Short story: 1:32ish and I had so much fun!
Long story: My dad and I headed over to the race around 7am. We went the back way because of potential lane closures, but got super lucky and found a great parking place. A short walk later, we were at the starting area. With 30 minutes to go, we got in the portapotty line and waited. And waited. And waited. When we were down to 5 minutes to the Wave 1 start, we decided we just had to head to the start line, even though my dad was in Wave 2 and I was planning to run with him. We got partway to the line and realized that we both REALLY needed the potty. So, back to the lines we went. Best.decision.ever.
At that point, we found a section where the lines were only 2 deep. We got in quickly and then headed back to the start line, getting there with a couple of minutes to spare before Wave 2 started walking to the start line. I’ve never started in Wave 2 before and was dreading it, but it actually turned out well. I’m usually way at the back of Wave 1 and spend the first mile trying not to trip on anyone. We were only about 10-15 feet back from the start of Wave 2, so we were able to get moving pretty much right from the beginning.
We did a pretty good job of taking it easy for the first five miles. I actually saw the Washington Monument this time! (Yes, in past races, I’ve been too focused on running to notice WHERE I’m running. My goal this year was to see the course.) We walked the first two water stops and at one point ended up in a construction area where we were running on gravel. That was interesting. At mile 8, we picked it up (just as we hit the “hills” AKA bridges). That was exhausting. I kept wanting to slow down, but I kept repeating “suck it up, buttercup” and “leave it all on the course” in my head. Over and over. In the end, we managed negative splits and I was only a minute or so off of my PR and I had a lot more fun than previous years. Win/win!
Mile 1: 9:17
Mile 2: 8:52
Mile 3: 9:27 (water stop)
Mile 4: 8:42
Mile 5: 9:26 (water stop)
Mile 6: 9:05
Mile 7: 9:02 (water stop)
Mile 8: 9:00
Mile 9: 8:42
Mile 10: 8:45
(Garmin says I ran 10.25 miles, so numbers may not add up correctly LOL)
All in all, it was a great race. It’s unlikely that I will run it again, so I was happy I enjoyed it this time.
Congrats on the race. I was there too but didn't fare as well. I had a hamstring cramp right before mile 8 and ended up hobbling the rest of it. Why aren't you going to be able to run this one again?
Great job!!!!!!!
I did a race in the zoo last weekend, and "forgot" where I was…. until I saw a zebra. It's better when you can actually enjoy it and see your surroundings!! Great job on the race!
I love that you do all these with your dad. Congrats on a great race!
I like that idea of seeing the course. I'm working on that goal as well. Great job!
Awesome! Congrats on an enjoyable and speedy race!
Congrats on the 10-miler! I inadvertently ended up in wave 2 of a 10K in May and it turned out for the best… nice to have so much space in front!
Congrats on the 10-miler! I inadvertently ended up in wave 2 of a 10K in May and it turned out for the best… nice to have so much space in front!
Congrats on a great race on both time and experience! Its always great when they both come out well 🙂
Congratulations!! ARMY just keeps getting more and more organized and I enjoy it more every time I run it. I totally get not knowing where you are, as I ran past the Capitol yesterday, I was like, huh, I always thought we were running past the white house. I guess I'm always dazed at that point!! Great job and great time, nice neg splits! 🙂
Love those WIN/WIN races!! Excellent Job!
Glad you had so much fun and got to take in the sights. Congrats!
Great job. I will be running a similar course next Sun with MCM. I am nervous… but determined!
I love to hear you had fun! Great race!
Nice race! And kudos for enjoying it. It's not for everyone, that mass of humanity. I don't know how they manage to organize that many people, but I guess the Army has some experience with that!
so excellent.Love the photo!Amazing job.
yeahh so glad you had a fun race, I just love to read that and still am so envious you can run with a parent!
You seem to be getting a lot faster under the radar here – great work!
That is a well run race! Close to your PR and you got to enjoy the scenery and company! Congrats!And I love the necklace!
excellent time ….i love that you run with your dad.
I have never been in a race with waves……or if I have I don't remember it! Congrats to you and your dad.
Great job on the race! Even more special because you ran with your dad.
Congrats on a great ten mile race! You look great in that picture:) I think it is so special that you were able to run with your dad again!
Love your post. Congrats on the run..
Congrats on the 10 miler! Glad you were able to enjoy your last time running this race and with your dad! awesome!
Congrats on that 10 miler race. you did a great job..Really nice! More power!
Conratulations! Glad it went well!
Congrats on a great race
Congrats on what sounds like a great race!