Run the Reagan 10K

Yesterday, I ran the Run the Reagan 10K with Michel Barringer. I've run the race every year since 2007 and Michael has run it with me all of them except one I think. One year I also ran the half-marathon instead of the 10K but the 10K is definitely my preferred distance for this race. It has turned into an annual tradition every February and we always finish the race with some celebratory beverages (i.e., really good beers).

As you would expect for February, it was cold but it was beautiful and sunny. The race starts at 9:15 a.m. so by that time the sun was feeling pretty good and I think the temperature was above freezing. I ran in shorts, long sleeve technical shirt (Disney), short sleeve shirt over that with my bib attached, and gloves. There was a bit of a breeze but not too bad. I was plenty warm after a few miles and took the gloves of by mile 3.

This was the first time in the last few years that I wasn't running the Reagan following a marathon. So I wasn't in the same kind of shape as those years. So my goal wasn't to set a personal record (PR) - I just wanted to race at the edge of my comfort zone based on my current conditioning. I started out a little fast, as I always do, with 7'30 splits for the first 2 miles. I eventually found a group of 3 woman who were setting a good pace I thought I could handle so I tried keep up with them. I had enough energy for a little kick at the last 1/2 mile and managed to pass my 3 pacers. I ended up coming in 17th (out of 335 I think) with a time of 47'41. I was really happy with my effort. Not near my PR of 46'15 but I think it was about a perfect race for me in my current shape. Maybe my PR days are behind me as I'm getting older. Although I only came in 3rd in my age group (40-44) and some of the older guys are the fastest. Just depends on what your goals are and how hard to want to train. I think I'm right where I want to be condition wise and just really enjoying the run. Till next year!