Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Race Recap - OctoRun

Yes, I'm still alive. Yes, I'm still running. I have no excuses for not posting...other than the traditional...been busy.

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!!