I won!

Okay, I guess that is something of a dubious honor since I WAS the only one racing, but today's solo "race" was a victory indeed.

This week my lingering congestion transformed into a full-blown head cold by Thursday. Not fun. Considering that, and the fact that I had an early morning hearing an hour away on Friday, I decided to skip my Friday run. It was only supposed to be 4 miles and I figured I could use the rest.

I planned all week to "race" my 10K today. However, the weather turned south again and I couldn't find any takers to participate with me (in person). So last night when the neighbors suggested Chinese food and cards, I decided, "why not?" I knew with the weather, my head cold, and lack of competition, my "race" was unlikely to be all too stellar. So too much sweet and sour chicken and a few too many glasses of red later . . . I decided I wouldn't race.

However, when I woke up this morning (with a nice little headache), I decided I better at least try. So I'd probably have a crappy time thanks to my cold and hangover, but I couldn't wimp out. So I hit the COLD (it was 19 with some CHILLY winds) for a 4 mile warmup. My HR was pretty high (155 for 9:00 pace), but my HR is always ridiculous before races. I came home, swigged a little gatorade and hit the streets.

Stats:

Mile 1: 7:10 / 178
Mile 2: 7:07 / 187
Mile 3: 7:08 / 189 5K split: 22:08
Mile 4: 7:11 / 186
Mile 5: 7:09 / 187
Mile 6: 7:08 / 188
Finish: 5:30 pace :)

10K Finish Time: 44:13

Yay! This is only 3 seconds off my PR! My course was a typical route I run with several inclines and declines with 3 or 4 hills. Imagine if I did not have a cold, did not drink last night and had 10 more degrees.... This is good news.

Time to sign up for a real race - I just may have a PR in reach this season.