Despite the chilly temps and lack of fully blooming cherry blossoms, the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run offered an absolutely beautiful race course and atmosphere.
The sun was just rising when I arrived off the metro; the sights were just stunning. Taking in the Capital and the Washington Monument never get old. I quickly made my way towards the Washington Monument, made use of the porta-potties, and headed to the bag check. I didn’t have too much time between hopping off the metro and getting to the start but that was fine with me since it was cold.
Looking back, I’m not sure what I was thinking when I laid out my race clothes the night before, but I made a big mistake with just wearing a tank and skirt for the race. After checking my jacket and pants at the bag check area, I wore a cotton shell as I waited the corrals to start. I contemplated keeping it on but it was such a huge old shirt (obviously one that I was willing to ditch!) that I decided against it. I was pretty cold the entire race, never really felt “warm” and my hands were ice by the time I finished. Usually I am pretty neurotic about selecting the right race day attire so I’m not sure what the heck I was thinking?! Maybe, the hope of warm air and cherry blossoms infiltrated my mind!
With the confidence from my past few races, I felt pretty strong about going for a 10 Mile PR (01:29:17 at the Army Ten Miler). The race started off at the base of the Washington Monument before the out and back over the Arlington Memorial Bridge and along Rock Creek Parkway.
Mile 1 (8:49)
Mile 2 (8:43)
Mile 3 (8:31)
Coming back along Rock Creek Parkway, we hit the 5k point and I knew I was on pace, or just slightly faster than my 5k times in my past few half marathons. This was right where I wanted to be since I wanted to keep a steady pace throughout the race. Miles 4 through 6 curved around the Tidal Basin. Sadly, the cherry blossoms were not quite at full bloom; they were mostly buds. If only the race was today!
Mile 4 (8:24)
Mile 5 (8:43)
Mile 6 (8:25)
Mile 7 (8:31)
I got in my head around Mile 7. I don’t know what happened because I was running a really strong race but around Mile 7 I started to doubt myself and talk myself out of running. I guess I managed to get out of my head enough to rally for the final mile of the race, but it was a struggle.
Mile 8 (8:55)
Mile 9 (8:57)
Mile 10 (8:35)
I am a firm believer that each race teaches you something new. This race I learned that despite my best efforts, sometimes your brain has more control over your achievements than you would like to think. If I had only mentally toughed it out a bit more during those final three miles, I am pretty sure a 1:25 would have been a possibility. While I am still proud of a PR and running steady splits at the 5k, 10k, and 10 Mile marks, I hate feeling like I came up short. I really want to work on getting rid of the mental roadblocks I encounter during my races. I’m not sure how that will happen, but I need to really find my inner toughie.
Any advice on conquering mental hurdles?
Lisa
PS. Check out this awesome site from the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. Just plug in your information and there you have it! The numbers/infographic geek in me LOVES this!
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