What better way to justify gorging your stomach with turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pie, and more than to run a race the same day? So this morning, I woke up at 5:30AM to run the Run for the Hungry 10K in downtown San Diego.
The race was much better this year than last. By the time it was 7AM, the weather was warm enough to wear a t-shirt.
The race started and I was near the front of the line, racing from the beginning. Propelled by the energy of the group, I ran a 6:35 first mile, and kept racing after that. I gradually slowed down, and by the time I hit 3 miles it was around 21:45. My previous 10K had been more than 49 minutes, but at this point I knew that I would beat my goal of 48 minutes.
During the race, I kept switching between going faster and then falling back to catch my breath. Eventually I found a comfortable pace, and half a mile from the finish I pushed myself. I knew I could go faster, though my lungs were struggling for breath. So I leaned forward and picked up my legs. I made it through the finish in less 43 minutes.
After the Race
I’ve become hungry after that race! As I left the post-race tables filled with food and walked to the parking lot, the 5K race started. With plenty of energy left, I was tempted to join and run again.
My fitness level has increased since my flu more than a month ago, which I would say is a good sign. I have a way to go before I am back in half-marathon or marathon shape, but given that I have two months until the Carlsbad Marathon I am satisfied for the time being. Maybe I’ll try a 10-12 mile run this weekend.
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Well done and excellent time! Much faster than what you expected. I did enjoy the run, even if so early in the morning. And I was so glad about the change of T-shirt at the last minute: got hot quickly!