I ran this race last year and proclaimed “never again”. The distance (7.45 miles) is strange and I end up running 10K pace and just feel miserable for the last mile. For some reason I ended up registering again…maybe to get some redemption?
I had 2 goals going into Saturday’s race:
1. Not race it. Instead I would use the race as a fast finish long run. A 13-mile warm up and then a 12K where I would keep the pace moderate.
2. Beat my time last year – even though I wasn’t racing it. Given my shitty performance last year (7:59 average pace), it shouldn’t be too hard.
I got up at the crack of dawn on Saturday and was running around Kelly Drive by 6:30AM. 13 nice and easy miles.
I love Philly
I finished up run #1 around 8:30 and had a 1/2 hour to change out of my cold, sweaty clothes, eat some Shot Bloks, sit in my car and blast the heat, and then head over to the race. I felt good.
The course is a simple out-and-back along Martin Luther King Drive. The weather was perfect. I kept my pace nice and controlled during the first mile. When I glanced at my Garmin it read 7:45 pace. Hmm.
I maintained 7:45 pace until the turnaround (mile 17). Then I got this incredible rush of endorphins. I loved everyone and everything. I dropped my pace slightly.
I saw Ann around mile 18 and got another little burst of energy (Hi Ann!). I kept pushing onward. I couldn’t believe how fresh my legs felt. If only this were a marathon.
I crossed the finish line in 57:15 (7:41 average pace). A 2+ minute PR from last year, even with a 13-mile warm up.
Overall – 38/374
Female – 8/223
AG – 4/51
I cannot wait for the Philly HM next weekend!
Ever get an endorphin rush and love everyone and everything? It’s like being a happy drunk.