The Challenge of the 10K

I don't feel like the most advanced runner in the world. I feel like I am better then I was when I started (which should be expected) but with the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k fast approaching (it's Saturday), I am more nervous then I have been before my first race, which was the 2010 Virginia 4 Miler. I am not trying to be cute, I am really nervous. The interesting thing, is I don't know why. I have run the distance of a 10 k before (6.2 miles) on the Blackwater Creek Trail and the course (from what I understand is pretty flat) but I have trained using some hills too running in my neighborhood. I would love to get finish at a time of 1 hour and 10 minutes. I think this goal is going to be really challenging. For the record, my running coach, Marissa Wilterink thinks I can accomplish this goal. In order for me to accomplish this goal, I need to run a pace of 11:16 per mile. In my life, since I started keeping times I have run 11:16 pace 9 times. In my lone 6 mile run, I ran a pace of about 11:49, when I ran my 7.5 mile run, my pace was 11:53. The one thing that I do have to hold onto, is I am determined. I'll outline my goals in a moment, but I normally run better in races then I do when I am just casually running on a trail or on the streets of Lynchburg. I have several friends running in this too, including my frequent running partners, Todd Colinger and Lauren Compton. I not only want to do well, but I want Todd and Lauren to do well. I view running as somewhat a team sport in this regard, I don't want to do well and have Todd or Lauren not do well. I signed up for the 9:28 wave, but I am thinking about backing up and starting in either the 9:34, 9:38 or 9:41 wave, just to relax and take a little pressure off myself. So if anybody wants to come and cheer me on at the finish line, try to be there around 10:45, because that would put me at about 1 hour 11 minutes, so maybe get there at 10:40.


GOALS FOR SATURDAY'S RACE

1. Finish
2. Don't Walk
3. Finish at 1 hour 10 minutes (or under)
4. See some of my friends whom are running in the race, or who are just there (and get pictures if possible)

Look for the recap blog this coming weekend.