My long-term goal for the Bolder Boulder is to run a sub-40. For training, I'd done three 5k races and three track workouts in the weeks leading up to the race, aside from my fairly weak base training. My best 5k was 20:44, so I knew 40 minutes for a 10k was unrealistic. So, my realistic goal was simply to beat last year's time of 41:25.

I ran the first km really fast, at a 6:08 min/mile pace (40-minute 10k pace is 6:25). However, I don't think this hurt me much because it is slightly downhill and it felt easy. I started pushing as the grade turned uphill at km 2. I had a 20:19 split for the first 5k, despite running a slow uphill lap #4 at 6:48 pace.

Lap 6 was my slowest at 6:49 pace. It was mostly uphill, and I was also hurting from a fast lap #5. At that point I was 33 seconds off the pace for a 40-minute finish. This meant I had precious few seconds to spare (52 to be exact) if I was going to beat last year's time.

I focused on not giving away any second without a fight. On the downhills I really tried to use momentum and open up my stride. This worked and I put in a 6:24 pace for lap #8. On the uphills I focused on driving my legs forward and swinging my arms with every stride.

The final hill leading into the stadium hurt, but I told myself it would all be over soon. With a good push I crossed the finish in 40:39. I was very happy with my race.

Next year I will probably not do so many 5k races, but will instead focus on doing specific track workouts and running hills.

Walked around a bit, then got a free massage.


Anyone who wants a one-of-a-kind experience, racing with nearly 50,000 people, should try the Bolder Boulder.