Ten For Texas Race Report

It was so nice to race so close to home...I train the race course. I got to sleep in a little. I got to sleep in my own bed, not that I try to sleep in others peoples bed before a race but you know what I mean.

I left the house at about 6:30ish with my coffee in hand. I just had a good feeling about today. I even drove through the Oak Ridge speed trap driving the speed limit. The cop pointed his laser gun at me. I gave him a sup nod with a toast of my coffee mug while double checking, yep I was under the speed limit. He probably thought what in the world is that happy wanderer so happy about. I was happy, I was running a race today and my tri stress factor was obsolete. It is nice to go to a running race. No bunch o' packing of gear. No worries, no bike to carry, air pump, helmet, bike shoes, race belt, goggles, swim cap, filling up the aero bottle, socks, flip flops, little towel to throw down for your gear on, remembering where you are in transition, count the racks from swim in/run out, setting up transition, racking up the bike....The list can go on and on. Not that I hate it because the accomplishment I feel at the finish line makes up for it tenfold, but there is just quite the checklist you have before a triathlon versus a running event. This morning was, Garmin, check, Fuel Belt/nutrition, check, I'm' outta here, check.

This was the third year of this race in The Woodlands. Year one, I didn't even care about it. Year two, I cared about it but I was just barely running my first 5K that day. Year three, I was racing it. I say racing it because I refused to fall into my 12 minute man again.

Thanks to my, Coach K who gently asked, "Why aren't you doing 10 for Texas? " After talking with my tri sis, she said, "Girl, you just need to suck it up and run. Your paces from track show you have it in you. There is no reason to still be at 12."

Sometimes, you know 'things' in your mind. Sometimes you tell yourself, to challenge the 'things' in your mind. Sometimes, you need someone to put 'things' right in front of you and challenge it for you.

Can I just say besides the beautiful well supported course, the port a potty facilities were top of the line. They were so nice people were taking forever probably doing their duty while reading the paper.

I went with a, " just run plan". Probably not the wisest thing to do, but I had to get over this fear I have of kicking it up a notch on long runs. I have gotten into this mind set on the long runs to run easy really easy. Well guess what body, running should not be that easy sometimes. I should feel like I am running sometimes....The "just run plan" mainly consisted of listening to the body, RPE wise. I knew if I did the chest strap HRM I would be staring at my Garmin the whole time and most likely trip over an acorn. I kept it mostly about a 7, a very hard effort. I figured just keep going and run till you see Coach Bill at mile 8 aid station get a little, "Go, Viv" action and your golden for two more miles.

The "just run plan" worked well pace wise in the end. I got my 11ish for a 10 mile run. I felt great! I got to see a few of my Strive teammates after the race. It is always nice to see friendly faces you train with at the end of a race. I had to run off to Lil' Buster's football game, and work the concession stand. It was a long morning, and stretching properly took a back seat. I had planned on an ice bath, but by the time I got home that window was kinda closed. I woke up this morning with my legs extremely sore. Luckily, I always have a plan and had a 2PM massage scheduled. Just what I needed.

I am going to put my balls to the wall and go ahead with an official statement for the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. I will be searching for my sub 2:30...

Friday's Workout:

1 mile easy run

1 hr Spin class

coached mostly off bike except W/U & C/D

Saturday's Workout:

10 4 TX

10 miles 1:54.28 (11:27)

Sunday's Workout:

DOR