My First 10K - Capital City Classics

Saturday morning I ran my first 10K. I've done my share of 5K races, which I can't stand. Then I moved right into half marathons because I fell for the longer distances. Around here, we don't have many half marathons or 10K races actually. Oh and I really don't like racing, so I've never had the urge to sign up for a 10K. But this year, well, it was different. I've never done one, my pace has gotten better, and I felt the need to prove something.

Finding out that I had a blood clot in December has definitely changed my perspective on so many things. First off, I wasn't sure I'd run again. Not just the coming back from being idle, but the blood clot ordeal itself, my overall health. It was hard. Beyond hard. Not only physically, but mentally. I question every single twinge, possible pain, even shortness of breath. I worry that I have clots forming constantly - like they are invading my body. So to have already run a half marathon means so much more than anyone can imagine.

I wasn't training for a 10K. I just wanted to do one. I just wanted to see what it was like, prove to myself I could do it basically. And that might sound silly. I've run half marathons so why is a 10K iffy?

Well, I always hear that they're basically like a 5K. I hate 5K races. They are nothing but balls to the walls barfy. But this 10K, well, it meant something for me. It was just another way to flip off the blood clot I suppose. To prove that I'm stronger than I imagine.

I went into it with no expectations. Ok. That's a lie. I wanted at least 50 minutes. Other than that, I was just wanting to enjoy it as another run. And I did. But I also didn't hold back. I didn't second guess myself for a change. I didn't worry that I was starting too fast and then slow down. I didn't try to be conservative. If I petered out at the end, so be it. I tried. Basically, I went with it.

What does that mean? It means that I didn't doubt myself or my ability. I just went with it. Period. I pushed hard, really hard. I smiled at myself actually. Does that make sense even? To smile and be so happy that you're pushing your body to its limits? It does to me. And I did.

I was proud for not doubting. I just went. I went without second guessing, without making any excuses, without any worries. I made it a point to enjoy a new route. I even made it a point to cheer on the walkers that I passed and to thank everyone that was our there to cheer us on. Which, by the way, was far and few in between. A completely different type of race from what I'm used to.

But, basically, I changed my mindset. It wasn't a race. It was an accomplishment, a new experience. 

At the start trying to get around people

Still fresh, before mile 1 - but what is up with my hands?

Coming into the home stretch, ready to pass the boys

It was a small race. It wasn't chip timed. There were very few spectators. In fact, we had to contend with cars during a few stretches. I am not fast enough to be with that pack and I'm faster than many so I ended up being semi-alone for most of the run.

There were a few other stragglers like myself, mostly all men, which was odd. So it was me against myself for the most part. Oh, and trying to run faster as to not hear a few men grunting loudly like they were giving birth.

I did have one of those situations where I passed two guys but then they got huffy that a girl passed them so they tried to pass me again. So it was a back and forth type of thing. That made me giggle. And I did manage to gut it out right at the end to beat a really young guy (maybe early 20's) who was trying to pass me. Um, hell no. This 38-year-old chick just beat yo ass! Sometimes it's the little things right ;-)

So, the results:
6.25 miles in 48:31 with 7:45 overall average according to my Garmin started when I crossed the line. The race was not chip timed so according to the gun time, it was 48:34 with a 7:49 average.
21 out of 327 women
7 out of 62 for age group