It’s been 2 years since I’ve raced a 10k. Lawyers Have Heart reminded me why: 10k’s aren’t easy. I also wanted a new PR, but with the lack of track workouts since Boston (and by lack, I mean one workout), this race hurt. Minutes after crossing the finish line Coach George reminded me that PR’s hurt, so I guess I got what I raced for.
I’m vaguely familiar with the LHH course – it’s an out-and-back, fairly flat course on concrete and asphalt. I ran this race last year, but due to the heat index/advisory on race morning, the course was switched to a 5k. Last year, I couldn’t have been more thankful for the switch – but this year I was ready for that 10k PR.
This year, we lucked out with the weather. It was a really nice morning with low humidity and temperatures in the 70’s (dare I say it was slightly chilly in the shade, with the breeze?!). For a race in June, I couldn’t have asked for better weather (although 9 minutes in, I wished for some, any, shade). BJ, Julianne, and I took a cab to the start and met up with some friends. It was easy (I like easy), there were plenty of porta-potties, and we had enough time to check our bags and hangout without feeling like we had too much time. Perfectly executed race day logistics – check.
Pre-race thoughts: My goal was to run a new PR, and preferably one in the 40 minute range (I was shooting for 40:30). I checked my current 10k PR (41:37 at 6:42 pace) and thought about my recent 10 Mile PR pace (1:06:20 at 6:38); I knew that if I could run 10 miles at 6:38 pace, I could run a 10k at the same pace or faster. Again, it wasn’t going to be easy – this course is much different than the Broad Street 10 Miler and the weather was easily 25 degrees warmer – but I was ready to dig deep.
Mile 1 – I felt good, and strong. It wasn’t too hot (yet) and I was on the back end of the Top 10 Female runners (umm, that never happens).
Mile 2 – I started to feel the speed, and felt unprepared for the pace. I looked down at my wrist, “Believe” looked back at me. I needed to dig deep. I needed this PR.
Mile 3 – Turn around (woo hoo). Other runners tell me that I’m #9 Female and this totally pumps me up! I also see all of my friends – BJ, Julianne, Elyse, Laura, Sarah, James.
Mile 4 – 2 more miles to go. I see my CAR teammates and they cheer me on – thank you ladies (I needed those cheers!).
Mile 5 – Easily my slowest and most metal mile. My legs hurt, the pace hurt, I was hot, I was thirsty.
Mile 6 – This is when I knew I could finish with a PR. 4 laps around a track – 7 more minutes of pain. There were 2 ladies in front of me, they were suffering and I knew I could pass them. I had to grind it out.
Finish: #7 Female to cross the finish line (but after results are compiled I’m #9 overall) and land a new PR of 40:20.
Stats:
Time: 40:20 (6:30 pace)
Place: 106/3058
Sex Place: 9/1483
Age Place: 1/457
I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. More than anything, I got what I set out to do: a 10K PR. The Age Group win and Top 10 Female finish are the (buttercream) icing on the cake (placing very rarely happens for me when I race in the DC area). I ran a smart race, and even though Miles 4 & 5 were my slowest, Mile 6 was fast (and I felt strong).
I’m thankful for all of the volunteers – they were wonderful and plenty of them. This race is also known for the ice, cold sponges – they did not disappoint. The ice cold sponge totally saved me. Overall, Lawyers Have Heart (put on by Pacers) is a well run race, and race support/logistics are exactly what I look for. If you’re in the market for an easy and fast 10k, don’t overlook LHH.
Melody! You are SO FAST. That is a positively bangin’ time and an impressive age group win with all of the local talent out doing LHH! Seriously lady, you are a beast (a super hot beast with killer abs). CONGRATS!
Thanks lady! Can we please run or drink (or both) together soon??!!
Congrats on the amazing PR! I’m glad you were able to dig deep and achieve your goal.
I wish I’d had a similar experience at LHH this weekend, but I didn’t – it was the first time I mentally gave up in a race. The fact that I defeated myself mentally hurts worse than my (bad-for-me) finish time. I will definitely be drawing on your story for inspiration – to believe in myself, to push through the pain, and to realize that PRs hurt.
Thanks Meg! I’m sorry you didn’t have a great race. Mental races are tough – and like you said, are often worse than running a bad (for you) time. It can’t happen every time, but I kept thinking about how bad I wanted that PR – and even though it hurt like hell, for some reason I was able to push on. You’ll kick LHH’s butt next year!! 🙂
So so awesome!! What a great year for you Melody. Congrats. And you look good doing it!…as always. So, will be you be stocking up on the launch now that it is no longer going to be?? I’m thinking i Need to drop some cash and stock up.
Thanks! And yes, I’ve already bought 4 pairs of the Launch. Will likely get another 3-4 pairs. So bummed they aren’t making it anymore 🙁 You probably need to stock up before I buy them all! ha
Congrats!
Whoohooo! Congrats, Melody!! Seriously amazing time!!! 6:30 pace is incredible =) Hope you had a great weekend!!
Awesome!!! Congrats to you!
You are one super fast, fantastically speedy, wonderfully wild, completely crushing, magnificently winged, champion runner girl.
Congrats on the shiny new PR Melody! I agree, 10Ks hurt, but I think every PR hurts, that is what makes them so special. Keep it up girl- you are amazing!
So awesome! Congrats on a killer run…Enjoy the new week and hope you celebrated with some margaritas! 🙂
Great job saturday!!! You did wonderful!!!
thanks! so did you – 2nd place finish, congrats. You’re my hero 🙂
Yay! Congrats to you! I think 10k’s are my least favorite. 🙂 Way to push through and run smart, and such a speedy race! Looks like you had serious competitors, too… congrats on taking first in your ag!
Holy goodness you’re fast! Not like that wasn’t previously established or anything. Congratulations on a smart and fast race.
Congrats on the PR! I saw you heading back as I was on my way out to the turnaround and you looked great. I was also reminded why I never run 10ks (it was my first in over a year) – they hurt! 🙂
Congrats speedy!! You earned that placing.. And wow do you look GREAT!
Congrats – awesome job!
Great race report! You inspire me! I wish I could have been there to cheer you on in person, but as you know, I was sending good vibes from afar. Congratulations!
Congrats on your AG win! And on your fast time and hitting that 40 goal 🙂 Super job! I just went over and read your Broad Street Run recap too…nice job! I ran that once…my 10-mile PR about a million years ago…well, 20 anyway 😛 I really enjoyed it back then 🙂
Congrats on the PR and on the win!!
Congrats on your amazing race!!! Great report!!
Congrats on your shiny, new, well-earned PR! I bet you can go sub-40 next! Great to finally meet you Friday night – you are just as cute in person as in your pictures!
Congrats!!! That is amazing!!
It was so nice seeing you last Friday! 🙂
Nice job! One of these years I’ll get around to running that race…
Awesome! Great job!!!!!
Great job Melody! Double thumbs up!
Congrats chica! I hope I look as good as you one day 😀 killer speed and way to hang in there when it got tough!!
holy cats my fast friend! CONGRATS!
CONGRATS and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you said the “buttercream” icing on the cake! 😉
Congrats! I wish I had known you were there. Your time would have been great for our CAR team. Your pushing through the tough spots is an inspiration!
Amazing. Great job!
Wow you are one speedy girl. Congrats on you PR.
You are SO fast! That is awesome!