Last Sunday I did Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo - one of my favorite races of the year. Actually now that I do both the 5k and 10k I should say it's two of my favorites! I love it in part because it was the first race I ever ran so I like to see each year how much faster I get. (In my 5th year running it my finishing time has dropped by 10 minutes - woot woot!) I also love that it's fast and flat and not too crowded, which gives me a fighting chance at placing in my age group. And although I sometimes get flack from other vegetarians and vegans for supporting the zoo, I firmly believe they do good work for the animals and treat them with care and respect. The proceeds from this race benefit the veterinary hospital at the zoo, which I think is a good cause. So really, what's not to love about this race?
The weather last weekend was absolutely perfect racing weather - sunshine, blue skies, cool temps, and a gentle breeze. By my standards, Brian and I were a little late getting to the race so I jumped out on the service drive before he pulled into the parking lot and ran to the starting line. I got there just in time for the singing of the National Anthem and then we were off. Initially my goal was to use the 5k as a warm-up for the 10k that was to follow. However, I had a lot of adrenaline going, started out strong, and before I knew it I was at mile 2. With only another 1.1 miles to go there was really no point in slowing down. Plus, the faster I ran the more time I would have between races to switch bibs and stand in line for the port-a-potties (I didn't have time to go before the 5k, remember?). So I just went for it. And when I crossed the finish line and saw the race clock I was so happy I ran the way I did. I raised my arms and gave out a loud, "Wahoo!" I'd never run so fast in all my life. I'd gone balls to the wall. (I actually shouted that to Brian when I finished. Sorry parents.) And I still had another 6.2 miles to run. Oh sh*t.
Distance
5k
Time
21:39
Pace
6:58/mile
Fuel
Vanilla Chia Pudding (this recipe, minus the cocoa), banana
Tunes
Runaway Train / Soul Asylum
Take Me Away / Wild Belle
Michael Praytor, Five Years Later / Ben Folds Five
Mama's Room / Under the Influence of Giants
Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin' / Mayer Hawthorne
Felt / Garbage
After such a glorious 5k I was super pumped about the 10k. I started out way at the front again and from the get-go I was moving at a pretty good clip. I wasn't really passing anyone yet but people weren't passing me, either. After only about a mile, however, my mind started telling my legs they were tired. I started thinking about how fast I'd just run and how far I had to go. Even though I badly wanted to place in my age group I started to tell myself it was okay if I didn't. But both races together are only 9 miles and I easily run 7 and 8 miles a couple days a week. And this is race day! Get a hold of yourself, I thought! haha! Anyway, I knew it was all in my head so I picked a person who was just a little ahead of me to catch up with, keep pace with for a while, and then eventually move on ahead of him or her to the next person. I find that's the best way to keep pushing myself to run faster and faster in a race. Keep running down the next target. Oh, my strategically planned playlist worked great, too! I got lots of cheers from volunteers along the course - and even some high fives - so that made it fun and was also highly motivating. I finished strong again with a one second faster per mile pace than the 5k. I couldn't believe it! So just when I thought I couldn't run any faster . . . I did! Woot woot!
Distance
10k
Time
43:17
Pace
6:59/mile
Tunes
Teardrop Windows / Benjamin Gibbard
Don't Stop (Color on the Walls) / Foster the People
Strange Times / The Black Keys
In the Clouds / Under the Influence of Giants
I Feel Better / Gotye
You Called Me / Mayer Hawthorne
Runaway Baby / Bruno Mars
Mountain Sound / Of Monsters and Men
Dynamite / Taio Cruz
I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor / Arctic Monkeys
Blood for Poppies / Garbage
So Good / B.o.B.
Princess of China / Coldplay & Rihanna
Uprising / Muse
I ended up placing 1st in my age group in the 10k and 2nd in my age group in the 5k - with new PR's to boot! The medals are identical except that the 1st place is gold on the back and the 2nd place is silver.
Congratulations!!! And should anyone question your support for the zoo, inform them that our Detroit Zoo was the first in the country to employ a humane educator (who happens to be vegan) to teach and coordinate programs for the public regarding the ethical treatment of animals!
ReplyDeleteOh I love it! How did I not know that?? Thanks for the info!! :)
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