Lessons Learned

So...for the first time in almost 3 years I actually had...drumroll please...a GREAT race!

Three years ago was when I had a fire lit under me and was hooked on races. I did the mermaid half marathon and had a PR, had a blast at the Uvas and Silicon Valley Triathlons. That was probably the peak of my self discipline in training.

Though I have done some pretty rock and roll things (Alcatraz swim, Big Kahuna Half Iron, Seattle to Portland bike ride), those events all felt pretty difficult. Deep down I had a feeling if I had dedicated more time to training, I could have performed better.

All the other races I did were fun, but I didn't necessarily train, or partake in ideal pre-race behavior (hello Vegas half marathon!).

So, I did the Mermaid 10k last Saturday and though it was far from a PR, it was still a great race. and I actually learned a lot about myself in training, preparation, and mental focus.

I was supposed to do the 5k, but changed to the 10k as my afternoon plans fell through. Because I wasn't mentally prepped for a 10k, I didn't put pressure on myself on a specific time. But, I also knew I wanted to be ready on race day so i got plenty of sleep, hydrated, and ate well.

When the race started I still wasn't sure what I was doing pace-wise, but I just ran. And I ran fairly fast (for me) at the beginning of the race. I usually am conservative in the beginning with speed, but something clicked. And honestly, the first 3 miles felt FANTASTIC. I was running fast enough that I couldn't carry a conversation, but also at a pace that felt like I could run forever at. It was way weird.

I wasn't wearing a watch, but all the track workouts with me workput groups were for training our inner clock and being more aware of what certain paces feel like. I had a secret time in my head that I would be thrilled with, but I think I need to put more time in to break an hour for a 10k.

I think what helped me with this race was the spontaneity of the distance, and not putting pressure on myself to PR. And, learning lessons from other races that all the stuff you do the days leading before the race matter as well.

This Sunday is Uvas tri. At this point, I really do not have an idea of how I will do. I have only done a brick workout once in my training, BUT I did a ton of open water swimming when I was in Hawaii a couple weeks ago. This will be one interesting race.