Maybe the title of this post means that I’m still pumped with endorphins, but the 2014 Lawyers Have Heart 10K came pretty close to being the perfect race.
First, the weather was perfect–in the mid-60s with low humidity.
View of the Washington Harbour race venue from down the river.
I wouldn’t have minded a few clouds, but it’s hard to complain when there’s a cool breeze coming off the river.
Second, I did all off the things I said I would do differently this year: ice in my water bottle, inhaler about 45 min before the start, pre-race pictures with friends, two peanut butter cracker sandwiches about 15 min before the start, and most importantly, I paced myself.
I let myself start out a bit fast (7:45 to 8:00) for the first mile and then used my Garmin to keep to a 7:55 to 8:05 pace. When my pace got slower (8:10 or 8:15), I didn’t panic or get discouraged, but tried to pick it back up without feeling too exerted. I knew I had to save something for the last mile, and I didn’t want to burn out too quickly like I did last year.
I am really proud of this pace profile!
Those sharp dips at each end are the hairpin turns on and off the freeway.
I knew the last mile would be tough on the concrete freeway in full sun, but I wanted to push myself. I remembered my track workouts and gave it my all.
See how mile 6 was faster than mile 5!
I was hoping for a sub 50:00 finish and I made it!
Not only that, but I placed third in my age group!
So, what lessons did I learn from the 2014 Lawyers Have Heart 10K? Probably the biggest lesson I learned is that if I set a goal, train for it, plan for it, and work for it, I can reach it!
Did you knock out any goals this weekend?
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Great job!! And amazing pace and way to keep it consistent! You have kicked those track workouts up a notch!
Thanks, Sue! I really think they make a difference.
no goals.
but none set either 🙂
does that count??
Great job! You’ve been working so hard you deserve it. Congrats!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! You’ve been working so hard, it’s great to see it pay off.
You did so good! Very proud of you, my little Coco Puff.
WooHoo!! I’m so glad that the things you decided to do differently paid off in such a big way! Congrats on the age group placing!!!
Thanks! It was quite a surprise!
BOOM! Congrats on a well run race!
Way to go! The graph looks beautiful 🙂 So glad you had the perfect weather for the perfect race 🙂
Thanks! I think that flat line is a thing of beauty – especially compared to last year!
Congratulations! It sure does sound like the perfect race.
The profile is a work of art! Congrats on a race well run!
I’m so glad you understand what an accomplishment that was!
Great planning for a great race! Looks like a beautiful venue too 🙂
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