Good morning!

I have been MIA because I have been traveling up and down the east coast.  My sister, BIL and nephew just moved to a new city and new home.  I told my sister as a house warming gift that I would help her paint the living room dubbed as the “red room of pain.”  So I decided to make a trip of it and travel up to Maryland for a long weekend (with Scout in tow of course!).

As I was thinking about the need to motivate myself to run, I looked up races in the area for the weekend.  The Baltimore 10 miler was scheduled for the Saturday that I was going to be in town, so I decided to sign up along with my dad and his nephew.  I ran the Baltimore 10 miler a couple times in the past–the first race was absolutely miserable and I think I finished right under 2 hours (I thought I was going to die–this was back in 2009 when I just started running) and the second time it poured down rain and my sister was struggling (I have always run this race with my sister).  So I thought that this would be redemption time!

Admittedly, I have not run double digits all year.  I have steadily been running around 20-30 miles a week with a few 6 mile runs each week.  I figured that I had an alright base to finish the 10 miler.  I started using MapMyRun app about a month ago to track my distance and split times.  I generally run around 9-10 minute miles when I am jogging with Scout or on a 6 miler, I run around 8-9 minute miles when running with Drew and around 8 m/m when running a short 2 mile loop.  I really enjoy running to run rather than for speed, which shows with the fluctuation in my pace.

I completely surprised myself by finishing the 10 miler in 1:23, which is a 8:22 pace.  I started off at a 9 minute pace and finished at 7 minute pace (I decided to kick it up at mile 7 and knocked off a few sub 8 minute miles to finish).  I felt amazing afterwards and still had some energy in the bag.  If I could do it again, I would pick up the pace around mile 5 rather than waiting for mile 7.  It was a great race and I really enjoyed getting to race again with my dad.  The weather could not have been better (low 70’s and cloudy with a light breeze) and the energy of the city was great.  The best part about the race is the fancy swag that we get–hello, coral quarter zip!

Following the race, I got to spend quality time with my family and enjoy my sister’s new neighborhood.  I love having the chance to spend time with my family and (clearly) will take any opportunity I can get to see my nephew!