After a hiatus of a two years, I was once again running the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot. My training comprised of thrice weekly runs (including 10+ mile weekly long runs) and seven times a week (2x day) long dog walks.
I've run this race nine times before, so it's an annual tradition. As for a race plan, my only fitness marker was 6:40 mile splits for my 5k over six weeks ago. So, I figured a 7:00 to 7:10/mile pace would probably be doable for a 10k. However, I hadn't raced 6.2 miles since June where I ran a 46:31 (7:29 pace), so that was a wildcard going into the race.
The weather wouldn't really be a factor however. Sometimes the temps for this race are in the teens. Luckily it was in the 40s for this one with sunny skies. I wore a singlet with arm warmers and a ski hat. I also carried my phone for the first time ever in a race using a belt.
Pre-Race
I hadn't picked up my dad's and my bibs during the week, so we needed to get to the race a few minutes early for packet pickup. We left the house at 7:55am for the 8:45am start. 15 minutes after leaving home, I scored a street spot just a couple blocks from the starting line. We slow jogged over to the bib pick-up line, got our bibs and shirts and then I went back to the car to drop them off. Then it was back to the race area for porta-potties then the start line. The national anthem was sung and we were off!
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| Me and my dad pre-race |
The Race
Mile 1: I lined up just in front of the 8:00/mile 10k pacers in the corral, the horn sounded and we headed out. Lots of kids going out too fast. 7:19/mile.
Mile 2: The only notable part of this stretch was that a guy wearing underwear (and nothing else) was in front of me once again. I believe he runs by his house and embarrasses his kids who are out in front of his house cheering him on. Was one second slower than the previous mile (ha, ha). 7:20/mile.
Mile 3: I tucked behind a guy for half a mile who seemed to be breathing easy and running a steady pace. For some reason he sped up fast then faded, so I darted ahead of him. 7:10/mile.
Mile 4: We were briefly joined by the 5k walkers. This is the perennial problem with the LWTT: The 5k walkers and 10k runners meet up a few times during the race. Oh well, what can you do? Maybe a separate lane for 10k runners? 7:08/mile.
Mile 5: I spotted a guy with gray hair who was in front of me coming towards me as he had just made the hairpin turn. Since I didn't want to risk him being in my age group, I made it my mission to pass him by the finish (spoiler: he was actually in the next age group up). 7:07/mile.
Mile 6: I hit the jets just as I hit the five mile marker, and started my dash to the finish. This is the best part of any race for me. Still having gas in the tank and feeling strong. Started picking off runners as I weaved through lots of 5k walkers and stroller pushers! 6:54/mile.
Mile 6.29: The strong feeling faded and I began to really red-line at this stretch. I tried to not get frustrated weaving by the walkers and to mentally stay with my pace and not succumb to the temptation to slow down to their walking/slow jogging speed. However, this stretch was short and soon enough I hit the finish line, stopped my watch and I was done! 6:29/mile.
Race Summary:
- Official time: 44:46. Official pace: 7:14/mile
- Garmin pace: 7:08/mile
- Overall Place: 32nd out of 333
- Age Place: 2nd out of 15
- Beat my time from June by over a minute and a half!
Post-Race:
I picked up my finisher medal and water, then met my dad who had just finished the 5k and finished first in his age group!
Race Takeaway:
It was picture perfect sunny and cool weather for a race. I'm happy to still be out there running this race for the ninth time. It's an annual tradition that I'm hoping to continue.
Next up: ??
