Mercer Island 10K

So, every year I say I'll never do the Mercer Island 10K again, but inevitably end up doing it. This year, I won't say that. I will say, though, the amount of dread I had going into it served me well - in that, at no point during the race was I surprised by how much it hurt. ;)

I'm not going to lie - even going into it with that attitude, I was a little disappointed by my time (48:12, 7:46 pace). I know that this race is HARD. Hilly, with a camber to the road that makes it harder on your legs than just the hills.

Going into it, on race morning, I decided that it was just going to be a good tempo run. Teresa and I ran for about 35 minutes before the race (she had to get in like an hour 40, and I just like to run with her whenever I can :)) I almost chickened out, and decided to just run the half marathon as a long run, or run the 10K with a friend, but instead, decided to do the 10K as hard as I could in that moment.

I went out with T, and ran the first few miles in under 7:30. I felt good. When she decided to pick it up after mile 3, I knew I wasn't going to be able to stick with her, so I stuck to my plan. When I got to mile 4.5, I knew I was in trouble. I hit a long hill that just went up up up, and my legs just didn't have it.

I know exactly what was wrong, though - and it's two things: 1.) Consistency. I have been less than consistent with my workouts since I ran the marathon in January. I know every workout counts, and FINALLY that's hit home! 2.) Not enough sleep, too much alcohol. No excuses, just not taking care of myself the way I should! I know better. :)

As much as the MI 10K hurts every year, and I dread it, I think it's always a good experience for me to show me exactly where I am at in my training. Last year I was only slightly faster - 47:48... but now I know I need to stay on it to PR on Cinco de Mayo at the half! The countdown begins...

So, enough about me. I got to see some amazing performances out there! Super Vicki PR'd on the half at under an hour and 29 minutes - AMAZING! Teresa killed it - after dropping me, she ended up finishing with an overall pace of 7:14! My friends Brian and Brady, who I am racing with in a few weeks at the Mt. Si Relay, both did awesome - coming in at 7:29 and 7:25, respectively! And last, but most impressively, my amazing friend Nicole dropped 8 minutes on her half marathon time. She has been working so hard, and fought hard out there! I am so proud of all of my friends for reaching their goals and working so hard! You all inspire me, and I can't wait to race with you all again soon!

You would never know those two raced - they look so pretty!