On Sunday, I ran Potomac River Running’s Reston 10 Miler. I used this race in place of my long run this week. I signed up for this race on a whim, with the encouragement of my local run buddy, Julie. I knew this race would be hilly (I’d heard about it) and figured it’d be training for Shamrock. I was right in both aspects. My goal was to run the first 2/3 of the race and race the last 1/3 if I had it in me. Well, I kinda underestimated just how lengthy some of the hills were.
As you can see from the chart, these hills were legit. I find hills a challenge but usually I appreciate the change up in muscles being used. These hills were tough, but I felt accomplished every time I powered up one. There were three water stops on the course and while I had my camel bak and didn’t need them, I looked forward to them because I was ticking them off. I knew once we passed the third water stop, we’d be less than two miles form the finish. I ran right next to Julie most of the race and it was great to have a partner. We talked some (not on the hills) and tried to smile for the cameras:
I didn’t really have time goals for the race, but we really picked up our pace in the last mile and…spoiler alert, I just PR’ed! Yep. Pretty excited about that…new 10 miler PR is 1:45:30.
There were a ton of other local bloggers running this race (Sue of This Mama Runs for Cupcakes, Deb of Deb Runs, Allison of Life’s a Bowl and probably more that I’m missing) which made it that much more fun! Not a bad Sunday!
How was your weekend? Any big races or runs?
Congrats on a new PR! Looks like you had some decent weather this weekend?
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Running Like a Girl and Running WITH a Girl
Thanks girl! It was not a bad day weather wise — now it’s freezing and snowing and everything is closed!
It was great to meet you and Julie yesterday, Courtney! That’s a great picture of you guys. That’s my friend Amit from my running group (in the orange shirt) behind you on the left. Congrats on your PR, especially on such a hilly course!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Reston 10 Miler Race Recap And Epic Blogger Meet-up
It was awesome to meet you — you had such a great crew out there! What a well organized race! I loved it 🙂
Congrats on the PR…and on such a hilly course, that’s amazing!!
Colleen L recently posted…Footprints: Monday Morning Recap
Thanks Colleen – it was a fun race!
Congrats on the PR, especially on a hilly course that you were only using on a training run!
Lynsey recently posted…Runniversary Reflection
Thanks Lynsey!!
Congrats on the PR! Sounds like a tough course!
I am loving that picture!! Great race, congrats on your PR.
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…One Day at a Time
Thanks lady! You would’ve liked this one — next year we need to do it!
it’s already on my list!! 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…One Day at a Time
Great PR!! I have never done a 10-mile race! Around us they don’t offer much other choices than just your basic distances. I have been looking for a 25K locally but just have no luck! That is a great photo of you on the course! Usually my race pictures are horrible.
Lindsey @ OneMotherofaDay recently posted…Saturday weekly round-up series #1
I really like 10 milers — there’s something about that distance I enjoy 🙂
That’s the town where we lived with my mom and my high school 🙂 Congratulations on the PR!!
Oh so funny! I knew it had to be close but didn’t realize it was your school 🙂
Great job on the PR on such a hilly course, that’s awesome 🙂
Chaitali recently posted…Weekly review
Congrats on the PR Courtney! And I love the picture! The free pictures are one of the many things I love about Potomac River races.
I ran the Perfect 10 10K back in September, which is the first 6 miles of the Reston 10 Miler course. I remember the hills well, and the fact that you didn’t intend to race and still PRed is such a wonderful accomplishment!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon Training Log – Week 6
Thanks — those pics are awesome! And yes — a hilly course but a good, confidence building race 🙂
Congrats on your PR! Those hills look like no joke!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Back to Weekly Recaps
LOL – they definitely weren’t but I’m really proud of how much better of a hill runner I am now than I used to be!
so great seeing you there yesterday! congrats on the new PR and so looking forward to hearing how you rock shamrock. <3
Nevie recently posted…March Goals and Run Lucky
It was so nice to see you again! You ROCKED it — so proud of you 🙂 Can’t wait to run together again at Cherry Blossom!!
Go girl! That’s awesome that you PRed on those hills! Shamrock is almost here! I had to remind myself that Shamrock is flat so it’s going to be a piece of cake after some of the hills I’ve been running 🙂
Lindsey recently posted…Week 18 Recap and a Winner!
Congrats on the PR!! Those look like some serious hills! I have never ran a 10 mile race but I think it’s a great distance!
Michelle @Baby Blues to Running Shoes recently posted…Competition-too much of a good thing?
Congrats on the PR! This was my first 10-miler and those hills were CRAZY! Your photo looks so awesome. All the ones of me turned out awkward. I haven’t quite figured out how to smile while sprinting toward the finish line or at the end of a long hill, hehe. You’ll have to share your tips.
You did great! You are gonna rock the rock n roll 1/2 🙂 Love your 30 by 30 list, BTW!
Wow, what a hilly course!!! Makes your PR all the more exciting, huge congrats 🙂 Adorable pic too, Courtney!
Denise Laird recently posted…First NBA game
You go girl! Running my first ever 10K as my long run this coming weekend – but feeling good so far with my training!
Get it girl — you got this!!
Oh man that is one hilly course! Congrats on the PR!
Amanda H recently posted…Hello from India!
I LOVED seeing all the pictures… congrats on your PR!
Cori @ olivetorun.com recently posted…Recover with 110% [Giveaway]
Thanks Cori – it was so fun to meet up with everyone!
Congrats! I wish I had it in me to do that. I have always wanted to be able to but alas….I have never tried. Still on my to do list though….
Carie Spence recently posted…Vanilla Bean Cupcakes w/Maple Buttercream Frosting