run, one easier run, and one run that focuses on hills or speed. I am going to continue to strength train three days a week, and hope my new routine will keep me strong and injury-free. I also plan to fit in one yoga session a week, and probably will go on Sunday bike rides with my husband–weather and schedule permitting.
As for my long runs, I want to fit in a few 10 mile runs, but I don’t want to over-do it. I probably will do something like this:
Sep 1~ 9 miles (done!)
Sep 8 ~ 8 miles
Sep 15 ~ 10 miles
Sep 22 ~ 6-8 miles (?) (Fitbloggin!)
Sep 29 ~ 6-8 miles (?) (Parents Weekend)
Oct 6 ~ 10 miles
Oct 13 ~ 6-8 miles
Are you training for a fall race?
Would you put a smartphone in a garment check bag?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
all I see here is ONE YOGA SESSION A WEEK.
Im in to do that challenge with you 🙂
Oooh. See, now you put it in ALL CAPS. I guess I will have to follow through.
I have the same love/hate relationship with this race. I hate the logistics and the start/finish, love the race itself. And I might, umm, have my cell phone on my body. We'll just leave it at that. I wouldn't check one, not so much because of purposeful stealing, but I've worked bag drop at other races and things get dropped, misplaced, stepped on…
Also, I found that starting at the front of the wave behind the one you are supposed to be in worked well for me last year, but I see they've changed it to 6 waves this year.
Ooh good point on the crushing danger. I was thinking of it just getting lost, especially with the possibiity of 30000 bags being checked!
Can't you just keep your phone in a pocket/belt? A lot of races have that policy, I always see people with phones/cameras.
That annoys me too when part of the course gets narrow and clustered with people you can't get around.
Most races have iPod bans, but I've never seen a phone ban. Belts, etc. are subject to search. *If* I were to bring my phone (for safety reasons of course) I'd wear a top with an internal pocket. I have a sports bra with a pocket that can hold an iPhone. Not my favorite one, but it works!
Wow, sounds like it’s a challenging race for a 10-miler with all the logistics and hill fun. I’d likely either try to conceal the phone on me somewhere, or ensure the meeting place is very very clear to the hubs. 🙂
I know you're a big 10-miler fan – you should consider doing the Virginia 10 Miler in Lynchburg sometime. It's crazy hilly, but it's a fun "smaller" event. Plus it's a good, cheaper mini-vacation for you.
Pingback: The Heck With Humidity (ATM Training) | Running With Perseverance