Army 10 Miler

I was actually dreading this event as I haven't been running as frequently as I used to and I've put on a few pounds (oops!). But I managed to finish the race and felt pretty OK all the way around despite the sweltering heat. Some poor guy actually died just before the finish line. He was only 25. There were a lot of seriously out of shape people running that race and way too many walkers. What are they thinking!

Anyway, my official time was 1:38:41, which was in the top third of women and my age group. (This is the same as my Garmin time, but my Garmin distance was 10:17 mile. My actual 10 mile time was 1:37:20, but I guess everyone was in the same boat). I was pleased with that as it was faster then the Garden of the Gods 10 which I finished in 1:45, but that was very hilly. DH ran 1:30, which was the same as his GOG time. He doesn't like the heat.

So I have been busy sorting out our new house and looking for jobs. I've had a couple of interviews and it looks like one will result in a job. So I'm going to have to get back into work mode pretty soon. There is a shuttle bus from right outside our door to the metro, which will make commuting very easy.

We haven't made it to a hash yet as we have been busy with other things, including exploring all the running and biking trails. Ironically almost everywhere we have been we have seen fresh hash markings! That must be a sign to get our asses to the hash.

"I Like Your Boobs" was in town the other weekend and we met up with him for an evening of drinkling and dancing in Clarendon. It was good to see old friends.

WHY MEN ARE NOT SECRETARIES...

Husband's note on the refrigerator to his wife:"Someone from the Gyna Colleges called. They said the Pabst beer is normal. When did you start drinking beer?"

If anyone is interested....

I'm still alive!!

We made it over to DC and after some intense house hunting we found a nice town house in a cool developement called Cameron Station in Alexandria. It has a pool, gym, basketball court which also has aerobic/weights/yoga classes, two large parks and it is right on one of the many bike trails through Alexandria. We don't close until Sept 24 so I am stuck out at Ft Belvoir for 6 weeks. Dh started work yesterday so I guess I no longer have an excuse for not looking for a new job. Fortunately there are quite a few possibilities. I just hate filling in job application forms. Time to put the BS brain cells into use again.

At last an update!!

I am still in the UK and haven't had much time to email. My sister has dial-up which makes for slow progress! Return to US on Saturday. Having a great time. The weather totally sucks. There has been massive flooding here. Went over to France for a few days which was wonderul and warmer. Great to see family and old friends.

And before I left Colorado Springs I did manage to climb Pikes Peak for the first time. It was hard work but rewarding to have completed it. Fortunately the weather was perfect all day.

Weekend activities

Friday night was the PMS hash with the ladies. It was great fun and thanks for everyone who showed up to wish me bon voyage. We met up with the guys later on at the Thirsty Parrot. DH was very drunk so we headed home at about 11.

Then up bright and early on Saturday to do the Sailin' Shoes 10k at 7am downtown. DH wanted to bail as he felt terrible. I reminded him that it was his idea to do the 10k (I was going to opt for the 5k) and he who had suggested to me that I should pace myself with the drinking on Friday night!! Anyway we crawled out of bed and made it to the race. The irony is that when we started running DH felt fine and I started to feel terrible. Thankfully he ran with me and pushed me all the way otherwise I think I may have quit. A mini sprint at the end to beat a girl I knew and a time of 56:45 ish. 2 and a half minutes slower than last year but no bad with the hangover from hell. My quads were killing me afterwards. As that doesn't usually happen with a 10k I assume they are still shot from last weeks 10 miler in GoG. Anyway, that is my last race now for several months until the Army 10 miler in October. Yippee!!

Saturday was spent recovering and sleeping. I didn't even have the energy for the hash or going to The Famous on Saturday night. Sunday we cleared out the basement. Fun!

The post-race analysis

Oooooouuuucccchhh!

My time was 1:44:53. I'm disappointed on one-hand that my time was not as fast as I would have liked but on the other hand I am just pleased I finished. The first 5 miles went well, then next 2 were OK and then I died over the last 3. I was walking all of the hills after that. I really haven't done any hill training, not even the incline or any mountain hikes, and that took its toll on my legs. I know it was a poor performance because there were people I have been beating easily all year that ran 4-5mins faster than me!!

DH did a great run, finishing in 1:30:35.

At least I know I will be able to do the Army 10 miler in October without too much trouble!! Roll on Washinton DC - no more hills!!!

The pre-race analysis

I have just registered for the Garden of the Gods 10 mile run on Sunday.

I am dreading it for a number of reasons:

1. I have never run that far before.
2. I hate hills.
3. I thought it was on Saturday but it's on Sunday, so I have to re-psych myself.
4. It starts at 7am; I am NOT a morning person especially where running is concerned.
5. Did I mention, I HATE hills.

It is certainly going to be a challenge for me. I ran 9 minute miles for the 5 mile race and while I would like to maintain that pace over the 10 mile course I think that may be optimistic. I definitely want to finish under 1:40 and provided I don't get any unexpected injuries, that should be possible.

On the upside I now have a very cool long sleeve tech shirt to add to my collection. This one I will keep and not ship off to ARC as I do with all my other race shirts.

Wish me luck!