Happy Monday! Hope you’re recovering from the lost hour of sleep… I’m not a fan of the time changes, but I’ll take the extra light in the evening.
So most of you saw that Saturday’s 10k was rough. I knew a pr was doable… my last 10k was on a miserably hot and humid day where I bonked half way through (can you call it a bonk in a 10k? I’m going to.)
This one wasn’t much better. I was aiming for 42:30 ish but knew that was impossible by about mile 2. They can’t all be fun. 
At least I had some excuses to ease the disappointment.
Excuse #1) Unlike the half last Sunday in the cool, dry 40s, Saturday was 60 degrees when I woke up and muggy. I was sweating already in my easy mile and a half warm up, and knew it was going to be a tough one.
Excuse #2) Despite taking it relatively easy all week post-half, six days was not enough recovery time. My quads were tired half way through and I could not will them to move any faster.
We started on time, at 8am. I ran into a friend before hand, which boosted my spirits briefly!
L found a friend at the race, too.
The first mile or two felt comfortable but I was breathing much harder than I should have been. By mile three, my quads let me know they were tired.
Cheers from this little one made me smile, but didn’t help my legs go any faster.
I forgot that this course ran under an overpass. We dipped down and climbed back up three times to the half way mark, and then turned around to repeat those “hills” three more times. Hills is a relative term, but it is pancake flat here and my legs insisted that they were climbing!
My split at the 5k was 21:27 but I was struggling to hold on. The humidity was so thick- I have so much trouble breathing in those conditions. On the way back, I passed some of my running group out for their Saturday long run on a parallel trail. That boosted my pace for about ten seconds.
Final push to the finish
My pace was slipping away in the last mile. I tried to pick it up for the final stretch but didn’t have much left.
Final time: 44:07 (average pace 7:06)
Not the pace I was hoping for, but still a one minute pr. For six days post-half, I’ll take it.
It certainly makes me all the more determined to find another 10k and try again. But probably not until the fall… it’s only going to get hotter here! I’m going to squeeze in a few more 5ks before summer.
Afterwards, my family dropped me off to teach my spin class. Not my brightest idea, but I made it through.
I stepped outside to find daddy and L on the nearby field, playing a “racing” game that L made up. Here’s how you play:
Pick a field with bleachers on opposite sides. The daddy makes a horn sound and the 3 year old takes off running across the field to the bleachers. When she arrives and climbs up two bleachers, she makes the horn sound, and the daddy has to sprint to her. Then it’s her turn to run back to the original set of bleachers. Repeat until too tired to continue or until the daddy says it’s time to go home.
I even joined them for a few laps. I’d have to say that was the highlight of my weekend.
Tell me a highlight from your weekend! Have you done back to back races?
Ha, ha–love the game!
You still ran an awesome time, especially one week post half. Given all that the day gave you, I am super impressed! It’s so hard to have heat/humidity thrown at you before you are acclimated. Next time will be the big PR you are after!
misszippy recently posted..Running pace vs. running effort
you are simply amazing!!! REST today!
Lindsay’s List recently posted..back to basics – 5 exercises every woman should be doing
You did great for being one week post-half with that humidity. I think underpasses can be brutal — especially since you do the downhill first so there’s no relief at the top! LOL on the running game. I think you have another little coach in your family.
Coco recently posted..Training Log: Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (Week 2)
Exactly! Going downhill first makes them so much tougher.
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Ahhh! Love the game! May have to try that once all our snow melts. Great race despite the tired legs! I’ve only done one 10k but kind of liked the distance. They’re hard to come by.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Marathon Monday Week 4
I dont run.
ID SO SO SO BE IN FOR THAT RACING GAME TOO
Miz recently posted..Im STREET STRIDING into spring!
I cannot believe you taught spin after that! L is so cute with her friend and cheering for you!
Amy @ Writing While Running recently posted..Miles for Music 20K Race Re-cap
Awesome job!! Humidity is a run killer for me too. But what an awesome time!
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Fun For Friday – Half Marathon Thoughts
Great job, back to back races are tough! O loves playing racing games too, she loves setting up a “marathon” complete with water stops
Jen recently posted..Marathon Weekly: Week 7
WOOOHOO! A 21 anything for a 5km is FREAKIN ROCKSTAR!!! SUCH A GREAT PR!! You go girl!
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) recently posted..Musical Monday – Inner Ninja
What an awesome game. Your daughter is sooo cute!
Jess recently posted..Flu Season Infographic
You’re a beast going to teach then after that rocking 10K time awesome job!
Kat recently posted..Motivational Monday – Featured Sneakers #21
Congratulations, that’s a great result. Nicely done. Love the pics.
Robin recently posted..Back from Vacation, Resuming Training
Great job at your race!! I hate running in the humidity but it’s unavoidable here in VA.
Natalie recently posted..Spring is ALMOST here!
Girl! I would die running a 7 minute pace! You ROCK! Congrats on the PR even though it’s not what you wanted. Yes humidity is rough…that’s what it’s like here 95% of the time and you never get used to it. The bleacher racing game is awesome!!!!
Mindy @ Road Runner Girl recently posted..The Weekly Chase #11
Thanks, Mindy! You’re right- you never really get used to humidity. But at least it makes for a big pr when those cool running days come!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Awesome race!!! I’ve only ever done one 10k race! It was lots of fun
Kierston @candyfit recently posted..I Trust My Body…
No matter … that time is still great!!! You were able to pull that off after the half and not so long after a full marathon! I haven’t run a 10k in a long time but I too find it to be a tricky race. It is just short enough to be one you try to gun through but long enough for some wiggle room.
Christina recently posted..My Fall marathon choice
Exactly! I don’t think I’ve ever run a great 10k…
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
I think you did great under those conditions and after racing last week’s half hard. Love that first pic of L and her new friend. Precious!
Marcia recently posted..Stuff I Love: Green Edition
I think you did a FABULOUS job! I honestly can’t even imagine going that fast haha
The day I break 10:30 we can celebrate!! Kudos friend!
Thank you! And I will celebrate with you when you break 10:30!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
You are a rockstar! Congrats on a PR, I know it isn’t what you wanted but it is a great time especially with all you have going on!
I love the photo of your daughter cheering, makes me wish I had a little one to do that!
I am beyond impressed with your training and how awesome your races have been, on top of having a life and a family!
For the record, I love the added daylight at night, but the mornings are rough with the hour lost!
Laura recently posted..5k, 20 miler, Monster Trucks & more!
Thanks, Laura!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Congrats on the PR! One-minute PR for a 10K is still huge. And impromptu race games are the best. Basically I love anything that tires my kids out so they sleep better at night.
Yo Momma Runs recently posted..A running nightmare and shoes so bright they scare some
Congrats on the PR!!!
I love L’s running game – that sounds something we’d play in Girls on the Run to get the girls to run laps. L is a marathoner in the making!
Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons recently posted..Plugging into the Positive Cord
Ummm..I would kill to get a HUGE PR in the half and then get a HUGE PR in the 10k the following weekend! Seriously – 1 min off a 10k is incredible – even on fresh, tapered legs =)
Congrats on a great race – hope you get plenty of time to rest/recover this week!
Michele @ Nycrunningmama recently posted..Ava & Liam WINNER + Discount Code
Thanks, Michele! I’m happy I did what I could, and it’s always nice to know I could do a little better next time I get a chance to go after the 10k again!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Good lawdy! On tired legs! Still a great time and a new PR (even tho it’s not the big jump you wanted – is still a PR!
Humidity is my killer too
Way to go speedy! You always have such great pics for your race recaps!
beka @ rebeccaroams recently posted..Huge Group Giveaway: Lululemon + a Race Entry
Thanks, Beka! You’re right- a pr is a pr.
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Congrats! A 1-min. PR is awesome! I’ve never run back to back races . . . you are amazing with all the running AND teaching spin and such. I don’t know how you do it!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance recently posted..Friday’s Five
way to go! I hhaaattteee humidity but sadly run in it most of the year! You did AWESOME!
I PRed in my 5k Saturday!
Heather recently posted..Run for Relief 5k Race Recap
I hate it too, and it’s also humid most of the year here! At least it makes for improved times when a nice, cool day hits.
Congrats on your pr!!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Umm girl that is amazing 6 days after your PR half. A minute PR? Seriously, you should be super proud! And I LOVE L’s running game. Too cute.
Jen recently posted..8 week half marathon training plan
You are such a fighter!! You did an amazing job!
Farrah KabaritI recently posted..My First Trail Race: Jack Rabbit Classic recap
You should definitely be proud- awesome job! And I saw on IG that you taught spin afterwards! Now that is superwoman!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats recently posted..Fettuccine with Seared Tomatoes, Spinach and Goat Cheese
Haha, thank you! Or just plain crazy.
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Laura – you are a total rockstar. Great job and congrats on your PR in not so ideal conditions AND a week after your huge half marathon. And you went to teach spin afterwards?? Amazing. I love that picture of L cheering you on and her running game. So awesome.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Adventures in Food Prep and Meal Planning
Thanks, Christine! Sometimes it’s just easier to go then to find a sub, but my legs were toast by the end!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Laura, that is a fantastic time! Perhaps not the time you were going for, but keep in mind you have have training for marathons and half marathons so the 7:07 is a great time considering you’ve trained for endurance not speed. I’m so proud of you! Congratulations my speedy friend!
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..A Healthier Strawberry Milk
Thank you, Lisa! And you’re so right- I haven’t been training for speed at all. I’m switching gears now, hoping to run a few quick 5ks before the heat of summer is here!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Awesome race even with tired legs!
Lindsay @ Live. Love. Nutrition. recently posted..Weekly Meals and Workouts 3/10
I’m going to have to try that game with my two year old. Seems like a great way to burn some energy and have fun too!
Be proud of your run! You still did amazing but you’re right not every race can be a good one.
Katie @momslrb recently posted..Cherry Limeade Nuun Giveaway
Fantastic job, especially considering the circumstances! And I think boinking during a 10-K is completely possible!
Amy recently posted..I Guess I’ll Look at the Sky Instead of the Road
Thank you, Amy! Yep, I think so too.
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Nice job! Back-to-back PRs, teach me your ways.
I was thinking about doing the Shamrock Strut 10K next weekend if I didn’t PR on Saturday but now I’m thinking I might need a little break from racing three weekends in a row. I’ll probably do another one in May even though it still probably won’t be “high chance of PR” weather, haha.
Emilia @ Run for Your Life recently posted..Rodeo Run 10K + getting my mojo back
Haha, thank you! Yes, I think I’m going to sit it out… but a 10k is a little easier to recover from, you might be fine. Especially is this cool weather hangs around! This morning’s run was perfect!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Hi, stumbled upon your blog for the first time and I am impressed. Loved your writings.. Subscribed and looking forward to more interesting posts. Keep rocking. x
Great job on the run. Keep continuing ..
Thanks,
Borntoworkout.com
Born to Workout recently posted..What to eat to gain weight and build muscle? Tips on Gaining weight
Thanks for your sweet message! Checking out your site as well.
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Congrats on the race! I’m like you – I have a lot of trouble breathing in humid air like that. Good for you for pushing through, even only 6 days after your half!
Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian recently posted..Home, Sweet Home
Thank you, Sarah!!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Congrats on the PR- that is freaking awesome. Especially for a PR a week after a half marathon. I hope that you can find another 10K to run before this summer. I can’t imagine there is a lot of races there during the summer.
Tasha @ Healthy Diva recently posted..Week 9: Is this almost over?!
Thanks, Tasha! Yes- not much here at all in the summer. I might be able to squeeze in one more 10k, but am also looking at 2-3 chances to pr the 5k next.
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
L’s game sounds like so much fun!!! (I miss those days.)
Great job on your race & PR!
Kim recently posted..Exercise – Do it for Yourself!!!
Thank you, Kim!!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
I’m so impressed! In the humidity! And you were brave to sign up for a fast race so soon after your amazing half….and then to set a PR! One minute is huge in a 10K. I hope you have some good rest planned now. :^)
The 10k was set up first, and then I found the half and wanted to squeeze it in before summer hit! So that was really my goal race anyway… and now I still have the 10k to chase..
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
i reject your excuses because you had a great race!
for a few years some friends and i would run the shamrock half marathon, then the monument ave 10k, which are always a few weeks apart. EVERY YEAR we’d be so pumped for the 10k because we just assumed we’d have amazing times after training and racing a longer race…but we were always wrong. we always needed more recovery time and ran so-so 10ks. oh well, it was fun!
Amanda K. recently posted..Snow day
Thanks, Amanda! Yes, even when you’re feeling good, it doesn’t necessarily mean your body is full recovered. I didn’t intend to have these back to back, but found the half after I was registered for the 10k, and the half was more of a goal race for me anyway.
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
That looks like a great race esp in the heat and less than a week from a half! Congrats!
Liana@RunToMunch recently posted..Malden Eats – Oya Cuba Cafe & Sun Kong Dim Sum
Thank you, Liana!!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
My weekend highlights was the Training Peaks coaching clinic. The BEST clinic I’ve been to for coaching yet, it was fantastic! Although between that and entertaining friends in town for the weekend, I am exhausted and need a weekend.
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..Meatless Mondays from A-Z: Highlights
Oh, that does sound fantastic! But I definitely know what you mean about a weekend leaving you in need of a weekend.
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
You are amazing! Well done so close to rocking the half.
I am lucky if I can hold that pace for 1 mile let alone a 10K
I placed in my age group for my 5K yesterday! All smiles!
Gianna @ Run, Lift, Repeat recently posted..Winning is FUN
Thank you… and congrats to you!! That’s awesome!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
That’s awesome! Great job! I the summertime I do a lot of back-to-back races with my club. It seems like every other one is what I was hoping for.
Karen recently posted..Training Update
If I had half your speed, i’d be happy! and i love your lil cheerleader
lindsay recently posted..Wiggle Room
You did great under tough conditions…and 6 days post-half! Awesome! I can’t believe you had anything left to go teach a spin class – wowza!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted..Change in race plans
Thank you, Michelle! I wouldn’t say I had much left, I took it pretty easy on myself in spin.
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
The 10K never seems to agree with me either. You still did a great job despite the less than awesome conditions!
Sarah S @RunningOnWords recently posted..Weight Loss Wednesday 2.9–Two steps forward, one step back
Thanks, Sarah! I don’t know what it is about the 10k- so hard to conquer!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
It just blows my mind how fast you are! My idea of “flying” is a 10 minute mile and being dragged across the finish line lol! Good job mama!
Stephanie recently posted..Motivation Monday: Stomach Flu: 4, Fit House: 0
Haha, thank you!!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Way to go Laura! That’s an awesome time and it looks like it was fun!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome recently posted..MIMM – Bloggiversary!
I think you did a great job!
Jenna recently posted..17 Days of Green: The Eleventh #17daysofgreen
You did amazing, considering what tough conditions you were in – both the weather and the fact that you JUST ran a super-fast half! And you were still able to PR by a full minute! Incredible! I can’t believe you went and taught spin after that, too. Hope you had a more restful day today : )
Michelle recently posted..You Never Know Until You Try
Thank you, Michelle! When I put it all in perspective, I’m happy with how it went. But I’m still determined to get that 10k goal.
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Congratulations on the PR! You are so speedy Laura!
Suzanne recently posted..Green Haven Creek B&B
It may not be what you wanted, but it still a great race, especially considering the conditions. I totally get you on the humidity thing, I think it is the toughest thing to overcome. Nice job. Keep up the strong training and you will get that 42:30!
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta recently posted..Weekly Training Recap: Failure or Rest? And What I did Instead of Running
Amazing!! Love the pic of your daughter with her little friend. So stinkin’ cute!!
Kristin recently posted..Running with a Side of Basketball
Your cheeks get so rosy, but you still look super cute! I look like a mess about to have a heart attack.
Good job on your PR – even if it wasn’t as fast as you’d like. You still rocked a 10K less than a week after a Half and THEN taught spin, too. You. Are. Amazing!!
Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course recently posted..Cee Lo Green is LOBERACE
Haha, thanks! Yep- I’ve always turned beet red. Don’t think that will ever change.
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Seriously – you went to teach spin after that? You are such a rockstar.
Sorry the race wasn’t ideal, but you still did great.
Love little L’s game, so super cute!
Carrie @ FamilyFitnessFood.com recently posted..Best Body Bootcamp Update
I am looking for a 10k in April (mid-to late April preferably). I haven’t seen much out there. Do you have anything on the agenda?
Crystal@TheFastFitRunner recently posted..An 11 miler, and Cirque Du Soleil!!!
I haven’t seen much, either. I’m signing up for a handful of 5ks and maybe the 4 for the park in April. I need to figure out which 5ks… it would be fun to meet up at a race since our other meet ups have fallen through!
Laura recently posted..Just for fun- Talent Show Tricks for Treats
Great job Laura! If you can PR feeling sluggish, imagine how awesome you will do when you feel good! It’s been a long time since I have run a 10k, there aren’t many around here. I would love to do another one though:) Glad you had such a great weekend!
rachelle q recently posted..7 Miler and a Hill!
That’s a tough turnaround to try to PR in the 1/2 and then make your legs go SUPER fast again a week later! That’s a great time, considering the circumstances!!
Corey recently posted..Halfway
That time/pace is fantastic, Laura! And just after a half?? Way to go, girl.
Danica @ It’s Progression recently posted..You ARE Worthy.
A PR so soon after a half?!?! You are seriously a rock star! The only time I’ve done back to back races was I paced a friend through her first half marathon and then a week later ran a full marathon. It wasn’t really the best of plans for having nice, fresh, rested legs for a full.
Raquelita recently posted..Race Report: San Diego Half Marathon
You are the PR queen! Great racing- especially so soon after your amazing half!
Jerilee recently posted..Another 20 miles in large circles…
I think that it sounds like a legit good time with the fact you were still sore for the half! great job!
Courtney recently posted..Getting Back Into Things!
Wow! A PR 6 days post half marathon in those conditions is pretty dang good! I absolutely love L’s new game!
Mandy recently posted..We’re So Classy
Nice job Laura! Even though you weren’t thrilled, it was still a PR, which is fantastic. And that game at the bottom sounds like fun. I’ll just have to wait until I have a four year old to play with!
meghan @ little girl in the big world recently posted..Dear Friday… {spring break edition}
WOW that is a really great time! You really are getting fast!
Travel Spot recently posted..What I Love: Not
Congratulations on the PR!! I know you’ll kill the next 10K!
I have done back to back races, about three weekends in a row, but I’m sure you already know that
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted..Thursday Facts
[...] racing the past two weeks (first the half marathon and then the 10k), it feels good to feels good to have a “normal” weekend. I’m turning my focus to [...]