Cherry Blossom 10 Miler Recap 2013, or how NOT to run a 10 miler.

I told myself I would write race recaps for all of the races I ran this spring, and I was doing alright until I got to the 10 miler.  I think that's because I didn't really approach the 10 miler as a race, and I certainly did not make any effort to "race" or even run fast.
First, it was the morning after my husband's birthday.  So we went out on Saturday night.  Late.  I made that decision fully aware of the consequences, but MAN, only sleeping three hours is rough... as is being hungover.  I couldn't really eat my breakfast because I was naseous, so I ran on a mostly empty stomach.  We also got to the corral way too early (probably with 40 minutes to spare) and it was FREEZING, so by the time the race started, I was: sleep deprived, hungover (and dehydrated), without breakfast, and numb in most parts of my body.  Oh, and I was still injured.  And I forgot my Garmin.  And my knee brace.

This, my friends, is how NOT to start a 10 mile race.

Anyway, as my race MO goes, I ran for about 1.5 miles before the foot/ankle pain kicked in, so I decided to walk and stretch over the next 1.5 miles or so.  Then, by around mile 3 I started feeling better/warmer and decided to just run at a nice, easy pace.

Although I was still hungover (thank goodness there was Gatorade at water stops and I had chews to get some calories in me) and I was definitely not going to get a great time, I was genuinely happy for most of the next 7 miles.  I love the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler.  It is my favorite race.  I love the crowds, I love the course, and I love seeing the blossoms (this year, they were just starting to come out).  The last three years, the weather has been brisk, yet comfortable.  So, although I wasn't running well, and I'm injured and out of shape, I have to say, I really soaked it in and enjoyed myself.

Also, I got some of the most attractive pictures of myself running to date.  Apparently, I'm photogentic when I don't care about my time and I'm hungover?

Anyway, despite my pesky foot pain, I finished in 1:51:32, avaerage pace 11:09.  And only 10 more days until my first physical therapy appointment!

Oh, also, Marissa ran it.  Way faster than me.  GO Marissa!

And Scott was there to cheer me on, even though he was also out all night drinking (happy belated birthday!):