My First 10K Race is on 10-10-10

After training hard all summer, my first 10K race is finally here. I’m running the Boo! Run for Life race on 10-10-10. I remember the fateful day that I committed to run it. It was June 6, 2010 just after I finished my first 5K race. For some reason I get caught up in the energy of racing and commit to running other races. I just committed to run the Cherry Blossom 10-miler in the Spring and I haven’t even run a 10K race yet.

Anyway, when I committed to the 10K race, what I didn’t know was how hard it would be to train during one of the hottest summers on record in the Washington, DC area. Getting up at 6:15 am to beat the heat isn’t easy. I also had to figure out how to train around one of the busiest Augusts we had at work — 14 hour days were the norm. Then there was the Jewish holidays in September. Because of the timing, we observed 10 total days instead of the usual 7. And if that wasn’t enough, I pulled a hamstring on September 26. Sigh…

So even after all of these challenges, I got it done. I’m strong, I’m running faster, and I’ve figured out how to run without aggravating my hamstring too much. The physical aspect of the race should be fine. It’s a flat, out-and-back course.

I’m still working on the mental aspect. I’ve laid out everything for Sunday so I’m not searching for anything at 5 am. I’ve checked the weather so I know what the temp will be. I’ve figured out the best foods to eat that won’t weigh me down, and I’m hydrating. I’ve charged my iPod, although I’m going to run without it unless I need the distraction.  Melanie is picking up my race packet on Sunday and I’ve made a list of what I need to take with me.  Sounds good right? Well, there’s one more thing I have to get worked out.

I’ve been mentally confident until this week. My friend Melanie, who is a tremendous runner and a great supporter of mine, was supposed to run the race with me. She’s an amazing cheerleader and I knew if it got tough she would get me over the finish line. Unfortunately, she badly sprained her foot a couple of weeks ago and can’t run. When I went out for an easy run this morning I realized that I would have to bring Melanie with me in my mind and my heart. Physically she will be at the race on Sunday even though she can’t run. That’s a true friend. But it doesn’t surprise me…after all she’s a runner and that’s what we do for each other.

Last spring, I went with Melanie to the Cherry Blossom 10-miler as her crew. That’s where I caught the racing bug. I can’t wait to run with her at that same race next spring and to also run a half marathon with her next year. Who knows? Maybe I can convince her to run a marathon with me in the future. We’ll see.

Happy running!