Green Valley 10 mile Race Report

The 33rd annual Green Valley Road Race has 8k and 10 mile events - I was doing the 10 miler for the 3rd time (2007, 2009) having set my PR here last year with a 1:18:08. I was hoping to run 8 min/mi giving me a 1:20, but I really wasn't sure I'd be able to run that fast. Treadmill workouts always seem harder than outdoor running for me, and last week's runs weren't terribly easy.
The 8:45am start was a little crowded, but ran off the left side to get around some people before settling into my rhythm. Tucked in beside Jim, a fellow GTC-er and Charlotte Marathon finisher, right ahead of me), so I knew we'd have a similar pace/goal. Also saw my first rabbit from 8 yrs ago (She had her music going and she probably wouldn't remember me anyway) right there, so I'd have people to chase. Started off right on pace with a 7:50 and felt fine. Came upon another runner (TD) I see in many races, but she was fighting a sinus thing, so we didn't run together long. That was my slowest mile (8:14) and I'd new I'd have to push to keep the 8's possible. Jim got about 25 seconds ahead of me and stayed there for a bit before I sloooowly reeled him in over the course of 5 miles. Back to running by myself, occasionally passing people. In fact - I don't think anyone passed me after the first 0.25 miles. Hit some climbs and went thru the third mile in 8:05, then ran a 7:41 to get back on my goal pace. (4 miles in 31:52). Kept thinking this race really didn't seem too far and the miles kept coming pretty quick - in my head at least. Got the to heart of the hills and ran consistently 8:04, 8:00 and 7:51 as I passed a few more people and caught and passed Jim around mile 6. So thru 7 in 55:49 - still right on pace. I had started thinking in the back of my mind that a PR was possible, but I didn't know exactly what time I had to beat (1:18 something...). If I pushed hard...I could break 1:19 and then it would be close. Picked off 3-4 others from miles 7 to 9 running 7:45 and 7:48. Was mostly a gentle downhill thru here, some on the Swamp Rabbit trail, but I knew there was a small rise in the last 1/2 mile that I never enjoy. Still saw some people I wanted to catch 50 yards ahead, so kept at it, as I kept thinking I was hearing footsteps behind me to push me even harder. I also knew my wife and daughter would see me finish, so I wanted to have a strong finish too. We got onto the mall at Furman and I passed 2 or 3 more as I was intent on one more guy ahead of me. Passed him with 30 yards to spare and finished with a time of 1:18:32! I was very happy with that (even after finding out I missed a PR by 25 secs or so). I really enjoy the course and the distance - not exhausted afterwards but feel like it's still a good challenge. Any run can be a challenge, but still!
Team DNR All Stars (our relay team for the Palmetto 200) had a good showing, Terry and Dave finishing around 1:16, Kerrie ran well I'm sure although results won't be up until tomorrow, and Kathrin snuck by in 1:36. Christina, Ken and our team leader Chris all ran the 8k too.
Other noteworthy events:
Reedy River 10k in 2 weeks...not sure I can do 7:25's to PR there...
and I finally registered for the Chattooga 50k on June 6th!

Green Valley Rcae Report

Did I PR?
YES!
Green Valley 10 miler started at the Furman campus at 8:45. Sun was out, about 40 degrees at the start, not much wind - Excellent running weather! Great crowd for the 8k and 10 miler. No rabbits in this one - just me trying to hold an 8 min/mile pace. I never really know where I'm at the 1st mile, go out a bit fast for the first quarter mile, then get into a nice rhythm. 7:39 mile 1. Legs didn't feel great - just a little sluggish in the thighs that stayed there the whole race. Kept having to "will" them to keep the pace, even to keep moving (mostly later on). Was tempted to stop and walk about mile 8, but kept at it. Passed quite a few people the last 3 miles I hadn't expected to also. My pace varied quite a bit - but it is a hilly course, so I'll attribute it to that. Slowed to an 8:15 at one point, but kicked in a 7:14 the last mile to finish in 1:18:11 (or so) by my watch. I was very focused on my running the whole way - very few moments of wandering thoughts - mostly monitoring my breathing, keeping my legs moving, wondering are the people in front of me getting further away???
Will be interesting in late April at the GW Parkway race...that one is downhill. Wonder how much, if any, faster I will be.
I'm out of town for work the next 11 days or so - so maybe I'll post a bit more from my hotel room in El Paso. Have to find a 14 mile route for next weekend, either in El Paso or if I take a jaunt to Tucson to visit friends, may squeeze one in there.