Tomorrow I’m running the Lawyers Have Heart 10K. It is the least favorite race that I run almost every year, but I do it because I am a lawyer, I support the American Heart Association, and the race starts and ends at my office, so I really have no excuse.
The heat, the course, and the complete lack of crowd support. Even though the race starts at 7:30 am, it can be really hot in mid-June. What makes the heat worse is the course, which has very little shade, including a mile (out-and-back) on a concrete freeway overpass. Because the route is mostly on closed highways, there is no place for people to stand and cheer (except at the start/finish area), so there is absolutely no crowd support.
[Tweet “5 Things I’m Doing Differently At The LHH 10K”]
Last year I made a tough course worse by making a few mistakes that I am going to do differently at the Lawyers Have Heart 10K tomorrow.
1. Use my inhaler. I have been diagnosed with asthma that flares up from time-to-time. While I don’t usually need to take my inhaler before a run, my lungs will be happier if I use it before I exert myself on the warm, sunny course.
2. Put icy Gatorade in my water bottle. I usually carry water, but I need to remember to put icy Gatorade in my water bottle. Just looking at this picture is refrehing!
3. Pace myself. The worst mistake I made last year was starting out too fast. Tomorrow, no matter how good I feel, I will keep myself to a reasonable pace, probably aiming for a 8:00 min/mile maxium.
4. Take pictures. I have a lot of friends running this race (including several MRTT women) and I want to have pictures to remember it by–no matter how hot and sweaty we are. 😉
Lawyers Have Heart 2013
5. Bring a change of clothes. Post-race pictures are one thing, but my friends will be very grateful if I remember to bring a change of clothes for the post-race breakfast and trek home. I am such a hot and sweaty mess after I run!
Check out the Friday Five link up sponsored by Eat Pray Run DC, Mar on the Run and You Signed Up for What.
Do you have any tips for summer racing?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Good luck Coco! I’ve never run the Lawyers Have Heart 10K – on my DC running bucket list (I will have to go back and read all your recaps). Your gatorade does look refreshing – I like the idea of cubes (I freeze 1/4 of my water, but it becomes heavy when I have the larger fuel belt). As for summer tips.. you could pack some towelettes in your gear check so you can wipe off a bit (since most races wont have nice cold towels.. if only 🙂 )
Sometimes there is an aid station with cold, wet sponges — I usually squeeze one down the back of my neck!
This time of year is really hard to race with the heat and humidity. I always freeze Gatorade before golf, since I walk and carry my bag. However, it is a great idea to freeze it for running as well. Have fun and enjoy the race.
Good golly girl, yes please use your inhaler! I can only imagine how awful it must have been for you last time with out it! Good luck this time!
Good luck tomorrow! That course doesn’t sound awful, but your plan sounds good. Stay cool! Be smart.
That sounds like a good plan for a rough 5K. Hope it goes well when it’s time to run.
The triathlon I did last weekend is my love to hate course too, I know where you’re coming from. You should pick up one of the insulated handheld water bottles. Mine was $30, but so worth it, it’s still ice cold after a 5-6 mile run!
Ooh – what brand is your insulated water bottle?
I hope you h ave a great race! Using my inhaler before I run makes a world of difference!
Good luck! Sounds like you have a good plan in place.
A couple of my MRTT moms are doing this and I almost signed up too. But too many family events going on tomorrow to do it. You kind of just made me glad that I am not doing it-LOL. Icy gatorade helps. I sometimes leave a wet washcloth in some ice in my car for afterwards. Good luck and have fun!
Oh, we did that for my son’s lacrosse games – should remember to do that for myself!
good luck!! i’ve been meaning to run this race for years. Too bad I’m out of town this weekend. Would be nice to finally run!
Summer runs are just so much harder with this heat. Sounds like you have a good plan.
Good luck tomorrow – I hope you leave with much better memories this year!!
Or at least different lessons to learn! 😉
You have a plan and you’re going to do great! Enjoy the run 🙂
Have a great run! I have never run this race, not sure if I want to…can’t wait to hear your recap, maybe you can sway me 😉
Sounds like you learned some valuable lessons from previous experiences! Good for you. I especially like the one about the ice in your Gatorade.
I’ve heard that about lack of crowd support makes the race seem longer. And no shade? YIKES!
Sunscreen!!! I also carry facial wipes with cucumber & witch hazel that are super refreshing after a sweaty run!
Yes! I do wear sunscreen but that’s a good one to remember. Those wipes do sound good.
Pingback: The Perfect Race (Lawyers Have Heart 10K) - Got2Run4Me