That's right folks! On a weekend of consecutive 60+ degree days, I ran my first race of the season. Together with Stuart and Riley, we made the trek into DC for the St. Patrick's Day 8K and Lil Leprechaun Leap.
If you ever have a chance in the DC area, sign up for one of the Pacers running store races. They have a great year-round lineup, including many stroller-friendly events and kids' runs. Riley lined up with the other kids, most of them older than her. While they all seemed to take on the entire 1mi with ease, we cut the course and she ran a strong 1/4mi event. Not bad for a newly-turned 3yr old! I love watching her enjoy the atmosphere. She gladly sported her race bib and sunglasses and couldn't wait to report in to our friend Kayla who works for Pacers and was running the packet pickup area.
Then it was time to wander around for a bit before the main event. Eighty two trips to the porta-potty (how do you tell your kid not to touch anything when she's standing in one of those things with you???) and it was time to line up.
Sun rising over the Capitol, air beautiful and cool, course flat and fast. You really can't ask for more. This was only a 5-mile race, so there isn't much of a report to write. Slow as I am, I'm pretty pleased with my splits. My modest goal was 55min, I admit to being slower than slow. First mile was a 10:30, next was a 10:15. Follow that by two 11+min miles....and the final mile was about a 9:40!!! Finish time was 52:30 for an average 10:34 pace. For me, at this stage in the game, I'm more than satisfied both with the time and to have my final mile be my fastest.
And, after my old one gave out over a year ago, I got to break in my new Polar heart rate monitor, a muy muy romantico Valentine's Day gift from Stuart. Heart rate monitor. Get it? ;-) Corny, I know.
We made our way home via Starbucks and enjoyed naps, and an afternoon trip to the park with friends. Now I think we're all going to catch up on that Daylight Saving Time lost hour of sleep before another Monday begins.
5 weeks ago
