Yep, wore the magic socks again…now I’m 2 for 2 getting PRs while wearing them!
I tweeted before this race that I wanted to run under 21. I figured putting it out there would be extra motivating, because I would hate to have to then tell the 18 people that actually read what I say on twitter that I failed.
It was cold and drizzly, which to me is pretty much perfect racing weather. Mike was running the 10 mile race with Ellie in the stroller, and since they were both out and back along the Embarcadero, it would be easy for me to tack on miles at the end by running out to meet him and then finish with him.
I did an easy 1 mile warm up, took off my warmups, and said goodbye to Mike and Ellie. I kind of bounced around for a little while and then we were off! I normally hold back in the beginning, but after that HUGE confidence boost I got from my tempo run on Thursday I decided to push it from the start. I was determined not to look at my Garmin because I didn’t want to psych myself out, but I wanted to know my splits at the end.
Before I knew it, we were at the turn around and it was starting to get a little painful. Burning lungs, legs getting a little tired, and a vague sense of “I may throw up” creeping into my stomach. I usually end up repeating random words or mantras when things get tough – not stuff I plan in advance, but things that just kind of pop into my head.
For a little while, I was thinking “less than 10 minutes to go” over and over, and then when it really started to hurt, “my eyes aren’t bleeding yet – keep pushing” (the lovely imagery of running til your eyes bleed comes from super speedster Page – thanks for that, it helped!)
With a mile to go, the wind was at my back and I was running as hard as I could. I saw the finish line in the distance, but couldn’t quite see the time (and still refused to look at my watch). As I got closer I saw that I was at 20:xx and was THRILLED my goal was in reach. I gave it all the kick that I had (which by that point wasn’t much) and crossed the line at 20:54. My mile splits were 6:45, 6:54, and 6:43.
The tweet after the race pretty much says it all:
I am now 54 seconds from my 2012 goal of breaking 20!
Sweeeeeeet
Way to do it!
Congrats on the VERY speedy PR!
love the compression socks
Awesome job! That is SO VERY impressive!
Way to go Cate! I know you’ll get that pr soon!
Congrats again!
Apparently you should tweet your goals more often!
Wow that is great I cna only imagine that kind of time I was pretty happy with my 30….humm I need to set a goal for my next 5k Iahve no idea what to expect with my upcoming 7k but nomatter what I need to get running again.
Amber
Congrats!! You’re such an inspiration
I think becoming a mama has made you even stronger!
You are such a rockstar! I can’t wait to see how you get faster throughout the year!
It was really interesting to read your race report, and about how hard you pushed yourself. I don’t think I’ve ever pushed myself that hard during a run (although I’ve only done a few races), which might be why I’m slow to improve.
So freaking awesome! Congratulations!! Yet another reason I want to try running in compression socks…
CONGRATS on the amazing PR speedy!
I can’t believe I miss you yesterday!
Dang! You are already having a great 2012 for running, and it’s hardly even started!
Dang, those ARE magic socks! Congrats on the awesome PR.
SO FASSSSSSSSSSSSSST!
I will now start wearing my magic compression socks in hopes they give me magic Cate powers. Congrats!!!
I ran Waterfront on Sunday, too! It was a hard 5K for me (I just got back into running after a six-week break), but it was fun, scenic and well-organized.
I think I heard your name called — didn’t you place in your AG? Congrats!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again–you are AMAZING, girl! I am so impressed and so proud of you. (Not that you needed to know I’m proud of you, but I guess us teachers just can’t help it.)
Ah! Congratulations! SOOOO fast! I can’t even imagine it.