Thursday, May 12, 2011

To 10k or Not to 10K? That is the question.

I have a confession to make.  My name is Christy.  I am a runner and I have never done a 10 k race. There I said it! I have done lots of 5k, 5 miles, and two half marathons, but when the choice presented itself, I have always chosen the 5k over the 10k.  Why?  Speed!  I was a sprinter in high school and liked the shorter sprints then too.

  I told myself last year that when I could get my 5k time under 7 minute miles I would go for the 10 k.  I have a deadline fast approaching for a race sign up and I have to choose 5 or 10k.  I have run two 5ks this year under my goal time. Even the 5 mile I ran last weekend was chip timed at 7 minute per mile pace, though my Garmin had my pace at 6:55 minute miles (what? I did that!?) and the course at 5.08 miles.  So I think I am ready....right? Is this the fear of the unknown rearing its ugly head? An extra 1.2 miles, not quite 5 laps around the track.  Even though I haven't trained on a track on years I still think of distance in terms of how many laps around the track, anyone else do this?

I'm signed up for a 10k in August so I know I won't be a 10k virgin for much longer.  They changed the 5k route for this race and it looks crazy with lots of turns so I think I will take the plunge and go for the big 10.  Last year I did this 5k for the first time and loved the route it was very fast and I had a personal best time.  Since they changed the route I am not as excited about it.  But then again the 5k is a Road Runners Club of America Regional Championship Race and the 10k is not.  So I wonder if that means it would be easier to win the 10k in my age group! All the fast runners will be doing the 5k!

I have until the 15th to get in my race registration to get the early discount rate.   Hmm decision, decisions, decisions.  and the answer to the question is...

to 10k!  I just decided that it would be fun to run two this year so that when I do the other one in August I will have a time to try and beat and get a new personal best.  Wow, just making that decision made me get butterflies in my tummy and my palms sweaty!  I think it will be good to get outside my comfort zone and branch out!  The thing I have to remember is: I run because I love to. 

Anyone else going to try a new race distance this year?
What race distance has seemed the most intimidating to you?

6 comments:

  1. My first race ever is next month and it is a half marathon... Then two weeks later I'm doing a 5K (but I'm going to be my mom's racing buddy on that one, so I won't be going for any certain time, just going to enjoy the day and the scenery because it is a trail 5K).

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  2. You TOTALLY can do this!!

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  3. I'm so glad you found my blog! I have only run 2 10ks but I really like the challenge they give. You can go all out like a 5k but you can still push pace! I would say the most intimidating for me the 25k. I have only run 1 and it stunk! The intimidating thing about the marathon isn't the race it's the training. I loved the race!

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  4. 10k's are by far my absolute favorite distance so you must do it for me. Please! I love them because they are not too short and long enough to feel like I got an awesome workout. I have also heard from several people that 10ks are the best way to improve marathon and half marathon times. Do it! Do it! Do it!

    I am running a marathon for the first time in 9 days. Woo hoo!

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  5. That is so funny...I have never done a 10k either! I have done a TON of 5ks and one half marathon! I am doing a 10k at the end of May! Just think...you will have an automatic PR since it is your first one! I am sure you will do great!

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  6. Thanks for stopping by my blog. :) I'm a new follower of yours now too!
    Congrats on the new PR for the 5K. I would definitely count it. And extra congrats on the 2nd overall! That is awesome!

    This post is close to my heart because I've never run a 10k either. I think I might make it happen this year too. I've done everything from 5k, 8k 5mile, 12k, 15k, 10mile, to half and full marathons. This is the year of the elusive 10k for us! ;)

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