On Sunday morning, I ran race with a Yeti! The Yeti Chase 10K was the second of three races in the Running Underground’s Winter Running Series. The first was the Stocking Run 5K in December (that I never blogged about).
After flying back home from Austin on Saturday night, I was very happy that the race started a little later – 10AM!
The temperature was strange on Sunday – starting in the 30s and ending in the 50s by the end of the race. Yes, I was overdressed. I didn’t realize it was going to get that warm! The course around the lake was filled with sun, I need to remember that always makes it feel warmer than it is.
The race course was a 6 mile loop around Bear Creek Lake with beautiful views of the mountains. But as is typical here in Colorado, it also included several tough hills! As the race went on, I focused on refusing to walk no matter how much I wanted to. Just slow down and keep moving became my mantra about halfway into the race.
After running 13 miles on Thursday, my legs were already pretty shot before the race started. I hoped they would loosen up as the race went on, but they got tighter instead. As we crossed the 5 mile mark, I tried hard to hold my pace and push through, but my legs pushed back pretty hard. I did the best I could for the day, but the final time was nothing exciting for me.
These types of races can be tough. I was tired from 2 tough weeks of training, no taper (a fun race or C race), but I still wanted to do a good job. So my effort level was high, but my race time is about 5 minutes slower than my PR. I know that’s okay and to be expected right now, especially since my PR time was done at sea level. But man I felt like I had run hard! Finish Time: 54:12
The race itself was very well run, although we did start late to accommodate a number of late arrivals who had to be shuttled to the start. There were plenty of volunteers, easy to follow course, and great traffic control. I do wish they had veggie cup of noodles, as well as the chicken cup of noodles they provided. BUT, they get a pass, since they had gender-specific shirts that are actually cute!
Too many races don’t pay attention to the shirt and it seems like something easy to provide for pre-registered races. Thank you Racing Underground!
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
AWW SOUNDS AWESOME and you still rocked it out!!
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) recently posted..#WIAW – Top 5 Protein Shake Recipes
Thanks Krysten! =)
Way to go! I can’t imagine running that hard with hills and altitude after keeping the schedule you guys do.
Tell Kirk I said nice legs. *whistle* ;)
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Plump My Ride + WIAW
You are such a great encouraging friend – thank you! :) And I passed on the message.
Before you even said anything I thought, “Cute shirt!” :)
Golly, girl, I will NEVER be that fast. I guess it is OK though, since I like just focusing on mileage and my endurance, rather than speed. I just have to remember that it is getting there that matters, not how fast it happens. [Ooooh metaphor for life?]
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen recently posted..Blue…Part Two. [#WIAW]
Cute shirts are important. And girl, you COULD be that fast – I promise. Do you know how slow I was when I started? WAY slower than you. It’s all about how much work you want to put it. Promise!
Nicely done!
WAY off topic but…you look great in pigtails! I always look like a barely legal stripper when I try to wear mine that way.
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe recently posted..The Japanese Pantry is finally available!
Off topic, but hilarious. Really? The pigtails started as a way to fit my hair under a bike helmet, while still working under a swim cap and on the run. Now it’s just more comfortable. :)
Those shirts are really cute! I never want to be a runner until I hear about races.
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted..Are You Crazy?
Race shirts being cute is VERY important. :) And racing is absolutely what got me into running. It’s very fun. Just saying. ;)
I hear ya about bad race shirts! Its great free advertising so I’m not sure why they dont do it more.
Have you ran the Pikes Peak Half marathon? I’m considering doing it. My sister in law ran it a couple years ago and said its was her favorite race but very challenging.
Reba- Not So Perfect Life recently posted..Vegan Saag Paneer- A Southern Indian Dish Vegan Style
Yes, yes – exactly! I haven’t run Pikes Peak – I’ve only been in Colorado since July. I am intrigued by the race, but I also hate hills, so it’s going to take me some time to get there. But that would be AWESOME if you did it!
Great job. It sounds like a fun run and that’s what it’s all about.
Joanne recently posted..Pizza Party: Potato Lyonnaise Pizza with Brie Cheese
Good point – thanks Joanne!
great job with the race!!! looks beautiful there :)
purelytwins recently posted..broccoli breadsticks {grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free}
It is – you’ll get a glimpse of that in SLC for Blend. So glad you’re coming! :)
Congratz on your time! That’s impressive considering the altitude 0.0 I love the yeti shirt by the way. The yeti picture itself cracks me up for some reason :P
Still not where I want to be, but progress is good! And yes, the yeti is hilarious! ;)
That’s a great shirt!
If you ran up Mt Carbon I’d say being only 5 minutes below your PR is quite respectable! Great job!
Heidi Nicole recently posted..It snowed!
Is Mt Carbon in that park? I have no idea where I was – I tend not to look at the course maps around here yet, so I don’t get freaked out. :)
Yea, its the main hill in the park – takes you up to overlook Bear Creek Lake. You gain about 200 ft in a quarter mile…we run and bike it pretty often – that park is only a few miles from our apt.
Heidi Nicole recently posted..It snowed!
In that case, we probably did. Now I feel better. :)
Looks like a fun race. Better to not push yourself on tired legs. It’s always nice to have just a casual race. You look so stinking cute by the way. :)
Wise words – it’s a fine line at every race during Ironman training. :)