Army Ten Miler Recap

This was a first really big race, the B.A.A. Half marathon the previous weekend had 7,500 entrants, this one had over 35,000.  I was feeling really prepared for this race since it was going to be a lot less hilly than the half marathon the weekend before. This was the first race my husband Tracy and I were going to run together (without kiddo in the jogging stroller) and my brother-in law was running it with us too.  We were also treating this as a quick mom & dad overnight getaway (my mom was watching our daughter).  Funny how running has become the gateway to vacations.

We headed down to DC to pick up our packets at the Armory, a drive we'd done countless times last year since my husband had been stationed at the Pentagon for the year and we drove back and forth to our home.  So happily, we knew where we were going (always a bonus heading to an expo).

In line for the free parking for the expo

We parked the car and headed into the expo. Since we had our ID cards, it took no time at all to get into  the building.

This was also my first time at an expo, it was a little overwhelming. What I learned is to figure out what vendors are going to be at the expo and where and then target them first. 

Just a taste of the vendors.

So we picked up our numbers, checked out the expo for a little bit where I bought a new armband, and shoes at the Mizuno tent and then we headed to the hotel in Alexandria, VA.  The hotel was filled with other Ten Miler participants, and the Metro station was only 2 blocks away and a short ride to the Pentagon. After dinner, I laid all my clothes out so I didn't have to think about it in the morning and headed off to bed.

I like layers.  I  believe it's better to take something off than wanting to put something on.

 Race morning we headed over to the Metro station.  We decided to leave at 7am to head over, so that we had enough time to get through security and hit the bathroom before our corral went off.  We were in the final corral (purple). Purple is my favorite color, so I took think as a good sign.

Riding on the Metro.

We got off at the Pentagon and the enormity of the event was really starting to sink in.  A sea of people everywhere.  

Packed escalators.

There were so many people that you couldn't feel how cool it was out, until you got outside.  It was definitely brisk, but waiting to get through the secure runner area made you forget about the cold.

And this is what thousands of people trying to get through security looks like.

So we made it to the porta potties and gathered in the purple corral.  I had time to stretch again and get the last minute jitters out and then the balloons started moving our group up to the start line.  The cannons went off and we were on our way. Tracy and I were feeling good and my pace was sub 11 minute miles. I always appreciated a good challenge and this race's challenge was to maintain my own pace while being mindful of those around me and finding clear running paths.  At times it was definitely a challenge with so many runners grouped together.

I was and am very proud have run this race for a variety of reasons.  Being among other military families, Wounded Warriors, Active Duty and Reservists and those running in memory of a fallen soldier was a privilege.

On a personal note, I finished it almost 5 minutes faster than the ten mile point from the half marathon the weekend before and about 10 minutes faster than my 10 mile training run earlier this month.  Plus, I got to do it with my husband.

Happy Finishers!

And the coin we got is pretty awesome too.

I would love to do this race again next year for the 30th Annual Army Ten-Miler. I think our times would move us up in the corrals and now I have something to base the next race on. What race would you like to do again?

B.A.A Half Marathon recap

I went into the week leading up to the B.A.A. Half Marathon feeling rested and ready to run. This was my second half, so I looked at the course map to get a feel of the course and see where water stations were.  I was feeling confident and ready to run, but what I was not expecting was race day jitters. Or as I like to refer to it: Unnecessary Freaking Out.  Freaking out about what the 2 hour 30 hour time limit meant and discovering that the course was hilly and then worrying that I wouldn't make the 2:30 cut off with all the hills. So as I was packing my clothes I thought: what would I say to my daughter in this situation? I would tell her to take a deep breath and calm down.  It will be OK.  

So I instead focused on packing my gear and trying not to over pack.

Packing for every possible weather event. Clearly not packing lightly.

So back to the race.  I woke up Sunday morning at 5am and could not get back to sleep. My friend Sarah and I were running this race together, so we got ready and headed to the shuttle location.  

On the way to the race.

We got the the shuttle at 6:45 to head over to the course. Once we got there, we immediately got in line for the porta potties.  I try to go as many times as necessary before leaving the house, as I'm still getting used to using them again (I haven't had to use them since college) so I'm standing in line realizing it's 8am and the line is not moving.  

Our bank of potties...

The race starts at 8:30.  I still have my jacket on and haven't made it to the bag check yet. So now I'm starting to get nervous, about the line not moving and where I'm going to leave my jacket.  We finally get to the potty, I ditch my jacket, we hop in the cue just as Wave 1 is starting...

At the start, getting ready to take off

Approaching the start. My jitters have subsided and I'm looking forward to starting the race (with 6,500 of my fellow runners).

Coming up to the start.

We cross the start line and head off.  The course was described as having rolling hills. It was hilly.  My strategy was to run as many hills as I could and then power walk the rest.  I made it to the hills of mile 6 when I decided power walking the hills would be best to keep my legs from cramping and then running on the flats.  I had been warned about the hill at mile 11, and it was in fact no joke.

The Hill at Mile 11.

What motivates me towards the end of the race when I'm tired is seeing all the the sub 2 hour runners  walking home with their medals, which means I am not far away from the finish line.  This gives me a little more energy that I'm almost at the end, as we run through the zoo at mile 12 and then we're really in the home stretch into White Stadium.

Yes, I'm very happy to see the finish line (and my friend Nicole taking this photo)

So my pre-race jitters were just that, unnecessary jitters.  I finished the race strong and my time was not far off my previous half marathon time (which was on a flat course).  

I did it!

We got our medals, stretched a bit and then walked back to the shuttles to get to the car and head back to the house.

Plenty of buses for everyone.

I had a really good time (who knew that would be something you say after running a half marathon!) and I would definitely do this again next year.  I would love to do the Distance Medley, it may have to go on my wish list for next year.  

I'm feeling pretty good about my upcoming races and my training thus far.  Tomorrow I'll be doing some laundry and packing again for Sunday's Army Ten Miler.

What races are you looking forward to?