Today I ran my first race of 2017–the Reston 10 Miler. Since I’m only two weeks out from the NYC Half Marathon, I didn’t run it to set a PR, but I came close!
Getting Ready To Run A Frigid Reston 10 Miler
Other than forgetting to register, I did take some time to get ready for this race. Since finding out that I won’t be allowed to use my [amazon_textlink asin=’B00GVHUPCE’ text=’Orange Mud Hydraquiver’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’runniwithpers-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c4e2b79a-01da-11e7-806d-81e7d919b259′]at the NYC Half, I have been testing out other fuel belt options. For the Reston 10 Miler, I borrowed a Fuel Belt from a woman in my MRTT group. I liked it better than my Ultimate Direction belt, since it seemed to stay in place better.
When I checked the weather forecast–sunny and in the 20s!–I decided on one of my warmest tops and my warmest tights, but I couldn’t decide what else I would want to wear, so I tossed a hat, fuzzy headband, two pairs of gloves, vest, and two jackets into my car so I could make a go-time decision.
This race is held at a high school, so parking is convenient and all of the pre-race logistics are handled inside. By the time I had registered–and taken several trips to/from my car in the process–I decided I would be warm enough with my Athleta vest, fuzzy headband, and Lululemon gloves with mitten covers.
Multi-Chapter MRTT Group Photo
I’m in the 2nd row, 3rd from the left
I planned to do a warm-up after the multi-chapter MRRT group photo at 7:45, but decided to go back inside for 5 more minutes because it felt so cold! By 7:50, I was jogging up and down the school driveway trying to stay in the sun as much as possible.
Running A Frigid Reston 10 Miler
The race started shortly after 8:00 with no fanfare. Since I’m familiar with the course, I knew to expect rolling hills, with a tough climb between miles 6-8.
The official loop-de-loop course map and elevation profile.
Before the race, I was hoping to run an 8:15ish pace, knowing the hills would slow me down. I was able to keep to that plan for the most part, and was glad that I was able to pick up my pace after the first tough incline at mile 3-4.
I usually take a picture of the “lake” around mile 5, but it was too cold to fumble with my phone. Luckily there was a race photographer there, and I saw him in time to smile and sort of wave.
My calves threatened to seize up somewhere in mile 7, but unlike during the Reston Perfect 10, they didn’t stop me from pushing hard to the finish.
I was happy with my finish time–not quite as fast as last year’s PR, but pretty close!–and am feeling good about the NYC Half in two weeks! With that in mind, I made a bee-line to the Select Physical Therapy table to get my calves worked on. While that short massage made a difference, I am going to try to squeeze in a longer one this week to get more of the kinks out.
While I never felt too cold while running, the frost that had formed on my water bottle told me that this really was a frigid Reston 10 Miler!
Weekly Wrap Training Recap
The rest of my week was on the lighter side:
Monday: Rest day as we headed back from
our ski weekend. We left a snowy Park City
and got home to neighborhood trees in full bloom.
Tuesday: 4.5 mile run, just to get my legs moving again.
Wednesday: Orange Theory Fitness. We did all of our treadmill intervals at incline level 6. I backed off of my pace a bit, but still managed to hold 7.0 or 7.5 mph! I’m sure those intervals paid off during the race!
Thursday: 5 X 400s at the track. It was really windy so I thought the track would be a safer place to run (no trees with branches that could fall on me). My pacing wasn’t very even, but I averaged about 7:25 min/mi, which is right in line with my 8.0 mph OTF push pace.
Friday: Core Power Yoga 2, with my favorite instructor. Anne has a way of leading the class that enables me to get into some of the balance poses–even if for just a few seconds. I’m sure I don’t look graceful at all, but I am encouraged to keep trying.
Saturday: About 30 minutes of lateral balance and core exercises from Quick Strength For Runners (<<Amazon affiliate link — check it out!).
I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap and joining Courtney‘s Training Recap link up.
Have you ever forgotten to register for a race?
Has your water bottle frozen during a run?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Congrats on that speedy 10 miler! I’ve got a 10 miler coming in 2 weeks. While I’m prepared to run fast, you never know what this RA is going to throw at me! Finishing will be my 2d goal!
Thanks for the great recap! I always enjoy reading recaps of races I’m familiar with. I’ve never forgotten to register for a race, but I’ve come close to forgetting to pick up my race packet and once almost left my bib at home!
Awesome Pace!
I can’t believe NYC is only 2 weeks away! Why are you not allowed to use the orange mud hydroquiver? And where did you find that out?
Someone posted in my FB group about Camelbaks not being allowed and suggested I email them about the Hydraquiver. They said nothing that goes over the shoulders – so fuel belts or hand-helds only.
Well done speedy Coco! Good to know about the HydraQuiver not being an option in NYC. I’m not entirely happy with the handheld I’ve been using since the demise of my Fuel Belt and am looking for another option. Yes, my fuel bottles freeze all the time, although not this non-winter! You’re not alone on not registering for a race. That happened at RnRSTL last fall. I realized I wasn’t getting any final race emails and online reg. had already closed. Thankfully I was a rocknblogger and they were SO very kind to me at the expo.
Hmm. Is it worse to not register for a race you’re an ambassador for? (I had to make sure I registered for Cherry Blossom before posting this!) Good luck finding a hand-held you like. I don’t like having to commit to holding something for that long!
Awesome job! And I think it’s hilarious you forgot to register. Gotta love those low key races!
I was thinking of you this morning it was so cold! I ended up sleeping in-aaah. Congrats on a well run race. LOL on forgetting to register I have not done that yet.
You are so speedy my friend! Great run! You cracked me up forgetting to register.
You’re setting yourself up to have a great run in NYC!
Thanks! I hope it’s a bit warmer in two weeks, but if not, I know what to wear. 😉
I HAVE NO IDEA HOW YOU DID THIS!!
The ONLY thing Id have rocked was the getting there early <3
Well done on your 10 miler! Sounds like my kind of race, apart from the freezing temperature! I’ve never had a water bottle freeze on me.
A lot of the races I run are low key local events which have on the day registrations although I usually register in advance as I like to know what I’m training for!
How are you finding the Strength Training book?
Most of the races I do require early registration and/or lottery. I really liked the 8-week strength program. I’m working on a full review with my personal tips. 🙂
I love a low-key race with on site registration & packet pick up! Makes for a smooth race morning! I can’t believe your half is already in two weeks! That came quick! Congrats on this, and happy half marathon taper!
Way to go! Nothing like a great race in such cold weather! We went skiing and it was -25c with windchill and no one was at the hill! We were bundled up and skied the whole day!
Well done! I can confidently say that being based in Botswana, my water bottle has NEVER and will never freeze on a run! Best of luck for the NYC Half!
You are so speedy! And I think you’re also so ready for the half.
Yes, I have had water bottles freeze (and yes, yesterday was awful temp wise — normally I’d take a lot of photos on that path, but it was too damn cold).
Races with indoor facilities are the best!
Awesome job and race recap! I couldn’t help but to do a double take when I saw the picture of your water bottle from the race! It was definitley cold out there!
Wow! Great race! Congrats on a great pace too! I had the same problem on Saturday with my run! My water froze in my bottles before I was done!
Congrats on a great race! I’ve run the 10k portion of this course, but never the 10 miler. I might have to consider running the 10 miler in September.
WOW!!!! That’s a quick & speedy 10! Awesome job! I don’t take water with me in the winter…I’m not usually out there long enough to need water. That would be freaky! I have had the perspiration “frostover” on my headbands, though.
That is cold if the water bottle is freezing. I don’t normally run a race with a water bottle, but am thinking of getting a running belt.
Wow great job at your 10 mile race!! Your paces were awesome!!
What a great recap! Sounds like fun. And a great time, too!
You forgot to register? LOL. I’m glad they had race day registration. You ran a very well paced race that you should be proud of. However, I don’t see how you wear a hydration belt. That would drive me insane. I see you wore my shoes during the race 😉 You are going to have such an incredible half in NYC. I’m excited for you. Thanks for linking, Coco.
Thanks! I’m hoping to run it at a pace where I can take in the sights. The belt was practice for the NYC Half, which doesn’t permit anything that goes over your shoulders — no hydration vests/backpacks, etc. I’d be worse off having to hold a bottle for 13.1!
Look at that pace! Way to go! You’re going to crush the NYC Half 🙂
Thats awesome that you came close to your PR and weren’t even trying! You are definitely ready for your half marathon!
Wonderful job! I can’t believe your water bottle got frosted up like that! I don’t know if I even own enough clothing to stay warm through a race that cold!
Awesome job and congrats on your race! Sounds like your training is going well!
Congrats on your race!! Racing in the cold can be tough, especially making sure you’re properly dressed, and with the weather changing so frequently it can really be challenging! Looks like you’ll be ready to roll for NYC!
Great job on the race! It was a chilly one on Sunday.
Awesome! You were spot on for pacing! Sounds like you’re right where you need to be before your goal race. Knowing me, if I don’t register in advance I won’t go, so I always register in advance for races, ha!
That was one speedy finish! You do look cold! That is kind of funny you have been talking about this race but never registered for it- yay, for race day registration!
Wow I just love it when a race comes together like this! Super effort for you with an even better finish! I like races like this too low-key and all. I’m glad you figured out you wasn’t registered in time to fix it.
You are truly motivational, Coco! Keep rockin’!