What a difference a year makes!
It’s the second weekend of November, which means it’s time to celebrate our veterans and run the Veterans Day 10k on the Tidal Basin in DC. I ran this race last year. Then it was my second ever and longest race, and I was coming into it with a tweaked hip. This year I have four halfs and a whole slew of 5ks under my belt, and I’m a lot more comfortable racing and I’m simply faster overall.
I had a pretty good feeling that I could beat my previous 10k PR–60:02, set at last year’s race. I also knew that based on my half PR I should be able to run a 55 minute 10k. But I’ve been slacking a bit on the speedwork since we got home from the cruise, so I wasn’t sure what I had in me. But a combination of fantastic weather–low 50s anyone?–focus and some speed I wasn’t sure I had, resulted in a great race and a BIG PR–55.14!
I’m not sure where that came from (in fact the night before the race I was whining to a friend how out of shape I was, and I specifically said that I should be able to run a 55 minute PR, but didn’t think I could) but I’m so happy about it! And even happier about the fact that although I ran comfortably hard the whole race I never felt like I was running at an unsustainable pace even though I only had one mile above 9 minutes (9.03 mile 2). So maybe I’m in better shape than I thought? 5 8 something minute miles can’t be wrong?
I was joking that my PR was thanks to my new running skirt, which Noel referred to as the mullet skirt…business in the front, party in the back. It was my reward for gutting it through at Atlantic City and I love it. So cute!
In keeping with tradition, we visited a monument after the race. This year we did the photo op at the Korean War Memorial. So haunting.
I also LOVED this race this year. Last year I was lukewarm, but this year I noticed a lot more of the scenery of the beautiful Tidal Basin, the competitive atmosphere of the race, and just the overall positive feeling. Throw in the fact that they upgraded to awesome black long sleeve tech tshirts and the race is still only $20? I think this is a keeper!
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Sounds like a great race! I’ve never done it before (confession: the MCM was the ONLY race I’ve ever done in DC). Congrats on your PR!!
Kandi, this is definitely one to keep on your radar. It’s only $20 if you sign up early (before Labor Day), the course is flat and fast, and then give out a ton of prizes at the end. This year I was pleasantly surprised to find out the shirts were long sleeved black tech t’s. Definitely a deal!
Congrats!! That is great time!
I love your skirt..adorable!!
A beer seems well deserved. :)
That skirt is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! And its way too cute to be called a mullet. Great job beth! So proud of you and really wish I could have run with you.
Elizabeth, the skirt may be my new favorite thing. I just wish I could wear it to work! I wish you could have run with us too! I’ll have to get you for one when you’re healed!
Congratulations!!! What a fantastic pace!
I run faster in races than I do in training. I think there’s a ton of adrenaline when you run with a crowd and it’s easy–and fun–to just get swept away. I love that thrill at the end when you find out you were running faster than you thought.
Love the skirt! I think I need one, too! : )
Congrats on the PR! That’s awesome! Will definitely have to keep this race on my radar for the future.