Downtown 10k

I had been excited for the Downtown 10k all year - I had considered it for my first 10k last year, but ended up having a Saturday event for work and it didn't work out. So I was pumped for the race this year!

The forecast didn't look great, but it ended up starting off with some sun. I arrived about 45 minutes early so that I could find parking and pick up my packet, and the first person I saw was an ex-boyfriend who I hadn't seen since he had broken my heart and called me a "horrible human being." So that didn't start things off super well... I shook it off and found my friend Becky and my parents after getting my packet. We lined up at the back of the pack and were off before we knew it!

I didn't wear my hydration belt because it wasn't super hot and I didn't want to look like I was taking myself too seriously - however I realized that this was a mistake about a mile in when I was unbelievably thirsty and knew I had to wait another 2 miles for a drink. Next time I won't care how I look because I am a much better runner when I carry my own hydration.

The first 3 miles were OK, but I just really wasn't feeling it - my legs were tired (probably from BodyStep/BodyPump the day before...) and I got passed by about 10 people during the last 2 miles, probably because I started too fast - we were going downhill and I didn't want to look like bad in case that ex saw me.

I saw my parents at the top of Church Street when I was feeling awful - I had a side cramp and just wanted to be done. I told them that I wasn't doing well, but just put my head down and made the decision to grind it out to the end. As I approached the finish line I immediately started squinting so I could see my time where I was at - I was shocked to see a 1:03! As soon as I saw my time I also saw my sister - I didn't know she was coming and I was thrilled to see her! It gave me the last push that I needed and I crossed the finish line in 1:04:16.

I didn't enjoy the race at all, but I absolutely loved the long sleeve t-shirt that they gave us, which made it worth it. I'd like to try it again next year and hope for a better race!