Heart of Summer 10K

I ran a 10K this weekend. I am not racing this year. However, my husband got me a free entry, so I figured what the heck. All last week I was thinking about this run(race). How should I approach it? My PR is on this course but I am not quite there! 

I ran to the start which was a great warm-up. I decided I was going to use it as a tempo run. At track a week and a half ago we did a tempo and I struggled to hold 7 minute miles. It was really hot and humid, but no less frustrating. So, hold 7 minute pace. Should be doable.

The gun went off and I was being really conservative. I couldn't believe how many women were sprinting out in front of me. Dang!  I had to keep reminding myself of my goal. At mile one my pace was 6:30. What? Conservative? Whoops. I felt good. I kept going. Later in the race I passed a couple of the women who shot out of the gates. I felt strong the whole time. It was truly a tempo pace for me as I was able to cheer on other participants and help them make it to the finish. 

I haven't seen official results yet, but I think I was the second woman (not including the elite wave) in the open wave and I ran about a 40:59. That is a couple of minutes slower than my PR but I am starting to enjoy the more relaxed approach to running (racing). 

I am currently not registered for anything else this year with the exception of Twin Cities Marathon in which I am pacing a couple runners to a 3:35 and get them to Boston. Should be fun! 

By the way, still no diet coke(or any soda for that matter). It is the devil. I crave it everyday....