10K--Moosic City (Nashville, TN)

Yesterday, we drove to Nashville, TN to visit our daughter who is in school at Vanderbilt and to run the Purity Moosic City 10K race.  It was a 10 hour drive, and we had a great time there.

The race started at 7:30 am, and we got there in plenty of time to pick up our packets and walk around.  We even took our picture with the Purity chocolate milk jug!  

 

Chris and I decided to wear our tech shirts that came with our registration, which is always a risky thing to do.  I've read you shouldn't try new shoes, clothes, etc when running a race since you don't know if they'll be comfortable or not.  But, luckily, the shirts were comfortable and didn't bother us.  Mine was a little bit long, but that was it.

The course was very flat and for at least half the way, we ran next to the Cumberland River.  So beautiful.  The crowd wasn't as pumped and excited as some of the races that I've run around here.  I don't know if that is something regional or not, but it is interesting anyway.  In other races, people cheer each other on and always at the mile markers people cheer or whoop or something.  Here I noticed no one did it.  So at miles 3, 4, and 5, I decided that I would holler as we passed over the mark.  Then a couple of other people around me did the same thing.  So maybe they just needed inspiration! Or maybe I was in the group that wasn't as excited.

I had a great race.  I ran it in 1:06.08, which is two minutes faster than my MCM 10K race in October.  I averaged a 10:31 per mile pace which is the same as my Commitment day 5K pace.Amazing!  I felt great the whole race and finished strong.  I was thrilled to see our daughter at the finish line (but I didn't see her until after I crossed, not when I passed her).  Purity Dairies provided milk, oj, and other drinks and ice cream.  There was also spaghetti, rolls, and macaroni & cheese. The whole event was managed well and very organized.

Some runners ran the 5K at 7:00, finished and then ran the 10K at 7:30.  Talk about a humbling experience to watch runners with two numbers (one from each race) pass me close to the finish line.  I know it is only 13 miles, a half marathon, but it is still amazing!

Running these races continue to motivate me.  The early morning wakeups to arrive at the race is the worst part for me.  But I do enjoy getting out there and racing and trying to do better.