Surf City 10 Miler (1:12.44)

I used to be excited to run the Surf Metropolis 10. It’s all the time sizzling and humid, however it’s numerous enjoyable. I’m within the minority that enjoys out-and-back programs. Phrase to the sensible: the Surf Metropolis 10 goes downhill for five miles after which uphill for five miles. The final 5 miles can really feel brutal. It’s on the same course because the Surf Metropolis Half and Marathon.

Earlier than the Surf Metropolis 10:

I ran 13 miles the day earlier than with my good good friend Emilia. Was it a sensible race technique? After all not, however she was on the town, and I needed to run along with her. I wasn’t particularly involved with the Surf Metropolis 10 race. I simply needed to have enjoyable and damaging cut up—that was it.

I arrived in Huntington Seashore early the day earlier than, possibly round midday. I relaxed and located myself very drained. I bought an early dinner at Olive Backyard and fell asleep tremendous early. I believed possibly I used to be getting sick or simply exhausted from the week, however it seems I’d begin my interval the subsequent day. That explains the low power! Anyway, race morning got here shiny and early, and I made it to Huntington Seashore round 5:30.

The Surf Metropolis 10 race began proper at 6:30, and I discovered the corral particularly straightforward to get into. I did a 1.5-mile warm-up and will barely run a 9-minute tempo. I believed, “Whew, this isn’t going to be fairly.”

Surf Metropolis 10 Race:

The aim was to begin off very straightforward and decide it up if I might. I used to be considering slower than aim marathon tempo (7:15-7:30). As quickly because the race began, the 7:30 pacers flew by me. I believed, “Okay, properly, no selection right here—the physique doesn’t really feel ok to run sooner proper now.” Since they have been forward, I assumed I used to be operating round a 7:40 tempo. I might have checked my watch, however I selected to not. I hit mile 1 in 7:20.

From there, I slowly began discovering the tempo that felt proper. We had a headwind, however I didn’t really feel like I used to be working too arduous, which was precisely the place I needed to be at first miles. I purchased a brand new Nathan bottle on the expo as a result of I forgot mine and gas, so I used to be consuming Skratch. I like Skratch, so it wasn’t an enormous deal. Not too long ago, I’ve began packing a bottle in my pocket throughout longer races, and I’ve been actually pleased with that. I can gas and hydrate after I need and don’t have to fret about races utilizing zero-calorie hydration (for actual, California, please cease that in half marathons).

Round mile 3 of the Surf Metropolis 10, the race felt prefer it was spreading out. It’s a protracted straightaway, so it’s straightforward to see miles forward. I hit mile 4 in 7:24, my slowest mile. I’m unsure why that was.

From miles 4-5, I might see the leaders coming again. I guessed I used to be across the Twentieth-Twenty fifth lady however wasn’t too involved. I hit mile 5 in 7:17 and made the U-turn for the way in which again.

I knew the return was the place I needed to select up the tempo, however I additionally knew there was a hill round miles 6.5-7.5 that often wrecks me. I instructed myself to not push it but, however I ended up operating the subsequent mile in 7:10.

From there, I targeted on seeing pals and having enjoyable. I noticed Ezra, after which, whereas goofing off, I dropped my headphone! Fortunately, I ended and picked it up. However, as they are saying, you get what you deserve. I ran miles 8 and 9 in 7:13 every.

I used to be operating aspect by aspect with a good friend, which helped encourage me to maintain pushing. Surf Metropolis 10 can really feel just like the “longest race ever” since you’re watching a protracted straight highway for five miles, so it was good to have some motivation.

I made a decision to select up the tempo within the final mile. I felt like I might catch just a few extra girls, and we have been slowly gaining on them. Once I noticed the end line, it felt prefer it was 100 miles away (not only a quarter of a mile). I crossed the final mile in 7:04 and completed in 1:12:44.

Surf Metropolis 10 Ideas:

I truly thought this was my quickest Surf Metropolis 10 but, and I believed I had run it a number of years. However wanting again, I’ve solely run it as soon as earlier than, ending with a low 1:11. I simply ran it the exact opposite approach this 12 months, ending slower. This 12 months, I used to be 14th lady total, which shocked me. I’m pleased with the time, particularly after operating 14 miles the day earlier than.