ZOOMA Cape Cod 10k Race Re-cap
If this isn’t motivation to finish a race, I’m not sure what is….
Wine and massages? I’ll run for that 🙂
The morning started off nice and early (3:30 AM Tucson time!) and I quickly grabbed some food:
‘Bucks, banana and almond butter.
I was SO hungry when I woke up, I really wanted to eat 4 of the bananas with almond butter.. it was so good. I had to remind myself that running on a full stomach (especially a lot of almond butter) feels awful, so I drank the coffee and some water, then had to face my usual dilemma:
long-sleeve or short sleeve?
Whenever I run with a hoodie or long sleeves, I regret it around mile 2. I Googled around a little bit (this is an awesome guide for dressing for long runs in various temps) and decided I’d rather be cold for 10 minutes at the start than spend the rest of the race cursing myself and trying to get the hoodie off.
It was kind of a rough night. I slept horribly -every sound woke me up, guess the mom-radar is in high gear when you’re away- and when I woke up, my eyes were neon red and my body was stiff from 12 hours of travel (including 3 hours of driving yesterday).
Instead of thinking about all of the odds I had against me, I focused on what was in my favor, especially the gorgeous weather. It was a PERECT day for racing.
Cloudy, cool (60*) and a light autumn drizzle before we were off.
And then.. it began. Something that I had been thinking about for the past few months was finally here.
Here’s how the mile breakdown went:
Mile 1: This one is always a little stressful for me. There’s so much congestion, you try to pass people or break away and there isn’t room, so you’re either weaving around or stuck. I did a mixture of both. It’s also a good way to gauge how the rest of the race will go. Often, I make the mistake of starting out way too fast and burning out, so I made a point to keep a solid pace. When I saw my time for the first mile, I knew I could pick it up a little. 9:36
Mile 2: For this mile, I focused on the beautiful scenery. We ran around beautiful historic neighborhoods and along the coastline- it was truly breathtaking. Good scenery is always a great distraction, and whenever I’m in a new area, I especially love checking out the houses since they’re so different from what I’m used to (lots of stucco, Spanish-style homes and brick in AZ). I figured if I could keep it around this pace, I’d feel pretty good for the rest of the race. 8:49
Mile 3: This mile was pretty hilly (so much for thinking the course was a pancake!) so I slowed down a little going up, and sped up going down. I loooooove decline, but had to remind myself to keep it under wraps because I was still less than halfway there. I still had a lot of energy, so I yelled “great job!” to the girls passing me on their way back. 8:53
Mile 4: “Ok. I feel challenged. I had fun looking around in a new environment, I’m done now.” This mile hurt.. mostly my heart and hips. Even though I told myself before the race that I was going to have fun and not focus on being away from Liv, it started to get to me. I think it was the fact that my fatigue started to kick in from yesterday, and at the cheering stations there were little girls with their moms. My heart ached, especially knowing she wouldn’t be at the finish line. I reminded myself of the example I want to set for her and trudged along. 9:05
Mile 5: I had to give myself a pep talk, because I really wanted to stop and walk for a little while, but knew it was my mind and not my body. Running, for me, is 99% mental and if I can convince myself to keep going, I will. My major goals for the race were to finish and not be picked up by the slow truck. My secondary goals were to finish under an hour and run the entire thing. I knew if I stopped to walk, it might not happen, so I kept going. 8:54
Mile 6: A mile and some change left. I always tell my students that you can do anything for 30 seconds, 1 minute, whatever I’m making them do. I was thinking to myself “you can do anything for 1 mile!” but now that I’m typing it, I’m realizing it doesn’t really make sense, even though I could technically be crawling, Zumba-ing or run/walking to make it to the mile mark. It worked though 😉 For the second part of the race, I had been about 20 ft behind a woman wearing a running skirt- it was time to pass her. It feels nice to pass people in cute outfits 8:29 <– fastest mile!
When I got to the finish line, I made the goober mistake of walking after I hit the first timing pad. Apparently I still had a little way to go! Next time, I’ll run until they hand me my medal, or in this case, a really cute necklace.
Garmin time: 55:18 10k
Official time:
Why the discrepancy?
I think the course may have been a little long. After first I thought it was because of my weaving in the first mile, but later found that when I was running in a group, all of our Garmins would beep a significant distance before the mile marker. Either way, I’m pretty happy with my time considering my lackluster training in the Tucson heat.
I couldn’t help but think of my original thoughts when I first agreed to be a ZOOMA Ambassador and on the advisory panel — I felt like I didn’t deserve to do it.
“I’m not a real runner.”
I teach Zumba, I usually run sprints when I get the chance to make it to the gym, and I don’t set my clothes and gear out early for Saturday morning long runs. I don’t do ice baths anymore, haven’t bought energy gels since before I went into labor (they make great labor fuel), and if I get out for a longer run, it’s more casual, with my little lovebug in the jogging stroller. And I think that gives me a lot in common with many of the woman who run races, no matter where our abilities lie on the speed spectrum.
We all have lives and other things going on, but still manage to get out there when we get the chance. Many runners are moms with full-time jobs, husbands who are deployed, in college, lots of tasks and things on their plate. Running doesn’t define them, and it doesn’t have to define me to enjoy it as a small part of my life. I don’t want anyone reading to be afraid to sign up for a race because you don’t consider yourself a runner, or because you don’t think you’d be “good” at it. Get out there and have fun, sign up with some girlfriends,
(thanks again for saying hi, Jill and Lauren!!)
and if you hate it, maybe they’ll at least have an awesome expo like this one:
Tons of clothing vendors, race vendors, food, beverages, wine, free massages, facials and lunch:
(chicken salad wrap -I ate the filling- apple and greek pasta salad + Hint, which I adore)
I loved every second of being here, and am so thankful to the ZOOMA team (Tricia, Brae and Brooke) for the opportunity to come out and enjoy the race.
And now, it’s time to pack up, pick up some food and get on the road for part 2 of my east coast adventures- I’ll see ya in NY!
xoxo
Gina
Something to talk about: What’s your favorite race? Anyone hit any PRs lately? If you have never done a race, is it something you’d try?
Something to think:
Source: internal-acceptance-movement.tumblr.com via Mindy on Pinterest
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Today was my first 5k! Ran it in 33… which I am so, so, so proud of, I really wanted to break 35! It was fun too, they threw colour and dye all over us. I’m still a little purple 🙂
The Color Run?
I’m definitely interested in doing it next year when it comes around!
Nice job with the self-talk, I’m the same way, 99% mental! And Barefoot Pinot Grigio is my “everyday” wine, so I’m super jealous of your finishing treat. Your post makes me want to run ZOOMA sooo bad!!!
Congratulations, Gina! You did an amazing job 🙂 And I’m sure the Pilot and Liv are so proud of you! Have a good trip to NY!
Great job, Gina! Race days are so fun. I always do that mental “Ok, I’m done” even in a 5k around Mile 1 haha. <3
Gina,
Can I ask if safety pinning your race bib to your lululemon shirt caused any snags? I want to wear my swiftly tee to my next race but am afraid of ruining it. Thanks!
I almost threw up three times on my first postpartum run, so this gives me motivation to try again!
congrats! you’re an inspiration with the way you keep thinking positive!
Congrats on the race! It really is such an accomplishment to finish races. I am probably signing up for my first race – a 10K. I know I can run it but it being a “race”, makes me nervous!
I’ve only ever done 5ks. I did one in Flagstaff, AZ (where I’m originally from) called Gaspin’ in the Aspens. You run up the mountain and through gorgeous aspens. Well, I don’t know if it’s because I’m short or what, but there were times where I was literally crawling, having to use my hands to get myself up over big tree roots and stuff, and I felt like such a failure every time a big guy would run past me and just jump right over the things I was struggling with. At one point I was so discouraged I actually stopped moving and looked behind me. I couldn’t believe how far up the mountain I had already gotten, and I couldn’t believe how many women I saw behind me using their hands. It got me moving again right away, and at the end of the race I was very happy when they handed me my t-shirt and lunch bag. =]
this is exactly why i keep coming back to your blog — you are completely honest that it was a rough night and had factors working against you but you did mind over matter and kept going on.
Awesome job, congrats!!! I agree, running is so mental, which is one of the reasons that I love it so much.
I am running my first, of 6, fall half marathons tomorrow and going for sub 2 hours. Feel like I should nail it but I would be lying if I didn’t say my heart will be a little heavy if I don’t! I PR’d 4 miles last weekend and 10 miles the weekend before so, so far fall racing has been great 🙂
I love that message at the end of your post! sometimes we all need reminding. Great job on your race, I’m not signed up for anything right now but i’m thinking of signing up for the moustache half marathon in a month… mainly for the moustache medal at the end 😉
Five Bamboo hoodie?! 🙂 Nice time!! Cape Cod is breathtaking
Last week I set a new pb for my 1 mile an then ran my first 10k on Sunday. Training for a half that is Nov 4th. My goal for the whole fall race season is completion. A year ago I couldn’t run a mile. Jumped in to hard and ended up with stress fractures. Since my return last febuary I have been going slow but steady.
Congrats on the race.
Congrats on a great race, Gina! The look on your face in the pic with the other 2 gals says it all– you look content and happy and just like you had a great time! Seeing pics like this reminds me why I used to get up at the crack of dawn and race (rather than just run on my own like I do now). I love races and love these photos!
And wine and massages? Love those too 🙂
Congrats! I was thinking about your race this morning -good on ya! I have run two 5ks and am training for my first 10k. I started in June doing the Couch to 5k program and now love running. At the age of 39, who knew? My first 5k was at 6 pm, 80 degrees, and hilly – not my usual conditions. I had varying thoughts of “this course is too long” to “I don’t think I’m a racer” to “this sucks”. I walked a little but I ended up coming in decently and even got 2nd in my age group! It made up for all the times I was picked last for team sports in grade school. 🙂
Congrats on finishing strong! =) I’m just beginning to get back into running. And while I have never been great at it…I have been considering setting a goal to try out a race one of these days. Having something solid to look forward to as a reward of sorts would really help me to push my self along and of course to not give up on myself =)
Congrats on the run Gina! This post was the perfect motivation for my second half marathon tomorrow!
good luck tomorrow!
Great job with the run, you did amazing!
With that wine greeting me, I would’ve been pretty pumped to finish the race:)
Strong work Gina! I love your attitude and mentality about running – couldn’t agree more!
thanks, girl!
Strong work Gina! I love your attitude and mentality about running – couldn’t agree more!
Great job with the race!
I’ve only ever done one race before (a 10k) but I would love to run another one. Especially if there was wine greeting me at the end – there are few motivations better than that!
Congratulations! You had an awesome “back in the game” run. Plus wine and massages, score!
For someone who doesn’t deem herself a runner you sure ran quite a bit! That’s awesome! Not much of a runner myself but have recently gotten into it and am running a 5k with my boyfriend in the beginning of October. Can’t wait! I wish they were having massages after ours, that’d be awesome!
thank you! and yes, the massage made it all worth it 🙂
Congrats on the race. You have a great attitude and I totally agree with you. I don’t consider myself a runner whatsoever, but that hasn’t stopped me from signing up for obstacle races to do for fun.
Just one thing I picked up from your post. You said energy gels are great labor fuel. Which ones did you use? Most of them say consult physician if pregnant or breast feeding. Thanks 🙂
Congrats on the race!
I had no idea what Zooma was. (Did anyone?) So here’s what I googled up, if it saves someone else a few keystrokes.
http://zoomarun.com/about/
http://zoomarun.com/ambassadors/
thanks for the links- i’ll add them to the post, too
Good job! You are a runner! The necklace is so cute. I want to do a zooma race to get one of those. (Wine and massage would be cool too)
Great job, Gina!! I just ran my first half today-started out sunny and cool, finished in a thunderstorm and hail! (They called it but I was at mile 10 and there’s NO WAY I was stopping). After that-I know I can do anything! It’ll always be “if you can run 3 miles in a thunderstorm, you can do THIS.” lol
I want to run a race so bad! Congrats on your awesome time and great perspective on fitting running into your life. Your race outfit was so cute!
Congrats on a great race! I really like what you said about getting out there and having fun even if you aren’t a pro – very encouraging and so true. 🙂
My favorite race is the half-marathon. I ran 3 of them before my 10 month old daughter was born and have my 1st post pregnancy one next month. I love the challenge of it. I actually PR’ed a 5K today in the pouring rain, of course having my daughter waiting for me at the finish line helped me push through completely drenched. Signing up for my 1st race was the best thing I could have ever done. I love running and especially having something to train for such as a race now :).
wow, congratulations!!
NOW only if there was fro-yo at the end too! Ha! How awesome! Good job on the run girl! I would so be down for a ZOOMA run and I am not even a runner!
right?! that would take things over the top.. or almond milk ice cream? yesssss
WOW! Is Zooma coming to ATL?!
i just checked- not yet :/ it’s worth a destination trip, though! amelia island isn’t too crazy far from you 🙂 http://zoomarun.com/florida/
Congrats! I’ve pr’ed pretty recently, but I also haven’t participated in a race in a while! Need to get on that, but I would rather train properly first.
Congrats Gina great job! I’m running my 1st 5K called the GloRun in DC in October and I’m excited. Not a runner either and I’ve been on this wee weightloss journey that I’m still on so this is very exciting for me and seeing you do it is inspirational. I love your blog & thanks!! 😀
You did great! Ps. Love that quote at the end.
Wow it looks so beautiful there! What an inspiring post! I bet Livi would be proud!
Congrats on the race Gina! I’m so glad you didn’t let not feeling like a “real runner” hold you back. I think that’s a silly term anyways. If you run, you are a runner. It shouldn’t matter how often or how far you run! Also, having massages after a race = best idea ever. 😀
Great job Gina! That’s a perfect pace for a 10K.
This post was so inspiring. Way to go! I wish that I liked to run. I run sprints and such, but as far as endurance goes I’ve only gotten up to 2 miles. I “think” I can go further, but the whole time I’m running I am calculating how much longer until I can stop. I also have trouble running outside because I just stop when I “think” I am tired. On the treadmill I actually have to push buttons, so I just keep going. I want to run, I just can’t get past the mental component.
Wow, so inspiring! Congrats on the run!
🙂
That is awesome! I have definitely had the “you can do anything for 1 mile” thought when I get to the end of longer runs ha. Good Job!
Way to go lady!! What a great recap – you were pretty speedy on that hill, too! 🙂
I have always wanted to do a marathon but I feel like my mind always gives up in the middle of my runs and I just seem to follow what my mind says instead of my body. I’m glad that you posted what you thought and your progress during each mile! You really inspire me!