How do you recap a race that you’ve already recapped eight times? I will try to focus on what was different this time, but really it’s what is the same that makes this my favorite hometown race.
Spoiler alert: no PR, but I nailed my goal.
2019 Parkway Classic Race Recap
The first thing that was different this year is the branding. I usually refer to this race as the “GW Parkway Classic,” but the race organizers appear to have dropped the “GW”–poor George!
traditional pre-race photo
Another thing that was different–or at least notable–this year is that the race fell on the last day of National Park Week. Most of the race runs along the George Washington Memorial Parkway which actually is a National Park. Before the race started, the park Superintendent of the park gave a few remarks, highlighting a few points of interest along our route encouraging us to enjoy and support the national parks. After his remarks, we heard an amazing rendition of the National Anthem. Who was slicing onions in the corrals?
Another thing that was different about the 2019 Parkway Classic was the weather. It was perfect running weather–upper 50s and cloudy. Miles 7-9 are usually sunny and sucky, but the clouds helped me maintain my pace.
The elevation profile explains so much! It’s not just “first mile syndrome” that led to my 7:52 split time. I know the rolling hills of miles 2-5 are tough, and tried to push my pace when gravity was on my side. I don’t always have energy for a push at mile 5, but this time I really enjoyed that downhill mile. I can see it’s not just the sun that makes mile 7-8 feel hard, but I pushed through and even felt strong for the last, cruel hill at mile 9.
Another thing that was different this year is that Port City wasn’t serving its IPA in the beer garden. I opted for their Optimal Wit, but sipping it only made me wish it were an IPA, so I poured it out and headed to Starbucks. 😛
My goal was to finish with an 8:30 or better pace, and I nailed that for sure. This was my fourth fastest finish and may be my highest age group placing in this race. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard, I had to coach myself through every mile, and my body hurt by the end. I’m glad my next race is going to be a short run, and motivated to really train for my next long race, which I’m grateful isn’t until November!
I’m joining the Tuesday Topics link up hosted by Kim and Zenaida.
Did you notice that I coordinated my race outfit with my bib color again?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
10 miles is sure your sweet spot! Congrats on another speedy race.
Well, there were moments I wish I were running a 10K. 😛
Awesome job on another great race finish!
Sorry about the IPA switch – that’s the worst, but at least it wasn’t Michelob Ultra LOL
Great job on the race! That elevation profile definitely looks tough.
10 mile races are such fun! Way to go with nailing your paces!
Great race, Coco! Very speedy. How did I never run this race? I have to keep it in mind for next year. DC in the spring is awesome!
Great race and great pace.
I love this distance because I always die after 10. And I agree. I want to train for a long race to see if it is less painful.
Well done!!!! You totally spanked that sub 1:30. Those hills look a bit crazy, but you conquered them with finesse 😉
Congrats on a solid race! The downhill at the front sure would make my quads sore at the end! 10 miles is such a great distance, no wonder you’ve done it so often 🙂
Another great race for you! You know how jealous I am of all the great 10 mile races you have in DC. Those hills do look a bit daunting though!
One of these years I will be able to do the race. Congrats again friend nice job and speedy pace
Awesome job!
I’ve done the same race numerous times and have written a recap each time. You gave me an idea for something different next time. Let’s hope I remember. 🙂
Nice work! That first split, ha! I do that too in a race. Sounds like such a beautiful, fun course. I can’t wait to run through blooms here!
love! sounds like perfect conditions actually – way to go on a speedy race! bummer about the non-IPA. Ron got a weird non-alcoholic lemony beer after his marathon – he said it tasted like air freshener and dumped it out right away!
Dang that’s some wicked elevation changes! Great job!!!
Congratulations on a great finish! I’m not sure I have a favorite hometown race, though I’ve run the Chicago Marathon for the past 6 years, so I might have to say that is it! I’ll be running the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon for the 4th time in July. That is definitely my favorite race of all!
Nothing wrong with a little race bib coordination!
I have a few races that I feel like I run over and over an dover again, but yet still recap them. There are still enough differences to make it interesting.
I always find it interesting when events rebrand.
Way to go lady! That elevation def looks like it added a challenge to the distance!
Best wishes for your training for your next long race!
You rock it lady!
Congrats on the race performance! I love having a good beverage after a hard race. Do you have a favorite post-race adult beverage? Or whatever the course provides?
Congrats on meeting your goal so solidly! Bill and I always loved this race back when we ran it each year.