Veterans Day 10k!

Last weekend I ran the Veterans Day 10k in DC with my friend Katharine (aka Tizzle).  I was looking for a race in between a 5k and a half marathon and this one fit the bill.  I am so thankful Tizzle agreed to do it with me. 

Tizzle and Me pre-race

We carbo loaded the night before at Vapiano (mmm pasta) and prepped for an early morning.  It was a little chilly on Sunday, but it ended up being perfect race weather.  The course began at West Potomac Park and followed the Potomac river to Hains Point and looped back.  I was a little iffy about the out and back course because I didn't want to see all the people who were going to finish before me, but it actually turned out to be fun.  We got to see the front runners who were running under 5 minute miles and everyone was cheering and clapping for them.  It was a great atmosphere!  

As for the race, I felt great and had a blast!  Tizzle and I kept under a 9 minute mile pace and I finished in 54:46!  This 10k was just what I needed to get in the mindset for the half.  

Finish Line! 

Slacking on my blog posts, but NOT the running!

I know I've been slacking on my blog posts lately, but I promise I have been busy running all over the place and have really covered some ground.  The fall season and training has passed so quickly.  I can't believe race day is only a little over a month away.

 In October I had some beautiful runs and really ramped up the mileage (I'm currently up to 11 miles).  Fall in DC has been amazing for runners and it is well deserved after the hottest summer on record since the 1800s.   During the week I usually run the Rock Creek Trail to Georgetown or I run on the National Mall.  Both routes are scenic runs and great ways to get the day started.   No matter how many times I run on the National Mall, I still feel the need to pinch myself when running by the White House and among the monuments.

Although I have be out the door by 7:15 am on Saturday mornings, training with the TEAM bright and early is my favorite.  I love the variety of trails we run (each week is a field trip) and training with a group is way more fun than listening to an Ipod for 2 hours.   Chatting it up with Tatyana, Amanda, and Colleen has really kept me going on those 10 milers!  My favorite trail so far is Beach Drive.  On the weekend the street is closed to traffic and is only open to bikers, runners, and walkers.  It is so awesome and the scenery is amazing; it doesn't even seem like you are in DC.   If you are a Washingtonian I highly recommend taking advantage.

My most challenging run so far was when I had to run my first 11 miler solo in 27 degree temps.   I was in Michigan for work and was determined to get my long run in before the University of Michigan football game on Saturday.  I did some research and found a great route that began at one of the local high schools and went all the way out to Austin Lake and back.  Within the first 2 miles of my run I saw over 10 live deer, 13 if you count the plaster ones used to decorate a Michigander's lawn.  Gotta love the Midwest:)  The first 5 miles were a struggle, but once it warmed up a bit the last 6 miles felt much better.  It made me feel like I am getting the hang of this running thing.

I'll be running and running and running....until next time:)