Picky and Healthy

I took the 10 miler, grabbed it, and destroyed it.

Seriously, it’s dead.

Here I am before I left my apartment, I was pretty sure I was going to throw up and die.

It took me about 25 minutes to walk to the park and get into place. I staked out a spot at almost the back of the group since I figured I was going to start slowly and see how it went.

The race started 2 minutes after 10 (the good thing about NYC races is they start on time, they realize how impatient we are) and I started out very, very slowly. I actually thought there was a good chance I wouldn’t be able to sustain such a slow pace, but I knew I wanted to save my energy for the hills and later in the race.

Mile 1 flew by. Mile 2 had the killer hill in it. I took it slowly, shortened my stride, and really focused on my breathing. AND I DID IT! And I didn’t feel winded.

From mile 2 until I passed the starting line for the first time I kind of cruised, it was either flat or downhill and I just took it easy and really enjoyed myself.

At mile 4 I ate a few Sharkies for some energy and at maybe 4.5 miles I grabbed a cup of water and took a few sips. The second time up the killer hill I actually went faster, I also felt it at the top.

Mile 6 was killer, I couldn’t feel my legs, I wasn’t sure how I was going to finish, I was however looking forward to seeing my friends who would be at the starting line for my final lap.

Once I saw them I felt great, I threw them my gloves to hold on to as it was quite warm. At mile 8 I got a boost from the fact that I was now setting a personal distance record.

I had a few Sharkies at mile 8 and grabbed more water. The third time up the hill wasn’t so bad. I probably had the same pace as I did the second time, but the wind was blowing in my face and it sucked. But I made it up and I felt great, after that hill I was pretty much home!

At mile 9 I realized I could definitely make it to the finish in my hour and 40 minute goal. I really picked up my pace for the final mile and I crossed the finish line in (unofficial time):

1:38:25!!!!!!

I was ecstatic!

I grabbed two bottles of water, found my friends, and tried to relax.

Check out my splits:

Mile 1: 10:39
Mile 2: 10:25
Mile 3: 10:11
Mile 4: 9:44
Mile 5: 9:55
Mile 6: 9:57
Mile 7: 9:10 (don’t know where that came from!)
Mile 8: 9:53
Mile 9: 9:56
Mile 10: 8:30 (wooooo!!!)

Total Time: 1:38:25
Average Pace: 9:53
Calories Burned: 1267

After I did some stretching we walked to get food a the Dram Shop. My burger, fries, and beer were amazing.

I came home, stretched, used the foam roller, and now I’m icing myself.

Physically I feel pretty great. Toe doesn’t hurt, ankle isn’t bothering me, my shin splint feels fine. I’m definitely sore, but nothing awful.

And now I’m watching the biathlon, my favorite Winter Olympic sport ever.

And check out my preperations if you missed them.