I am a few race reports behind so I thought I’d catch up before I forgot all together. I’m not sure how many people even read these but I tend to be a repeat racer so I guess I’m doing this so I can remember for next time.
Race: Capital City Classic 10K
Date: April 1, 2017
Location: Little Rock, AR
Time: 8:00 AM
This was my 5th straight year to run the Capital City Classic 10k. I’ve always liked the course and the weather has been pretty close to perfect all five years I’ve run it. Last year was a tough race as I was just getting over being sick and on antibiotics (probably shouldn’t have even run) but I was going for Iron Runner so I didn’t want to miss it. I had an awful race complete with side stitches and cramping so I was looking forward to 2017 being a better experience.
Pre-Race
My older two were also running this one so the three of us left around 6:15 Saturday morning. We got to the race with enough time to pick up our packets, use restrooms, and warm-up. This is one of those races I need AT LEAST 45 min because everything is so spread out.
This was the most fit I ever went into this race. My personal course record was a 58:08 so I was really hoping I could break 58 on the course. I knew it would require a nearly perfect race and a 6:02 average pace or better (which I’ve only done once) but I was up for the challenge. I planned to pace around another guy in the Grand Prix series who has finished a couple seconds in front of me in the last 3 races. Unfortunately this plan backfired when he took off at a sub 6 minute pace for mile 1 so I had to let him go. Then I passed him in mile 2 and never saw him again. I was staying on pace but it was tough. By mile 5 I was hanging on and I knew it would require a fast mile 6. The nice tailwind we had in mile 1 was a headwind for mile 6 and the whole mile felt off for me. My race fell apart in the last mile but I did manage to pull it back together on the final quarter (mostly because I didn’t want to get passed).
Official Time- 38:27 (2nd Female OA)
Splits: 6:02, 6:03, 6:07, 6:05, 6:10, 6:23, last 0.28 at 5:55 pace.
After I finished I ran back to see the kids. Abi finished in 48:31 and Anthony finished in 56:47.
Post Race Thoughts
I was a little disappointed I didn’t run a sub 38 but my coach reminded me that it’s hard to be in peak fitness for all race distances at the same time and I know he’s right. I’ve been in marathon recovery or training mode for so long now. I know I tend to set the bar high for myself and I need to cut myself some slack. I still finished with my second best course time. I’d still like to go sub 38 at Capital City so I’ll be back next year to try again!
The highlight of this race was afterwards when my friends surprised me with matching shirts. Each shirt says, “Running Friends Make the Best Friends.” They wanted to celebrate the Little Rock Marathon win and what an awesome surprise!! Love all my running girls! Thank you ladies!!
Race: Chip’s Share it Forward 5K
Date: April 8, 2017
Location: Searcy, AR
Time: 8:00 AM
This was my first time to run this local 5K. Last year I was in injury/ recovery mode after the Hogeye Marathon so I went to cheer for some friends who were running it. This race was 9 days before Boston so I wasn’t looking to go all out. Of course when I’m trying not to race we have PERFECT weather- temps in the mid 40’s, sunny, and calm wind!
Photo credit @ Al Fowler
My goal was to see a 6+ pace for mile 1 (and I barely made it). Splits: 6:00, 5:55, 6:03. My favorite section was running along side horses at the end of the first mile. This was a first for me and it was pretty awesome!
Photo credit @ Heather Pritchett
There were several turns and quite a bit of trail running the last half mile. The course ended up measuring a little short (3.05) which accounts for the faster finish time.
Official Finish Time- 18:16 (1st OA)
Photo credit @ Al Fowler
This was a great race and all proceeds provide scholarships for children in foster care to Camp Wyldewood (a Christian camp) during the summer. I am glad I was able to run it this year!
Photo credit @ Al Fowler
Photo credit @ Al Fowler
Photo credit @ Al Fowler