Very very happy with today. 43:58:54, 213th of 2153, 21st AG. Not a fast time but considering it was a fitness check I'll take it. Was shooting for sub-45 (44:59) due to not specifically training for a 10k.
FINALLY getting the pacing down on these races. 5k on 7/6 and then Cbus Full on 10/20--3:19:59 or bust. It's a great race--hot and humid, but no sun is HUGE. Being used to the 13.1/26.2 distances this felt short and hard but not wire-to-wire like a 5k.
Pushed hard on the 10k. I've never run this 10k but studied the elevation map. Went out by feel and didn't look at the watch often. Splits:
7:12--first mile was steady, feeling it out. I usually don't run 10ks and haven't run one since an informal time trial in HS (2002?), in 44:23-ish? Up Long and across some bridges, then some turns and a switchback near COSI.
7:11--second mile was more of a hill but it crested near the end of it on High Street. Started to get to German Village and saw some of the studs on the return leg. Guys who would later run in the low 30s to 31s. I can dream...maybe someday.
7:05 (21:28 for 3)--third mile was through German Village itself and a water stop. Nothing fancy here, just going by effort.
6:58--Back up High for the fourth mile. For once, I had a race plan. I was going to see where I was at mile 4.2 (about 7k in?) and go from there. I was very glad I didn't go out from the gun like many did at the start. It was starting to hurt but I knew if I could make it to 5 I'd be safe.
6:38--Downhills rock! I felt strong and in control. I was starting to hurt but coming back to the switchback near COSI. A little 7-9-year old girl blew by me. It is good to see young kids running and taking up the sport. My thoughts drifted to Irish Dancing routines I had to practice though as she passed me. Some of the dancers at our studio are legit runners as well.
6:40--Last mile was go time! There was a slight uphill but not too bad as we went back by the Courthouse on the left. One last final turn, and then the surge down Long. I'm hoping I'm doing the same thing in four months! (The Columbus Marathon follows the same finish path). Was hurting a little bit but still in control. Out-of-date Vaporflies NEXT2% off eBay are a miracle!
2:14 (0.36 miles, also verified on course map). This was the final kick. I didn't have as much as I wanted but still passed a few others. Glad I paced it evenly and then raised my arms in triumph as I crossed over the timing mat. Although the course seemed long (even on their official map), I'd rather run a little bit longer than a little bit less. I think this was the same course that was short a few years ago.
43:58:54 (44:11 as my gun time). I was pleased as punch to just be under 45!
Reflection: I am pleased with this effort, as I'm finally learning from my hellish mistakes in 2021 and 2022 (Cbus pacing fail and Warm Up Columbus, where it was 5'F and I DNFed at 23). I realize I may not have as much time left and each race counts. I also learned that having a race plan for each mile is HUGE versus winging it.
PRO TIP: using the elevation map for each race is a game-changer in terms of knowing how to run each mile (and still give yourself leeway).
Next race: Hilltop 5k, West Columbus, a fast 5k on a paved trail in a random park connected to the Camp Chase Trail (which goes all the way out to London--this trail also is part of the London Half/Full Marathon!).
tl;dr: Ran a negative-split, progressive 10k race under 44 mins., going from 7:12 to 6:38 pace and feeling strong throughout!
Strava: I've decided to make it public so others can see more metrics. So I'm ok if others see it.
