The Dunkin’ Run 10K | cairns&carrots

Well, I have another 10K under my belt! 🙂 Today I ran the Dunkin’ Run 10K in Albany!

Admittedly, I was a little nervous about running a race today, as I’ve been traveling…but I felt really great when I woke up this morning. I started my day with my standard pre-race breakfast! Bagel thin + maple pb + banana. I actually wasn’t feeling the banana this morning so I took some of it off. I think it was a bit too ripe.

I also had a cup of green tea, which I think really helps. Maybe its the caffeine? I also made sure to drink lots of water yesterday, so I would be sufficiently hydrated for the race this morning.

I was running this race alone, for the first time! Chris didn’t get to register, so he came along to support me. I’m so glad he did! I actually ended up getting there with about 15 minutes to spare, since parking was a bit hectic. If it wasn’t for him I probably would have freaked out and drove home! So thank you Chris. 🙂

I checked in and got my bib number and soon the race was starting! There was a 5K as well as the 10K. I signed up for the 10K since I had a five mile run on my training plan this weekend, so I figured I might as well make it a race, since its more fun that way!

I did not take many pictures since I left my camera in my car because I was in such a hurry, but the race went really well. I started out really fast (surprisingly) and I knew I had to stay sub 10:00/mile pace in order for me to beat my previous 10K time of 59:33.

The course was FLAT, thank goodness, so I knew I had a good chance to PR.

And guess what? I did it!!!!

I ran the race at an average of 9:13/mile pace. I’ve never ran that fast for that long of a distance, ever. I was so surprised and impressed with myself. And I felt amazing the whole time.

Some days I love running and some days I hate it. Today I loved it.

I felt pretty beat at the end, but it was still great. The race was organized pretty well, which impressed me. They had arrows pointing the 10K runners in the right direction, since the 5K runners were finishing when we were supposed to keep going. The signs were helpful!

I rehydrated with my favorite drink.

After the race I dropped Chris off, and then went to Cafe 217 to meet some of my friends from college for brunch! Cafe 217 is my favorite, and I was starving!

Of course I refueled with pancakes. I ordered raspberry chocolate chip pancakes with a side of fruit (instead of homefries). They were delicious!!!

I was exhausted, but it was great to catch up with my favorite girls! 🙂 I wish I could have spent more time with them!

Well, I’m off to relax for the rest of the day. Back to work for me tomorrow!!! Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Question for everyone: what’s your favorite way to refuel after a hard run or workout? Mine is pancakes, of course!

10 Comments

Christina

September 12, 2010 at 1:10 pm Reply

Congrats on your PR! I wish I could call myself a runner but I must admit I suck at it LOL

Jen

September 12, 2010 at 1:16 pm Reply

thanks girl! hey, do you have twitter??

stylish1

September 12, 2010 at 2:01 pm Reply

Great job! I just finished my first 5k! Well, I walked the 5k last year with family and this year I jog/walked it and I feel great! I’d love to do a 10k maybe next year so let’s see what happened.

Hmm so my post run meal was ramen noodles lmao yeah I know. horrible! But we had to run a few errands after and I was famished by the time I got home.

abbi

September 12, 2010 at 2:32 pm Reply

Great job on the race and the PR! (Love your fall header too!).

Nicki

September 12, 2010 at 2:45 pm Reply

Love the photos!! I know they are not of the race itself but I get that as I left my camera in the car and met new DMers today but forgot to take the photo.

Great PR!!!

Fueling after a long run or race is generally eggs first. I will either make an omelet pizza – http://nickisnook.net/2009/11/09/breakfast-of/ . I will also make an egg sandwich with cheese on it and today it included tomato and onion also.

Katie H

September 12, 2010 at 2:53 pm Reply

Great job! You are amazing!

Sam

September 12, 2010 at 4:31 pm Reply

What’s a good race for someone just starting to looking them Jen? I’ve been working out for years, but never formally trained for anything! Any info you can provide would be great!

Jen

September 12, 2010 at 4:48 pm Reply

Sam, I would say a 5K would be a great starting race for someone. The Freihofer’s Run for Women in Albany was my first ever 5K, in 2009. It was an AMAZING experience, and it totally got me hooked on racing, and running! The couch to 5K program is generally the best way to start training for a 5k, I’ve heard. I didn’t do this program myself, but others have and it seems like its helpful. check out this link: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml hope this helps! 🙂