The bib says 5k, but all the bibs did. I actually ran the 10k. |
The run was supposed to start at 8am and it didn't. It was probably about 10 to 15 minutes later that we started the 10k. Everything went well for the first 3 miles, and then I started to get hot. There is a reason why a lot of races do not take place during the summer months of June and July. Spring and Fall tend to be the best racing seasons because of their more amicable temperatures.
Long story short. I got hot and I wore the wrong running gear. In the summer months, take a water bottle with you. I will not make this mistake again. If I am planning on running over 3 miles, a water bottle will come with me from now on. I also am going to invest in a pair of compression shorts. I knew it was going to be warm so I wore a pair of regular athletic shorts. Not a good idea because chaffage occurred. I also haven't been able to get my new race shoes so I wore my old Asics. Until earlier this week, my Mizunos were the shoe of choice, but they are completely devoid of padding and have been run bare on the bottom. Apparently, 3 half marathons, multiple 5ks, and 100s of miles in training will do that. I like my Asics, they are comfortable, but they have one major flaw. After about 3 miles, they start to rub my heel bone and leave blisters. I wish I could run longer distances in them, but its just not possible.
What I Learned:
1. Don't ignore heat advisories. The heat advisory was slated from 9 to 12pm. It was like someone opened up an oven door and it got hot quick. Adequately prepare for your run by knowing the problems that could take place with the weather.2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! I didn't do this as well as I should have and I paid for it later. It ended with me having to walk some because I was losing too much fluid. For more dehydration information click here: 10 Signs of Dehydration
3. Eat breakfast. I will admit that sometimes when running at 5k, I skip breakfast and don't drink anything until right before I run. This has worked for me, but a 10k is a slightly different animal. I learned this today, and I spent the last two miles listening my stomach rumble in anger at me for my negligence.
4. Don't deviate from your race routines. I wanted to wear cloth shorts even though it was against my better judgement. I am now paying for this. I should have never deviated from what I am used to. It probably would have made the experience a little less painful.
Will I ever do a 10k again??? I am going to say this is a soft commit. I think 10ks will be run on a desire basis. Meaning that if I really want to do that particular race then I will sign up. For example, I will probably do the Marine Corp Marathon 10k. I want to do that race because it is something different and a race that I haven't run before. I like 5ks, even though I am slow at them. Although, I am pretty confident that I can run a 5k at least 2 to 3 minutes quicker than I previously could. I also like half marathons. I like half marathons because there is no shame in walking. Not that there is shame in walking a 10k in parts, but I feel like 10ks are for a particular gifted type of runner. That isn't me. As my husband very astutely said after the Frederick Half, "a half marathon isn't about time, it's about finishing." I actually feel the least amount of pressure when running a half marathon and that is perhaps why I do best at that race. I know I can run a half in under 3:30 and I know that I will walk. Therefore, I am happy punishing my body in such a manner :-)
Side note: Saw the best t-shirt ever today! A woman was wearing a shirt that said on the back "Tell me again why this is fun?" I lol'ed and so did Annie. I enjoy shirts that remind me that while I like to run, I don't necessarily always like doing it when I am in the middle of a race. I guess you have to be a runner to understand that logic.
Continuing with training tomorrow. A couple of weeks until the Baltimore 10 miler!!! I am excited for that race and, yes, I will bring a water bottle with me ;-)
Until next time, happy running!
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