Elizabeth River Run 10k
After a promising opening 2 miles, hopes of a new 10k PR were dashed as the heat and humidity started to take it’s toll. Not one to make excuses, I just wasn’t able to maintain the pace required to get into the low 37:00 minute range. Generally, times were down on expectations and at the finish area people were looking forward to more races in the higher temperatures to get their bodies used to it.
Initially I was a little disappointed with my time, but on reflection it wasn’t a bad effort. I managed to beat 3 people who beat me at the Chesapeake Bay 10k just 3 weeks ago, and I guess 30 seconds away from my best ever 10k isn’t too bad?
Anyway, onto the stats:
1st mile felt really comfortable @ 5:45 and a max heart rate of 168bpm. It was 15 seconds quicker than planned and may be the reason I wasn’t able to maintain my goal pace in the middle of the race.
2nd mile also felt good @ 5:50 (max heart rate 172bpm) and at this point I tried to pick up the pace a little.
Throughout mile 3 I was still feeling good but a bit dismayed to see a 6:01 split as we made the right turn into the hospital grounds. No matter, my legs still felt relatively fresh and I surged a little to pass 2 runners just ahead at the 5k mark.
Not sure what happened in the next 2 miles. Things started to get tough, my heart rate was up to 177bpm and my legs started to feel heavy. I was aware of someone really close behind and it was all I could do to stay ahead of them. Splits of 6:08 and 6:09 killed off any chances of a PR, but I was determined to finish strong and focus on catching the guy about 20 seconds ahead of me.
By mile 6 I’d made up a lot of ground, but was still too far away to challenge. However, I was happy to run a 5:59 last mile, and with the extra effort my heart rate reached it’s max of 181bpm. I know I didn’t have anything left as I crossed the finish line, a few seconds ahead of a couple of fast finishers.
All in all, a good race. I wish I’d been able to stay strong in the middle portion, but for now it’s back to the drawing board to work on a bit more speed and a bit more strength. Next attempt at the 10k PR will be in a couple of weeks time - CHKD Run/Walk for the Kids on June 17th.
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