On Sunday, I ran the OctoRun 13K (8.04 miles). It was the final race in the Hatfield Hat Trick Race series. Sunday's weather was perfect...50 degrees and sunny. I knew I was second in the points series for my age group going into the run. My two goals: I really wanted to medal and finish sub 10 minute miles for all 8 miles. I stayed warm in the car until 3 minutes before race time. I got out, synced my watch, started my ipod, and waited the last minute till the gun fired.
I took off at a comfortable pace. We hit mile 1 before I knew it and I checked my pace. 9:20. Sweet...but probably a little too fast for me. I kept running (with no one in particular) and was enjoying the crisp, cool chill, changing leaves, and just the feel of racing again! It had been awhile since the Rock N Roll Half. Mile 2 came up quick and I was at a 9:30 pace. At Mile 3, I started chomping on my honey stinger waffle. Those things ROCK! I finished the rest of it at mile 4. The miles were ticking by so easy...I wasn't hot, nothing hurt, and I was really enjoying the run.
Miles 5 and 6 were uneventful. Coming out of mile 6 you come off the trail and end up in an industrial park. I missed exiting the trail (I must have been looking at those leaves again) and went about a minute out of my way before I realized I was alone. I backtracked that minute to get back on course. GRRRRRR....if this costs me my personal goal of under 1:20....I was going to be pissed.
I got back on course and was just mad at myself. I put my head down and told myself I had to catch up with the group I was running with. I buckled down and kept running. There is a spot where you have to turn around and back track. I started counting people behind me to distract myself. That really helped take my mind off trying to catch people.
When I came into the home stretch and saw the clock ticking 1:18 51, 52, 53, etc. I knew I had done it! I finished at 1:18:59...a full 1:01 below my goal! WOO HOO!!
Oh yeah, I got first in my age group for the series!!
A truly great day!!
