What a HOT day to run! I knew it was a gamble when I signed up for this 10k on the 4th of July, but was hoping it would be a cooler day. It didn't happen! This past week has had our area in a heat wave, with temps the last few days in the 90s. I really debated about running in the hotter temperatures, but decided to buck up and just do it!
I've never run this race before, so I wasn't sure of the course; if there was shade, etc. Turns out there wasn't! At least not much, maybe a spot here & there, but nothing to brag about. So, no shade, no breeze, just lots of hot sun. The temp at the start was probably only 65, but at the finish, closer to 75, but with the sun beating off the asphalt, it seemed A LOT hotter.
I appreciated the two water stations, at miles 2 & 4 and just soaked myself with the wonderful ice water, but it didn't last long. :( Still, I ran the best I could and finished not last, but the second from the last! I managed to sprint to the finish line though, just to look good in the picture, of course. :)
My time was approximately 1 hr 16 minutes, with a pace of 12:10. It is interesting to notice how my 10k times get slower as the temperatures get hotter. My best time was in April, with the temperature at 42*, 1 hr 10 minutes; a pace of about 11:18.
The Jeff Galloway run/walk/run plan says you should slow your time by 30 seconds per mile for each 5 degree temp increase over 60, so I guess I'm still doing great work. It's just hard to see my time slow down.
I'm still very pleased with my results today. It was a fun, well organized race and I will probably do it again next year. I placed 2nd in my age group again, but there were only 2 of us! The proceeds from this race benefit HOPE for the Kidney Foundation - it was a great way to have fun & support a good cause.
Next race is Salem Walk or Run for the Arts 5K on July 18. I've got 2 weeks to rest up. :) It starts at 7:45 AM so I hope to be done before the heat hits.
Have a wonderful day and God bless you.
Gina
Sounds like a great race! I never complain about an age group win, any way I get it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bruce!
ReplyDeleteGood job Gina, that heat can be a killer.
ReplyDeleteThanks,Bryan. I'm glad our weather is cooling off in the next few days - highs around 68-70!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great race! Way to go Gina! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicole. Hot is not my favorite, but I'm learning!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your race. I love seeing so many people out there running on the Fourth of July. There are so many races going on that day that maybe they should have chosen it as National Running Day. There are a few days I always associate with running - July 4th, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day. Glad that you're out there enjoying them too.
ReplyDeleteI read a few posts on your blog. I like it. I'll keep checking back to see how you're doing.
: )
Denis
Denis, Thanks for the comment. I checked out your blog too & tried to leave a comment,but it wouldn't work for me. Good luck on your marathon training. My next marathon is 2 weeks before yours so we are training somewhat at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI totally sympathize about running in the heat -- I simply melt, and have no chance of attaining anything that looks like my regular pace. I think that Jeff Galloway formula is pretty dead-on, though ... which means you should DEFINITELY count this as a stellar performance! Good job!
ReplyDeleteno heat up here in Canada; still waiting for summer! Nice job on the race.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy. I really hate running in the summer but am making it a point to do so to try to get better at it.
ReplyDeleteMike, thank you. We have been having another hot spell just before the 5k race tomorrow. Go figure! lol
ReplyDelete