10 for Texas PR

This morning I ran the 10 for Texas in The Woodlands.  I love that The Woodlands hosts so many awesome races.  It is a blessing to live so close to a wonderful running community.  Now I just need all the fast people to move somewhere else...just kidding!

This is a super well organized race.  It is fun for families and the runners.  It is a little crowded at the start with approximately 2,000 runners weaving around Market Street for almost the first mile.  When the runners thin out, it is a perfect race.

The weather once again was horrible.  It was about 75 degrees with 90% humidity at the start.  By the first mile marker I was drenched.  It was quite gross and looking back I know I needed to drink more water on the course.  I survived and lesson learned!

The first three miles flew by pretty quickly. 
1- 8:16
2 - 8:03
3 - 8:24

I knew that 8:03 was too fast for the weather conditions and I would seriously bonk if I did not slow my pace.  I also always forget that the Parkway is uphill.  It is not a serious hill, but a gradual incline and it lasts for about 4 miles.  At least the second half is a little more up and down.  This course mirrors some of the marathon course and my mind was filled with memories from that day.  I kept focusing on my positive race on that day to help carry me through today.

The next three miles were okay.  It was super warm and I hated that.  I tried really hard not to focus on the temperatures and just run.    I took my GU at mile 5.5.  I decided somewhere during these miles that I would not run any miles slower than 8:30.  It gave me a realistic goal to focus on for the rest of the race.  I also knew it would challenge me because I was so hot!
4 - 8:23
5 - 8:20
6 - 8:20

The last four miles were tough.  It was just survive!  My Garmin was spot on with the mile markers so I was thrilled to be running the tangents perfectly.  It helped to know I would be running 10 miles even.  At mile 8 I tried to pick up the pace, but failed.  The last mile I gave it all I had.  We had to cross a bridge during this mile which meant a hill.  It was the last thing I wanted to do, but I was prepared for it.  I just kept telling myself to push.  I gave all I had during the home stretch and finished with my B goal...under 1:25.
7 - 8:26
8 - 8:26
9 - 8:26
10 - 8:15

Official time was 1:23.39 for an almost 2 minute PR!  I was 270-1920 so that is not too bad. 

I was so happy to finish and get my medal!

Self portrait...lovely isn't it?

Armadillo medal...only in Texas!