Notes
Pretty conditions for the 41st running of the Cherry Blossom 10 miler. I was taking it easy because of Boston next week as well as my right hip flexor, which is definitely calling for some rest.
I was using today as a practice round given that I have not had a bib on since last May.
It is weird running races now. My body cannot do what it used to so there was big limitations there even though I remain competitive and fall back on my racing instincts easily.
First 4 miles were rough - I was not really into it. Mentally, I was struggling. My claves were sore. My hip flexor was affecting my gait during the first 2 miles. Also, I felt like 10 miles seemed like a long way.
Mile 1) 8'04"
Mile 2) 8'07"
Mile 3) 7'51"
Mile 4) 7'59"
Around the 5 mile mark, I saw Jasna and just kept in the game.
Mile 5) 7'55"
Mile 6) 7'43"
10K was around 50' - I was getting frustrated. I wanted to go faster but couldn't. During the 3 miles of Hains Point, I came to life a bit and thought about trying to break 1:20 (at mile 7 I was around 56'40").
Mile 7) 7'54"
The race opened up to me and everything became easier. All the sudden, I could ease into a rhythm. I started passing lots of people that had previously blown by me. More confidence resulted in progressively quicker miles 8, 9, and 10.
Mile 8) 7'32"
Mile 9) 7'24"
Mile 10) 7'09"
My hip flexor hurt less and less as the race went on (probably loosened up). Plus, I noticed that I am just too heavy to really do much. Really need to focus on this going forward if I want to get in better shape and have my running improve again.
But it was nice to be out there again and the CB10miler is an iconic DC race. So I am happy that I got to participate. I couldn't help but think with the conditions as they were today - had I been at the start line in shape and fit, this course is for the taking. Maybe one year down the road.