I actually really had a great time on this run. My goal from the very beginning was to set a new PR for my 10K and my goal was to get into that mindset early. That's all that I was thinking about on the way to the race on the bus...thinking about how wanted to run and some sort of strategy. Although I really didn't have a strategy, I was still able to get my head in the right place. :D I felt really good right from the beginning of the run but wasn't sure how long that was going to last because of how my knee has been feeling. As I stood at the starting line, I was looking around trying to figure out who I wanted to pace off of. I found a few people as the race got underway and I was able to keep up with them for quite a ways. I had my Garmin with me to keep me up to date on my pace info and that was really helpful for me. Once again...here is the Lap info from my Garmin...

Lap 1...11:56
1.59 mi.
avg. pace...07:31 /mi.
avg. heart rate...167

Lap 2...12:00
1.54 mi.
avg. pace...07:48 /mi.
avg. heart rate...176

Lap 3...12:51
1.54 mi.
avg. pace...08:19 /mi.
avg. heart rate...178

Lap 4...12:36
1.57 mi.
avg. pace...08:01 /mi.
avg. heart rate...180

As you can see, I had to work really hard and my heart rate was jacked the entire time. I'm really happy with my first stretch of the course, averaging a 07:31 /mi. pace. There were only two aid stations on the run, which wasn't too bad but I've gotten into the habit of hydrating every 10 minutes with about an once or so of water and that has worked for me well in my training. I found out that I'm not very good at running and drinking from a cup at the same time and I wasn't able to get as much water into my mouth as I wanted. Usually wen I run I bring my water bottle from my bike and I can just squirt the water in my mouth and that works really well. Maybe next time I'll bring my own water bottle and I can hydrate on my timetable and not have to worry about spilling most of the water on the ground.

I could definitely tell from this experience that I have some major work to do in my training. I need to be able to get my heart rate way down while still being able to keep that pace...if not faster. As far as the race experience goes, I think that I should have maybe stretched more after the race was over...maybe plan better on a mile by mile basis and plan the paces that I would like to run at. Other than that, I think was pretty proud of my performance today.

I just did some light walking around while shaking out my legs. I had to leave almost immediately because I have to be at work to open up. So, because of that I didn't have time to stick around and stretch or even enjoy the post race activities. Oh well. :(


Training and conditioning. I am happy overall with my performance but I know that I can do better...just need to spend more time doing focused run training. Also, I get these wicked blisters on my feet because I think that when I got my running shoes they didn't fit me exactly right. So, I may need to go soon and get a new pair of running shoes.


Overall, this race was a good experience, but it's always more fun to races with friends. Kinda wish I had a fan club there to cheer me on but it's all good cause I was pretty focused on my run. I did see a couple of LA Tri people out there and they yelled out to me as I was finishing my first lap...(because I was wearing my LA Tri Club visor) that was pretty cool. :D I would probably do this race again just cause it was fun, cheap and was a great course to PR on.