Lung Strong 15k Race Recap

The LungStrong race benefits an NPO that specializes in lung cancer research. Apparently, it's the number one cancer killer. I can support a race that supports that. (I seriously debated entering this race last year when I was training for my first half but in the end, decided not to. It was good to enter it this year!)

It was another early morning for both David and I (he was running the 5k) as we made our 6:45 AM departure for Cornelius. It was a short 15 minute drive where I ate my breakfast of champions- a cliff bar with water.

The entire event was very well organized. From parking to packet pick up to the finish line, the volunteers were superb. The course was well staffed with water stops every few miles. This was the first race (over 10k) that I didn't carry Gatorade with me, so I was a little nervous about fueling. I put some Chomps in my pocket and ate one just before each station. I'm not sure if they were really necessary, but they tasted good =)

By the second mile, I was already starting to feel fatigued. My glutes and hamstrings were sore from the NROLFW sessions this past week, and I'm probably still breaking in the new shoes and insoles. I also wondered what the statute of limitations was on how long I have to blame my Grand Canyon crossing on my performance. The hills were a little more than expected, but completely manageable. We ran mostly through neighborhoods- rich neighborhoods with golf courses and waterfront views.

My goal going into this race was to feel good and give it my all. My one time goal was to keep it under a 10:00 pace and run as much of it as I could. Not only did I meet my goal, but I actually did a little beyond, averaging 9:22 per mile! Watch out Kara Goucher, I'm coming for you! =)

(my Garmin says the course was long. I'd like to therefore take 90 seconds off my final time!)

Since David did the 5k he was done well before me and had time to go to the car to get the camera. I would like to thank him for snapping these pictures.


Final time: 1:28:54, average pace of 9:33. I'm happy with that! It was about 3 minutes faster than my previous 15k race, which was not only on trails but a mile short!

Post race refreshments included water, some really nasty Powerade (I'm not even sure it was Powerade; it was foamy and carbonated), bananas and orange slices. And of course, a celebratory cup of beer. Tasted. So. Good.

Makin' my dad proud!

I was happy with my performance until I looked at the age group results. Third to last. I sulked for about 5 seconds before I reminded myself it's not about others. I run for myself, and if I'm improving and I'm happy with my own performance, that's all that matters!


What's your race or long run of the weekend?

How do you keep from being discouraged when comparing yourself to others?