tongie library 10K

Beautiful morning for a race ... upper 50's at the start, sunny but it never got above 70 during the race. I was up early to trek out to Tonganoxie for the Library 5k/10k. I really didn't feel that confident about my run endurance for a 10K but I didn't want to go all that way to run the 5.

The race is a benefit for the library, where a friend of mine is the director. They had record turnout this year and they put on a nice race! The 10K field was pretty small. Both races started together and about 1.5 miles, the 5K runners turned around.

After that point, the course was rolling hills. I was all alone after the 5K turnoff. There was a little pack in the distance that I thought maybe I could catch, but they were too far out.

I hit mile 1 in 8 flat, which surprised me because I spent a fair amount of time going around people and it felt so easy. Mile 2 was right at 16 and I still felt pretty good. Then I think a big uphill came, because I lost some time in mile 3. I think my mile 3 split was 24:30. I managed to get back to 8 minute pace and hit 4 at about 32:30 or so. Ah, the joys of being gadget free! I just glance at my watch when I cross the mile marker.

I didn't lose much by mile 5, but I was really spent at that point. I somehow managed to hang on for a sweet 51:02 finish. Good enough for second woman overall. A woman young enough to be my child ran a 46-something to win.

While a 51 minute 10K really isn't THAT fantastic, I was very pleased. In fact, I even asked my friend about the course and she said they had it certified. I really didn't think I would be able to hold that pace (average 8:12) for 6 miles. And it really didn't hurt. My knee felt good for the whole race. I had a few other minor aches during the race but that's normal.

It seems I am running faster by running less. All that cross-training really pays off. I credit the spinning more than anything. All those intervals have really boosted my cardio fitness.

I stretched and stayed mobile after the run and then came home and did several hours of yard work. So when I can't get out of bed tomorrow, I won't be sure if it's the running or the yard work.

But it gives me confidence that I'll be able to train for and run the half in October.

And check out my coolio gender-appropriate trophy!

Next up: I think I may do a mountain bike race in July at Landahl. Beginner category.