Race Result

Racer:	Jennifer Burg
Race:	Army 10 Miler
Date:	Sunday, October 7, 2007
Location:	Washington DC, DC
Race Type:	Run - 10 mile
Age Group:	Female 35 - 39
Time:	1:22:29
Age Group Place:	63 / 1337
Comment:	Seriously....October?

Race Report:

I wasn’t sure what to set as my goal for the ATM. This was my third double race weekend and my track record on the second day has not been good. I was going in thinking of this as a training run for the MCM. However, I was on a high from the Saturday triathlon and thought I could maintain that positive spin through the ATM.

You know how you wake up on a race day and just know it’s going to be interesting? It was definitely one of those mornings. My stomach was upset and I had consumed too much salt water the day before in my swim. Well, I thought a banana and some water would be the best medicine for me. I grabbed my nana and headed out the door. WOW, it was already humid and warm. The drive into the city was quick and parking was a cinch. Unfortunately, I am a picky banana eater and my nana did not pass the test…too mushy. I decided to go with no race day fuel. Not a smart decision, but a decision I had to make. It was only ten miles, right?

I joined my guy best friends and we proceeded to the start line. We have all run together for a while and have even won a team event. I tend to fill the token female requirement in four man teams. LOL Anyway, they were shooting for PRs so I gave them my love and we all split up into our corrals. I missed my motivators but decided I would pick up a pace group somewhere along the way.

The first three miles were just jam packed. There were way too many runners that had seeded themselves wrong. I had to weave and cut my way through. I knew I was expending way too much energy with little fuel in reserve. Nonetheless, I continued the agonizing game for a good while. Finally at four miles, I latched on to a couple of gents. They were cooking at a 7:40. We chatted and ran for a mile or so and I knew I just couldn’t continue too much further at that pace. We still were playing the dodge ball game and I couldn’t do that and maintain the 7:40. So, at their next sprint past the herd, I bid them farewell. They shouted back “come on” and I just couldn’t do it. UGH! What I would have done for some orange slices at that point.

The final 5k was rough. The heat, sun, and humidity were playing with me. I needed better fuel and more water. Cytomax would have been ideal! So, I just accepted the pace I knew I could run without getting sick or too overheated. My garmin time was 1:21 but my chip time was 1:22. Still, I placed 63 in my age group. Considering the conditions, my 8 minute pace was just fine.

I met up with the other RATS and enjoyed some good conversation and brunch. Dave and Reid recounted the race and exchanged war stories…too funny. After a drink or two…Shawn, Reid and Dave were ready to solve the world’s triathlon problems and were already conjuring up training events to do. My stomach was still questionable so I stuck with just a water and diet coke. Thanks for my drink! I owe you guys one.