I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before, but back in the day my day used to be quite the runner. His premier race was the Army Ten Miler (which he ran in a crazy fast time) and there is a framed photo of him from the race in his office at my parents’ house. That photo was in the back of my mind when I decided to sign up for the Army Ten Miler this year. I also knew it’d be a good distance to run just a week after my marathon – I wasn’t planning on racing it but just wanted to get some mileage in my legs. I am really excited to write my first Army Ten Miler Race Recap!
I truly had no expectations for this race. I ran twice in the days following Wineglass – two miles and then five miles and while the runs felt fine, I still felt a little tight. I figured I’d go out slow and take it easy. A number of my friends (both from the Oiselle team and from my training group) were running and so I was hoping I’d have someone to run the race with. The expo was easy for me because it took place at the Armory, which is just a mile from my home. I really didn’t even look at the course map for this one – I just figured out the time I needed to be there and what I was going to wear.
The race started just after 8, and so I was there by 7 and meet up with my gals. We made a last port o potty stop and then headed over to the corrals. I started running with about four of my girls and it was awesome. The race was a bit crowded at the start but that’s to be expected in a race this size (over 35,000 runners).
The first few miles were crowded but it was fun just running and chatting. (10:26, 9:58, 9:49, 10:08). I’m not sure why I slowed down during that fourth mile but I think it must be water stop related. I also lost my run buds during this mile. So I did spend a bit of time turning around to see if I could find them.
My favorite thing about ten milers is that it’s so quick to get to the halfway mark. Before I knew it, I was approaching mile five. (9:14, 9:17, 9:16). As we approached the 14th street bridge (which I’ll run again during MCM), I realized that I could potentially PR. I made a deal with myself that I’d push on over the (very long and boring and hot) bridge and then if a PR was still in reach, I’d go for it. Well, it was. So I picked up the pace and really hustled. I will say that the race was crowded all the way through the end. The problem with that was the last water stop was on both sides of the road and numerous people just stopped in the middle. Ugh. Move, people! (9:02,9:06, 9:03).
I was really proud of how I finished the race. I ran negative splits, stayed mentally strong and was able to push past it being uncomfortable. I definitely thought more than once: “thank goodness I don’t have to try and runs marathon at this pace.” 🙂 I was rewarded with a 1:35:58 finish and a new ten miler PR. Those last few miles were really great for me mentally – especially because I really struggled during the “dark miles” of the Wineglass marathon the previous week. So what does this mean for my running and my goals for Marine Corps? Not too much – I’m going to run three times this week and then three more times next week and then it’ll be race day. Just six runs between now and MCM – crazy.
What I wore: Oiselle Singlet, Oiselle Stride Shorts, Oiselle arm sleeves (which I rolled down by about mile 6 – it got warm!), Zensah calf sleeves and my Mizuno Enigma 5 shoes. In the picture above, I’m wearing my warm up pants, obvi.
This was a fun race and a fun day. After the race, three of the ladies and I went to an awesome brunch at Tupelo Honey in Arlington. It was yummy. After a full day of racing, brunching and mimosa-ing, I was wiped out.
Have you ever run the Army Ten Miler? Do you like the ten miler distance as much as I do?
yay!! congrats again on the race and the PR! I wasn’t a fan of the Army 10 last time I did it and even sold my bib a year later when I signed up again. I can’t get with the crowds and the 10 mile distance. Hmm…
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Fueling the Long Run with Meals on the Run
Loved the race, except for the minor annoyance at the last water stop and I LOVE the 10 mile distance!
Wow having that race after Wineglass is truly incredible. Your running has been going so smoothly lately and I could not be happier for you. Congrats on such a solid race and effort. I cannot wait to see how MCM goes!
Hollie recently posted…Panther Prowl 5k (19:04)
Thank you, Hollie! To be honest, I’m a bit nervous that all this might bite me in the butt but I’m counting on crowd support and friends at MCM to pull me through!
Congrats on a PR!! What a special experience to have a great race that was the same as your dad’s debut!!
Jess @ Jess runs atl recently posted…New Tune Tuesday: Slow Down
Yeah, it was pretty cool. My race was like 30 minutes slower than what he used to run, which is hilarious 🙂
Congrats again and way to push it at the end!! I LOVE the 10 mile distance – definitely my favorite. I thought this was a really great race, but I have to admit I was a bit surprised by the lack of crowd support. I remember cheering at it 2 years ago and Independence Ave was wall-to-wall people and I just didn’t see that this time. Not sure if it picked up as the morning went on, but seems like with such a beautiful day out, there would have been more people out watching. Either way – awesome race, so well organized and loved that I knew so many other people out there running this year.
You know, someone else mentioned the lack of crowd support while I was running. I didn’t know what to expect so I didn’t really pick up on it but you are not alone in thinking that there were way more people out there in previous years!
Wow, nice race Courtney! I have run the ATM a couple times, and it is one of my favorite races. Even though it is crowded, I like the crowds. So many hard core runners, mixed with more recreational ones, wounded warriors and charity rumbers. Inspiring all around. I’m glad you had such a great race, congrats on your PR!
It was a great race and a great day!
Yay! Congrats again on an excellent race! You are having the best fall running season this year!! 🙂 can’t wait to cheer you on at MCM!
Kathryn Gilbert recently posted…ATM Weekend Recap!
thanks friend! so much fun time spent together in the last few days 🙂
Did not know your dad was a runner too! So cool. Looks like another great race for you this year.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet
Yeah he doesn’t run anymore but he used to be pretty serious – and REALLY fast! 🙂
Should running stores have classes on how to take water at water stops? My last race sent out a few emails for info about the course and such and one of them was drinking at the water stops and what to do. If I want to take my time drinking, I step off so I’m not in the way.
Lesley recently posted…The Showdown 5k
I think people should think of themselves as cars – not stopping abruptly while running just like how they wouldn’t do that while driving 🙂
I have been meaning to go to Tupelo since Clarendon Day– glad to hear it’s a good brunch place!
CK @ Cooking Up Kefi recently posted…2015 RnR Brooklyn Half Recap: She Thought She Could and So She Did
Oh yes. It was delicious. Highly recommend it!
Congratulations! Way to dig in and push past the uncomfortable to get that PR!
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…BCHM Training with Hansons: Week 14
congrats on the PR! I have never run a 10 miler-they do not seem to be a popular distance here in LA, but i would love to!
You are truly incredible! PRing right after Wineglass – awesome! I think this is all preparing you incredibly for MCM!
Thanks so much – I’m excited!!
Congrats on the race and your new PR. I think this is a race I need to add to my bucket list!
It’s a good one. I really like the ten mile distance!
Great job on that 10 miler! Right now I can’t imagine facing any distance…I’m so impressed that you pulled off a PR. I think you’re going to do great at MCM!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…The Chicago Marathon: it’s a spectacle!
Thanks Wendy!! I was a bit surprised but hoping it’ll lead to good things in two weeks!
Fantastic negative splits! I did well through the bridge, but then it sucked the life out of me. The Crystal City finish is relatively new (2nd year) and does get crowded between the water stop and all the turns. Thanks for linking up!
Coco recently posted…2015 Army Ten Miler Recap
Thank you for hosting! This was a good race to prep for MCM 🙂
I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS, COURTNEY!! I love that your dad ran this race, prompting you to give it a try; I love that you enjoyed it (in spite of the weather and the massive number of people); and I especially love that you ran so friggin’ well and earned a new PR – woo hoo!!! There’s some school of thought on increased level of performance following a recent marathon, due to the fact that your level of fitness is so high, etc.; I have a feeling good things are coming your way at MCM and I can’t wait to hear about it! Congrats!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Tuesday Intro – Who Do You Love
Tara you just made my day. Seriously thanks for sharing about the increased level of performance post marathon!!
Congratulations Courtney!! Your races seem to be going really great this fall – gotta love PR’s!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Goals for Tough Mudder Philly
It has been a really great fall for me!
Way to go on the PR Ms. Speedy! I haven’t run ATM in years, maybe next year.
Jennifer recently posted…Chicago Marathon Countdown – Race Day Outfit
Thanks, friend!!
Awesome race friend! I love this race and was so bummed that I couldn’t run this year. It was just the right decision. MCM is the goal and I want to get there healthy!! Can’t wait for MCM! It’s coming up so quick!!
Yes, definitely the right decision!!! Can’t wait for MCM!!!
Congrats on your PR and reverse splits! Your recap makes me want to run the race next year. Surprisingly, I’ve never run the Army 10-Miler, and I need to fix that!
Have a great weekend!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…2015 Ragnar DC Recap – Part 4