It Was Hot!

The Twin Cities 10 mile race is part of the Twin Cities Marathon events which I ran on Sunday. Both races start at the HHH Metrodome in Minneapolis and end at the Capitol in St. Paul, the 10 mile is called 'the shortcut to the capitol' for obvious reasons. The day had record heat with the starting temperature at 72 degrees already at 7:00am. In Chicago they were running their annual Marathon on the same day and they actually cancelled the race 3-1/2 hours into the race due to the heat. It's supposed to be cool in October!

Pre Race: Both my sisters had planned on running with me, but Audrey had to bow out because of an ankle sprain the week before the race. Audrey still accompanied Beth and I to the start and cheered us on there. I have run this 10 miler 3 other times and the Marathon twice and this is the first time I can recall not needing a long sleeve shirt to start. It was warm, but we were so worried about rain that the heat never really crossed my mind until a few miles into the race. As we were lining up for the start I notices how clear the sky was and mentioned to Beth we would not have to worry about rain. The bathrooms were crowed (as was expected) so I skipped it, hoping to make it through the race without having to go.

The Race: The gun went off and we were way in the back so it took a few minutes of walking to get to the start. Once we crossed it was slow going through the crowds. My 'hopeful' goal for the race, despite my lack of training was 1:30 or 8 min per mile. The first mile was 10:16 -- way off pace. We picked it up a bit and hit miles 2,3 and 4 all at 9:00 or better pace despite the huge climb to the Franklin Bridge om mile 3. Mile 5 slower a bit to 9:10, but the climb to St Thomas University on mile 6 was brutal, and it was at that point that I knew I could not make it to the finish without relieving myself. There were a few porta-potties by St Thomas and it took about 2:00 to wait in line and be on my way. Beth waited for me, but the heat and the hills were taking a toll on me. The sun was beating down now with less tree shade than I would hope and I knew I had to walk a bit. Mile 6 had slowed to 10:04 minus the pit stop and I told Beth I needed a break and she walked with me for a bit until I told her to keep going. She didn't want to leave, but I insisted, I didn't want to hold her back.

After a block or two, I started up again and felt much better and managed 11:16 for mile 7. For some reason mile 8 marker was missing, but I chugged along Summit Ave. averaging 10:00/mile pace for miles 8 and 9. At this point I just want to get to the finish. My shirt is drenched with sweat and I am very, very glad I was not doing the Marathon. My 'goal' has changed to get under 1:40 or 10 min per mile pace, but the last mile still seemed a long way to go. I walked for another block somewhere along that last mile and was not sure how much more running I was in for that day, until another runner gave me a word of encouragement, and that was apparently all I needed 'cause I picked it up and brought it in with everything I had left. I managed 9:58 for the final mile. Final Official Chip time -- 1:38:53 which is 9:54 min per mile pace. At this point I'm just glad I got under 10 min/mile. If it has been cooler I'm sure I could have made 9:30's or maybe even hit that 9:00. Beth's final time -- 1:35:38. Good job! If I hadn't held her back she would have been well under 1:35

Lessons Learned:
1) Go to the bathroom ahead of time and don't drink too much coffee. I generally only have 6oz or less of coffee on race days, but this morning I brought my mug with me and drank most of it (16oz) on the way to the dome. This was a mistake.

2) Train more. This goes without saying, but my training was pitiful for this run although I am ashamed to admit it.

Next Race: I have my eye on the St. Paul Winter Carnival 1/2 marathon right now.