Keeping Pace

Remember that one post, where I talked about having trouble slowing down?

Well today during the 10 mile race that I ran with Andrew, I realized that concept applies to running {at times} as well.

But before diving into that issue, let me give you all a quick race recap. Because I know you're just dying for one.

on the way to the race, 6 AM

Side note, check out how nicely my collection is coming along. It's the only reason I actually run races. (kidding)

The Annapolis 10 Miler was an out and back course, starting and ending in the Naval Academy Football Stadium, which was pretty neat. The course took you over a couple of the bridges throughout the city, one which had a pretty brutal incline.

My goal for the race was to stay with Andrew, and keep a good pace. Although he refused to set any other goal aside from finishing and getting the zip-up shirt (this was his longest race to date), I had in the back of my head to stay under a 9 minute pace which would bring us across the finish line under 90 minutes.

the zip-up race shirts we got, which also match my shoes. had to show you guys. you're welcome.

Our final time? 1:29:56. With some encouragement from me, we both hauled ass the last 200 meters or so, resulting in a fantastic finish and even some dry heaving from Andrew afterwards. I'm super, super proud of him, he absolutely rocked it.

The course was hilly, and it down-poured on us the first 2-3 miles. And when I say downpour, I mean put your head down and blindly run, shirt sopping wet kind of run. Similar to the weather that we drove to the race in.

All in all, we both agreed that we really enjoyed the race, that it was a good experience.... and that we probably wouldn't run a race together again, for awhile at least. And when I say together, I mean like side by side.

Andrew enjoys running races simply to run, and to challenge himself. I enjoy races to compete. Every woman that I see ahead of me, I want to pass. And with every single woman that passed me along the route this morning, a small piece of my soul died.

However, on paper today was just another training run en route to 26.2 in New York (I had 6 more miles to complete after the race) and the pace that Andrew ran was actually pretty close to being on par with what I should be doing my long runs in. Moral of the story? It's ok to slow down, sometimes. Even when it comes to running.

And now? Now I'm sitting here trying to warm my cold, wet feet up, writing to you people and baking pumpkin bread. Very, very solid Sunday evening.

Anyone else run any races today, or go for a rainy run in general? How was everyone's weekend?

Cheers!