I arrived at the race site an hour before things were to begin. I could tell at this point there would not be many runners. The location was beautiful (Lake Macintosh in Burlington, NC) but alas, after getting race number and a map of the course, the route took us no where near the lake.
So I would say there would about 25 runners and 10 of those runners were doing the 10K (the rest the 5K) I honestly should have been smart and just picked the 5K but I really want to start working on distances.
Race start at 8am, overcast skies (yay) and all running on the roads. I did excellent with my first 3 miles (again telling myself I should have just picked the 5K) Mile 1 : 11:45. Mile 2 : 23:42 Mile 3 35:46 By mile 4 the sun was out fully and it was a good 85* out. I knew from the moment the race started I was going to be the very last person. Downside to smaller races, I find myself being at the end of the pack. Around mile 4.5 I had to start walking. My core temp was getting just a bit too high and I didn't want to A) Make myself sick or B) have the volunteers bring me back to the start line. There was a water station and I did ask if they had a time limit for the 10K and the lady was very sweet and said "No honey, you are running this and we are all proud of you". So I continued on the path, passing the folks way in front of me as they were making the return trip to the beginning/finish line. All the volunteers were VERY nice and helpful. One guy was picking up the cones that marked the race route and would stop at intervals ahead of me to make sure I was okay. With about a mile left of the race I asked for him to pour the cold water on my head! So the whole time during the race I'm really mad at myself. I'm thinking there is no way I can beat my previous 10K time from September of 1hr26mins. Coming in the last .5 mile I give it my all because I know EVERYONE is waiting for me to finish. Had everyone cheering me on and even my name announced as I passed the finish line with a finish time of......1hr25mins. Yes, with the walking I beat my previous time by 1 minute! I had a lot of congrats from folks (to me they were probably thinking to themselves why IS this girl running). Since not many racers, I decided to stick around for medal ceremony because even though I came in last place, I felt there were only a couple of gals in my age bracket. Lo and behold, I received a 2nd place medal for my finishing time. As I approached the race coordinator I announced loudly "See? You can come in last place and STILL get a medal"
Had a couple folks come up and talk to me afterwards, one lady asking how I knew I would be ready for a 10k. Gave her some advice about searching for a race plan online.
Now that this race is over and I am still a bit leery about my next race in 2 weeks. Another 10K and I don't see it being any cooler. Wish me luck :)
That's awesome! Congratulations on your medal! :)
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