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! |
