I can't think of any better way to tune up for CIM than by running a smooth 10K along with 30,000 other runners through the streets of East Sacramento on Thanksgiving morning, raising money to feed the hungry. That's what I did Thursday, and had a blast. I was going to run at tempo pace but decided instead to pace a friend who was running a little slower, hoping to break 39 minutes. That was the first time I had paced someone else in a race, and I loved it. The experience took my mind off my own aches and pains and worries and let me focus on her race instead. Even though we were still going at a pretty good clip, I was chatting with spectators, thanking volunteers and urging my friend to stick with it when things got tough toward the end. Also: enjoying the fantastic weather and the beautiful fall colors all along the route.
Alas, we were fooled by our technology again, as our Garmins told us we were running a sub 6:15 pace that would put us comfortably under 39 minutes. But either the Garmins were wrong or the course was long, and by the time I saw the clock at the finish line, it was reading 38:54. A final sprint to the finish mat put me over the line 38:59, according to my chip time. But while my friend crossed at the exact same time, her chip time showed 39 flat. Still a PR, but a slight disappointment that she didn't break the 39-minute barrier.
What a great day, though. I think it was the most fun I have ever had in a race. It left me feeling happy and excited about the real event to come, on Dec. 6.
Alas, we were fooled by our technology again, as our Garmins told us we were running a sub 6:15 pace that would put us comfortably under 39 minutes. But either the Garmins were wrong or the course was long, and by the time I saw the clock at the finish line, it was reading 38:54. A final sprint to the finish mat put me over the line 38:59, according to my chip time. But while my friend crossed at the exact same time, her chip time showed 39 flat. Still a PR, but a slight disappointment that she didn't break the 39-minute barrier.
What a great day, though. I think it was the most fun I have ever had in a race. It left me feeling happy and excited about the real event to come, on Dec. 6.
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