tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067433955423512932.post3990122603580996435..comments2023-08-07T09:43:22.909-05:00Comments on Just Keep Swimming: Back in the saddle. Or at least tryingJodi Sperberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115873127511826727noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067433955423512932.post-7080243599251006962007-03-26T16:36:00.000-05:002007-03-26T16:36:00.000-05:00Of course you're going to do well in the 10-miler ...Of course you're going to do well in the 10-miler this weekend. Weather should be in the 50s or so, and the course is relatively flat, though never let anyone tell you a course is flat, because you'll be cursing a surprise hill somewhere. So just keep your pace on the uphill and you'll hopefully get a downhill as a reward.<BR/><BR/>Make sure you're near the start of your corrall, and out of the way for any speed freaks. However, since the corrall placement is based on time, that shouldn't be an issue for you. Just make sure you get off to a reasonably good pace so you don't find yourself obsessing over making up for lost time later. <BR/><BR/>Since you're shooting for an average sub-10 minute mile, it should be easy to mentally compute your pace during the run, but don't beat yourself up over it while looping around Rock Creek Park, either. I hit the wall big-time running around the capital in the Marine Corps Marathon once, and couldn't figure out my pace time, and that confusion made it even worse. Relax, keep an eye on your watch, but no second-guessing, no drama. Challenge yourself AND have fun (as best you can). Easy for me to say, but at least I can say I've been there. <BR/><BR/>So just keep your pace, watch the scenery go by (or in the case of the Kennedy Center, watch it go by above you), and concentrate (mentally break up the course into sections if it helps). Sometimes you can train and train and the race comes and it's a lousy day, and sometimes you just show up for a race and it's a PR. Not that you don't have some control over the outcome, but you have to accept it whatever happens. Besides, how many people do you know can run ten miles?<BR/><BR/>Oh, and forget about marathons for now, sometimes runners obsess or talk too much about them, shorter distances can be challenging in different ways. This is the only race that matters for now, and it's going to be lots of fun, right? <BR/><BR/>We'll be starting our 10K in Central Park at the same time Sunday morning, so we'll send some positive vibes your way. So hydrate the day before, wear your most comfortable running outfit, enjoy the views of the Potomac, and reward yourself with a nice brunch later. Have a great race!Mr. Satan A. Chilleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03710734521845093369noreply@blogger.com