Bridge of Flowers 10K in 48:48

Well, the race is finished. I ran exactly 48:48 for the 6.2 Mile course for an average pace of 7:52/mile for the course. The weather conditions were MORE than ideal. Race temperature at start time was 67 degrees with a slight breeze, lots of sun, and no humidity! Given the extreme difficulty of the mile stretch that makes up Crittendon Hill, I am extremely pleased with my finishing time. I started way back in the field, so I probably lost about 30 seconds by the time I crossed the start line, then proceeded to run the first two miles slow as planned. It felt like pace was that of a turtle's, yet I still ran the first 2 miles in about 8 minutes for each mile. It just goes to show how much adrenaline kicks in when the gun goes off. So, I was very comfortable listening to my iPOD and running the first two miles knowing that Crittendon was looming ahead. When I touched the base of the hill I grabbed water from the stop and headed up the hill. Let me tell you, this was the third time running this 10K, and no matter how much you prepare and expect that hill, it always is a killer. It never gets smaller, if anything I swear that hill, or should I say "Mountain", grows in size. So, I imagine mile 2-3 was somewhere in the mid to high 9 minute range. However, after I cleared the top, I felt like a million bucks. Mile 3-4 was a solid shaded downhill, with some flat areas, where I picked up the pace for that mile to about 7:40 or so. Mile 5-6 was more flat areas and a large downhill section as you head back down Buckland before crossing the bridge into Shelburne. I think I nailed this mile in the low 7 minute range. I kicked in the last .2 miles very hard (almost a dead sprint) and finished with a final time of 48:48. I finished 205th out of 540 runners.

I am happy that I beat last year's time by almost a full minute (9 seconds/mi faster pace), and very satistfied I could again fulfill my grandfather's dream to have me run this road race. Thank you to my Mom and Sara for their support!

Day # 27: Bridge of Flowers 10K Road Race in 49:44

On an unbelievably humid morning and sunshine beating down, I lined up to run the www.bridgeofflowers10k.com in Shelburne Falls, MA. In what was the hardest road race I have ever competed in, I finished the 10K in 49:44, eclipsing my goal of finishing under 50 minutes, with only seconds to spare. Mile 1 and mile 2 both featured short short rolling hills. I remember hearing my split of 6:58 when crossing mile 1, obviously coming through way too fast. I then remember hearing my 2 mile split of 14:07, still way too fast (7:09). Mile 3 began the infamous Crittendon Hill, which was a 1 mile run (or should I say slow jog/walk) up a 10% gradient hill. The hill is literally exactly 1 mile, as the mile 3 marker is at the top of the hill. By the top, the heat and humidity had pretty much sucked the energy out of me and the rest of the 983 competitors in the event. Nevertheless, I trudged on, still cognizant of the goal to beat the 50 minute mark. Miles 4 and 5 I pretty much recall as being recovery/hanging on miles where I was trying to ignore thoughts of walking. My guess is that I ran in the 8:45-9 minute range for those 2 miles. Finally, I remember hearing 39:48 when I began mile 5, exactly 1.2 miles from the finish line. Lucky for me, the remaining distance was mostly shaded and featured quite a down hill trek. Realizing the finish was near, I pushed the tempo and started running much harder. Crossing the iron bridge from Buckland to Shelburne Falls with 200 yards left, I had no choice but to stop and dry heave. After thinking all was lost, I told myself again that I needed to finish under 50, seeing that my watch was reading 49:00. I turned towards the finish line and jogged through the line at 49:44, beating my goal and accomplishing a great feat under the circumstances! My reward for finishing? A carnation, 3 bottles of water, and a very happy Sara and my mom. Thanks for cheering me on and being so supportive! A side note, upon reading my results online later on, I realized I ran exactly an 8:00/min pace. Not bad at all. I dedicated today's race to my grandparents. I miss you.