Runners World 10K Race

Last Saturday I tackled 6.2 miles of hills in Bethlehem, PA at the Runners World 10K race.   One of the three races offered at the Runners World event, the 10K started at The Steel Stacks and took us through the town of Bethlehem.

On my way to the start, I enjoyed a P28 bagel with peanut butter for breakfast.  As I had a few hours before the 10K race, eating a whole bagel was the way to go.  When I arrived at The Steel Stacks I was able to meet up with all of the bloggers running the 5K, which was just before the 10K.

Before I knew it, it was time to head to the start line for my race.  I was excited and nervous all at once, but after tackling the 4 mile run on Friday I knew I’d be fine during the 10K.

Now this race was different for me in 2 ways.  First off, it was my first race running by myself.  All of my past races have either been run with Neal or with Becky.  As I was alone I decided to run with my iPod which was actually fantastic!  I loved my playlist.  The other difference was that I decided starting off to ran until I felt it was time to begin using the run/walk technique instead of using run/walk from the get go.

When the gun went off Elton John’s Bennie and the Jets got me into the grove!  Step after step I made my way up the first hill and onto the first mile marker.

 

I ran non stop through mile 2 and then started my run/walk program.  I had my timer set at 2 minutes (run) and 1 minute (walk).  If I was feeling good when the 1 minute started I just kept running.  I only walked when I needed a minute to catch my breath.  I felt great during the race and truly enjoyed running through the town.

As I passed mile 6 I turned the burners on and pushed myself to the finish line.

It so great being welcomed by my fellow bloggers (thank you Harold and Carly for taking photos of my finish) and sprinting to the finish.

I finished the 10K in 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds.  I was certain it was faster than the 10K I ran last year, but was shocked to see that I ran that race in 1 hours and 11 minutes also.  I will say that last year’s race was incredibly flat, so I know that I am faster 1 year later as I tackled those hills last weekend.

I am incredibly proud of what I accomplished last weekend.  My fears were conquered and again I proved to myself and I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to.

I am also so grateful for the experience provided to me my Runner’s World, for my room mate Carly, and for all of the wonderful bloggers I was able to run next to last weekend.  Last weekend truly changed my life!

It was a perfect weekend! Runner’s World did an amazing job organizing the entire weekend.  For anyone looking for a race next fall, I highly recommend looking into the Runner’s World 5k, 10K, and Half races.

Now onto the next race…

Tagged with: 10K • Race • Runner's World • running

Filed under: FitFluential • Races • Running

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