YMCA Run in the Parks 2012 10k

Originally I hadn't planned on running this race. But my friend convinced me that I could run a 10k in my sleep. So I decided to show up on race morning and register for the race. I got to the YMCA in Laguna Niguel at about 6am. I registered for $45 and got my cotton race t-shirt, bib, and a goodie bag. I went back to my car to relax before the start of the race. I love running races where they give out cotton shirts. I don't like wearing polyester tech shirts outside of running a marathon.

I ran this race for the first time last year. I still remember the course very well, so I had a better strategy going into this race. There are two good climbs at around miles 3 and 5. Knowing where the hills are on the course helped with the mental part of racing. I wore a cotton McDonald's t-shirt so I can remind myself to have fun in case the race turns bad. Also I wanted to show spectators and those running behind me that you can eat at McDonald's and run a decent 10k. :)

I'm lovin' it!

Race shirt and bib

Starting line

Based on my recent training runs, I figured that I could average around 8 mins per mile. So the goal was to run sub 50:00. If something goes wrong with my ankle, I could slow down and just beat my time from last year.
Goal A: sub 50:00
Goal B: sub 56:23 (last year's time)

The race started promptly at 7:30am after they thanked their sponsors, said a short prayer, and a nice rendition of our national anthem. I got as close to the front as I could, but the race started off pretty crowded. I had to hurdle and sidestep a few kids and walkers who lined up right behind the "elite" runners. I know this race was pretty much a fun run, but it was pretty dangerous to be lined up that far in the front when you're planning on taking a stroll! I guess this will never change. The weather was much cooler this year. My race was going pretty well until about mile 4. The tendons in both ankles were achy and sore during the 5th mile, so I had to back off on the pace. I was getting pretty tired and running on fumes during the last mile. I followed a girl that was running at about the same pace. I passed her with the finish line in sight. I was almost certain that she would challenge me, but she didn't.
1: 7:22
2: 7:40
3: 8:18
4: 7:49
5: 8:11
6: 8:31
6.2: 1:36
Finish: 49:27

I hung out in the finish area to wait for my friend. We traded race stories while drinking some ONE coconut water until it was time to part for our separate July 4th activities. I was pretty happy with my time. It was nowhere near my personal best for a 10k, but I had a plan and executed it almost perfectly. I don't think I could've ran any faster with what I had. In the goodie bag, I found a coupon for a free fish taco at Rubio's and a free frozen yogurt at Golden Spoon.

I didn't think my time was fast enough for an AG award, so I left before picking up my bronze medal. After looking up my results at home, I realized that I came in 3rd. Second place finished around 9 minutes ahead of me. :) They were nice enough to mail the medal to me. I guess I will be back next year to see if I can improve.

Free yogurt at Golden Spoon!

3rd place AG