It's been almost a year since I've raced! The last race I toed the line to was the CGI Unite For Charity Half Marathon in April 2010. This year I am really trying to make an effort to get my fitness back to where it was 2-3 years ago, feel healthy, be competitive at racing, etc.
So I started picking up my training at the end of 2010, running about 40 miles a week and riding my bike some. I'd do a hard day or two a week just to test the waters. I have never raced this early (February) and not being in the best of shape, I wasn't sure what I would run at this Superbowl 10k.
I have to give a HUGE thanks to the Lehigh Valley Road Runners as they selected HCM Foundation as a charity partner for this race. I think it is so great two organizations can work together like this - and the work will directly benefit our community! We had several people get in the race with an HCM spot and collectively they did an AWESOME job on their fundraising. Together they raised a little over $1,500! It is absolutely amazing and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it!
I got in a little warm up run, did a few pick-ups, and next thing I know the race is about to start!! There looked to be some fast studs there as we were waiting for the gun to go off and I thought I would just stay in the front group and see how that worked out!
The awesome race directors, Chris Garges and Carly Patterson, decided to change the course due to the icy conditions. So instead of 3.1 miles out and 3.1 miles back. It was two times (1.55 out and 1.55 back). It was a very smart decision. In the first mile and coming out of the parkway, there were three guys that were holding a good pace and they went off the front many steps ahead of the group I was in! I finished up the first loop with Mark and Bob and as we headed out for the second loop I was feeling horrible. I did all I could to stay in touch with them and hope I would feel better! As we came back out of the parkway again to go up the big hill, I actually did start to feel better! Bob dropped back a little bit and I kept tucked in behind Mark. Hitting the last turnaround and with a mile and a half to go, I thought I would just try to run as hard as I could and see how that works out. I felt great in that last mile! I came in and finished with a time of 35:24 - good enough for 4th place!
This race has definitely kick started my year and I am looking forward to keeping my training going and getting out there and race again! I hope to be at the Quakertown 10 miler next month!
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