Estes Park 10K

...At least it wasn't hot.

That's about all I can say about the Estes Park 10K I ran on Sunday, June 13, 2010. I woke up at 5 a.m. after tossing and turning all night (but that's been about my normal sleep schedule for about a month). I had a horrible running week (probably due to lack of sleep), and when I woke up and looked outside, it was pouring. I was VERY close to just going back to bed, but I needed to get a run in that day, and I knew I wouldn't go back to sleep, so I forced myself to get moving.

The drive up to Estes Park was miserable with wind and rain. I got up there around 6:45 a.m., so I had an hour to wait til my start time. It was about 39 degrees, and the rain just wouldn't let up. I stayed in my car until about ten minutes before it was time to go, then I jogged around trying to warm up.

The race was supposed to be fairly big, but due to weather, most people opted out and many of the half-marathoners dropped down to the 10K instead (goody). The race got started on time, and our small group headed up the first hill before aiming for the trail running around Lake Estes. The course was just paved road the entire time, so my feet were immediately soaked when I had to go through some deep puddles. I plugged on though and made it through. It wasn't my best time, but considering how I felt and the weather, I was happy enough. I did get to see some elk around the lake as I ran by (babies too!), so that was nice, but by mile four, I had a horrible side cramp, so I spent the last 2.2 miles with my hands on my waist, holding my ribs in (not ideal for running well). The race finished with 3/4 of a lap around the Estes Park High School track, and I was able to sprint that distance, though at the point my legs were frozen/jelly (if that's possible at the same time) which made it difficult to pick up the pace.

I finished, snagged my blanket (thank you TJ Maxx!) and got myself some free goodies around the track (yay hot chocolate!). I did meet a girl a little older than me who ran my race (a half-marathon drop downer). She was waiting for her husband to run the 5K, so we stood under the tent and chatted until he arrived. She was the fitness director at the Coors Factory...what a cool job! Perhaps I'll see her in upcoming races...

Anyways, the day was fairly miserable as a total. I went home and ate some real food and tried to take a nap (to no avail). The good news is that I did my icing and bath routine and was not at all sore the next day! Thank goodness for small favors. It might have been a sucky race, but at least I made it through and didn't quit. For that I am satisfied.

Next up...the half-marathon. It's about time!