SURF CITY 10 MILER RACE RECAP

The Surf Metropolis 10 Miler Race in Huntington Seashore, CA, is a beloved occasion for runners searching for a picturesque but difficult course alongside the enduring Pacific Coast Freeway (PCH). With quite a lot of race distances to select from, together with a ten Mile race, 10K, and 5K, it’s an occasion that caters to runners of all ranges. On this race recap, we’ll dive into the small print of my expertise on this scenic course that supplied ocean views and a refreshing breeze all through.

• Location: Huntington Seashore, CA
• Race Distances: 10 Mile, 10K, 5K
• Course: A flat 5-mile out-and-back route alongside Pacific Coast Freeway (PCH)
• Beginning Level: Close to the Huntington Seashore Pier
• Occasion normally scheduled in September

On race day, the climate in Huntington Seashore was overcast with a touch of humidity within the air. Whereas the solar could have been shy, the ocean breeze stored issues comfy and refreshing for runners taking over the Surf Metropolis 10 Miler. However… in case you’re not chilly earlier than the beginning of the race – it’s in all probability going to really feel HOT. So, we had been dripping with sweat on the finish.

Backstory: I signed up for this race as a result of Kelly from Sparkle Athletic informed me to and I didn’t have purpose to say no. Plus, I’m attempting to make extra associates so that is me attempting…

Severely although, Kelly and Elise from Sparkle Athletic have all the time been tremendous candy and welcoming to me at  Run Disney races going method again. We’ve frolicked much more not too long ago and are formally good associates. That is essential with run buddies as a result of you find yourself telling them random embarrassing tales whereas operating. Plus, they’re enjoyable!

The Begin Line and Race Technique:

As I lined up at first, I discovered myself in good firm, chatting with my good friend Elise. Not like some races the place I set a selected time purpose, this time, I used to be content material to benefit from the run with a good friend and take it straightforward. Elise, alternatively, had a plan in thoughts – she aimed for an 8:30 to 9-minute mile tempo.

I used to be comfortable to run round that together with her till “8:30 to 9 minutes” grew to become “100% 8:30 tempo or bust”. I ought to’ve identified she was going to push to the sooner finish of that vary! (By no means belief a quick operating buddy who says they’re going to take it straightforward at a race.)

RUNNING with a PACE GROUP?

Assembly the 8:30 Tempo Group:
Because the race kicked off close to the enduring pier, Elise and I discovered ourselves operating alongside the 8:30 tempo group. They had been pleasant, and earlier than we knew it, they assumed we had been aiming for that tempo too. Whereas a part of me felt that this tempo was a tad sooner than my consolation zone, I additionally knew that I had the health to maintain an 8:30 per mile tempo for your complete 10 miles. It was only a matter of conquering my psychological hurdles.

The Psychological Battle in a race:

Working with a tempo group could be each motivating and difficult. On one hand, it’s inspiring to have a bunch pushing you ahead. Alternatively, you turn into conscious about your tempo, and that may generally be a psychological hurdle. I sometimes prefer to zone out and let the miles cross. Nevertheless, on today, I used to be continually desirous about that 8:30 tempo, which made it really feel tougher.

I’ve been operating by effort stage over tempo recently.  I’m not used to speaking about or desirous about tempo whereas operating (I take into consideration what effort stage I’m feeling). And I felt like my effort stage within the first half of the race was greater than I may maintain for 10 complete miles.

However, tempo group leaders are there to run a sure tempo, maintain that tempo all through the race, make changes as wanted to complete in that purpose time and provides the runners of their group updates. Principally, it’s their job to suppose and speak about what tempo we’re operating. I 1000% recognize tempo group leaders as a result of it’s NOT straightforward and runners really matter on them. The 8:30 tempo group leaders had been excellent at staying on tempo, giving us updates and had been enjoyable to speak to. My psychological hurdles had been utterly as a consequence of second guessing myself with the ability to grasp on at that tempo.

I wished to again off as a result of I wished to  However I knew I ought to be capable to maintain that tempo primarily based on my present health. So, I let myself run only a few steps behind the group. This manner I didn’t really feel stress to stick with them if I actually wanted to decelerate. However, I additionally wasn’t letting myself again off earlier than I really wanted to.

The preliminary stress finally wore off and I received warmed up and comfy. Within the final two miles, one thing attention-grabbing occurred – I noticed that I used to be completely able to sustaining that tempo. It now not felt daunting, and I even pushed a bit tougher in the direction of the top. Ultimately, I crossed the end line with a time of 1:22:39, attaining an 8:22 per mile tempo – a end result I used to be pleased with!

FINISH LINE

The Surf Metropolis 10 Miler Race turned out to be a gorgeous but difficult expertise alongside the scenic PCH. Whereas operating with a tempo group introduced its personal set of psychological challenges, it in the end pushed me to realize a tempo I used to be initially unsure about. The overcast skies and ocean breeze added to the allure of this race, making it a memorable occasion for runners of all ranges.

Whether or not you’re a seasoned runner seeking to set a brand new private finest or a newbie searching for a picturesque course, the Surf Metropolis 10 Miler provides a implausible race day expertise. I’ll cherish the reminiscences of this race and stay up for new challenges on the horizon. Till subsequent time, comfortable operating! #SurfCity10Miler #RaceRecap #RunningGoals

Ben and Diego got here out to help. After the race we went to Mama’s on thirty ninth, a cute brunch place in Huntington Seashore. They’re canine pleasant and we received a desk on the patio fairly quick (I believe we beat the crowds). And it was a scrumptious victory lap to rejoice a ten mile race executed.

In operating gear information… I want a brand new digicam that does texting (aka… a cellphone). My cellphone had the fanciest cameras in the marketplace once I received it and now can’t focus to take one clear image. I’m contemplating going from Android to iphone. What are your ideas on this?

WHAT I WORE TO THE 10 MILE RACE:

General – I’m comfortable I ran the race as a result of I received some high quality time with my Sparkle Skirt operating buddies. And I’m further comfortable I held onto the 8:30 tempo group as a result of I bodily may do it and it was simply my mindset that was hurting my potential to stay as much as my full potential.