We decided to walk to the race since it is only about 1 1/2 miles from our apt. (We figured this would be a great warm up/cool down as well.) We got there way early because we had been warned that the crowds could make for long lines during registration etc. We were some of the first there, so our numbers reflect our "early bird" mentality - Travis was #7 and I was #8 - There were 1,095 who turned up to race last night!! It was a great turn out.
The weather was actually rather chilly at first (we were both sporting our Texas A&M sweatshirts - courtesy of Kari Howell - so I'm sure we stood out as Americans! ha...) We tossed the sweatshirts right before the race and it turned out to be perfect running weather! (cloudy and a bit cool)
The race was fantastic. The only other two races I have run were both really small and I always was running alone (usually in the back). This race was different in that regard, because there were a lot of other runners around my speed that I could pace off of, and quite a lot that I passed! =) It felt great, and I really enjoyed running in a group like that - very motivational and keeps your mind focused elsewhere.
Travis definitely was rockin' it yesterday and placed 13th out of 1,095!! He clocked 28:24 so was cooled off and had finished his bratwurst by the time I crossed the finish at 43:42! =) I was still very happy with this time, as my goal was to finish in under 45.
Overall the whole event was just spectacular - great turn out, great organization, well marked, great route etc...Kudos to the Manawatu Striders and thanks!
We will be back out there next Tuesday night for another great race.
"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"
5 comments:
Oh this is awesome! I really, really want to get into some races. I was planning on training for this 10k coming up in Philly, but my knee has been having problems for the first time ever. Hopefully it heals soon because the group energy sounds like a blast.
I have always loved that quote! My cross country coach in high school would always say/yell that to us right before a race!
Grace, you can definitely train for a 10K....While you are doing your yoga practice focus on strengthening the muscles that support the knee. (I was really struggling about a month ago with my hip and changing my yoga practice to include more strength for that area made all the difference for me!!) Just keep getting out there and training and gradually it will get better....also, maybe try a knee brace. Let me know how it goes!
Hey, Madeline...Where did you live in NZ? That is so crazy - it is a small world! I'm getting excited because I'm going to try John's soup next week! yeah...
Awesome job!! It sounds like it was a really fun event!
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