We’re sprinting into 2019, halfway through March, and that means we were long overdue for our first race of the year. Moving really out a damper on each of our running, but when it comes to racing the muscle memory is there and you’ve just gotta run with it. See what I did there? We decided very last minute to participate in the Summerville’s YMCA Shamrock Shuffle and emerge in the running community.
Registration
When I got home I immediately planned my outfit, and in typical Kate fashion took a flatlay.
I wasn’t too committed to it, but decided on
- Team CMT singlet
- Running skirt
- Palms bra
- Neon green Pro Compression socks
Top of the Morning
We woke up cold and the thought of wearing a tank and skirt made me chilled to the bone. I ended up swapping the skirt for leggings, which covered my socks, and throwing an old race jacket over my singlet. It reminded me I need to buy a new running jacket, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for that.
Race Day Makeup
I always wear a full face on race day, because I want to look good in pictures. I didn’t used to care, but then I looked half asleep and exhausted and like I was in pain (because running hurts) in all the race photos. And when I started winning awards, I really wanted to look my best. This means
- BB cream and concealer
- Mascara
- Lipstick (I don’t wear color daily but always always always wear it to a race)
And today I even experimented with some eye shadow for festive reasoning. Not that I have green eye shadow, but if I did I would use that.
We got to the venue and found prime parking because Jonathan’s car is small. There was a tiny spot on the grass no one else could fit in, so we slid right in. Quick potty breaks and a warmup run, then selfies of course, before making our way to the starting line.
We were a little nervous about pushing the stroller at the front of the line, but surprisingly the actual runners had no issues. People saw him and asked if he wanted them to scoot over. There didn’t seem to be any issues.
The biggest shock- when the national anthem was sang, the crowd kept talking. Pretty interesting.
When the gun blew, we took off. Jonathan disappeared and I set my Apple Watch for the race.
The Course
I am not a fan of the Apple Watch for races. There’s no way to indicate the exact start, just the three second countdown. I also didn’t feel it was accurate with distance. I began with an 8:30 pace, and as I weaved through the downtown streets I stopped twice for water and at least three times to stretch my hip flexor. The Apple Watch must have been set to average pace instead of current pace, because after I stopped it never showed a good pace again- it stayed about 9:40 from then on, even when I was sprinting to the finish line it said 9:17!
The best part about my leggings is the pocket, so I was able to play my 160 BPM playlist and stay motivated.
Awards
I never go into a race expecting to win. Jonathan does, but when you average a 6:30 minute/mile pace you get used to it. I am always surprised and humbled when I see my name on the timing list.
I ran through across the mat just under 30 minutes, which is exactly what I was hoping for. It’s not a PR, but it’s a hustle and I’m proud of my time. But imagine my surprise when I saw I was 2nd in my age group and that the girl who was first in our age group had beat me by only a few seconds! She was only 4 people in front of me, which was totally attainable if I hadn’t stopped for water. Oh well, I won a medal instead of a trophy.
Jonathan was 1st in his age group, of course, with a time of 22:21 (with the stroller). Naturally he pushed the stroller up to the podium for a picture, even though Charlotte-Ann was now knocked out cold.
What’s Next?
The next big race is the Cooper Bridge Race, but of course that’s the same weekend as the Powerlifting competition. So unfortunately we won’t be running that. But if you know if any races in the Charleston area (preferably 10k) let me know below!