Bayou City Classic 10k race report

Pre –race:
I signed up for the Bayou City Classic 10k several months ago, knowing it would be an easy PR. I have only run a handful of 10k’s in the last six-years and as a result my 10k time is disproportionate to other race distances.

As you’ve read in my prior post, I’ve been sick for the last six days. On top of the illness I’ve had a lot of stress from a heavy 2010 race schedule. Given that it was “only” six miles I planned to run no matter how I felt and see what happens. There was a fair amount of concern because my diet has been atypical and my running has been sporadic this week.

Weather:
It was an absolutely beautiful morning. Before the race started there was a great deal of wind downtown, but I didn’t notice much wind on the course. The temperature was in the mid sixties at the start, which is warmer than I like. The sun was beaming down enough that I found pleasure in the occasional shade of nearby buildings.

Route/course:
The race runs along Allen Parkway, which is utilized by many Houston races. I like the ability to see other runners on the opposite side of the road, but I’m not fond of all the concrete. A couple overpasses provided the only bumps in the road, which are completely manageable.

Damage Control:
I’m VERY HAPPY to report my knees felt GREAT during and after the run. This is indeed good news. Once I got home I noticed a dime-size blister on the inside of my left foot. The blister isn’t painful and I’m not exactly sure why it developed.

Race/RD/Aid stations:
I enjoy the Bayou City Classic, which is a staple for many Houston area runners. The costumes and centipedes are always entertaining. This year I noticed less than years prior. More important, the race funds are pumped back into the running community.

Gear:
I didn’t wear anything out of the ordinary.

Andrea and Taylor walked 40-yards away from our bags so they could cheer for me at the finish line. During that short time someone stole Taylor’s iTouch out of her backpack. There is nothing worse than a thief! URG!!

Fuel/Hydration/Supplements:
With the race being less than one-hour in duration I didn’t waste time taking water at the stations. I also didn’t take gels or sports drink either before, during, or after the race.

Runners and Friends:
I saw lots of familiar Striders and PIM’sters. Other notables included; Jon & Waverly Walk, Jenny, Lara, Roger, Will, and many, many more…

Lessons Learned:
After a week full of illness I couldn’t ask for a better race. I’m absolutely thrilled with my time.

I ran by “feel” and I held the pace as long as I could. I expected to bonk, but I didn’t. It has been a long time since I’ve pushed my body hard and it felt AWESOME!!

Timing:
Both my Garmin and the official time were 54:51, which is good enough for a three-minute PR. I’ll take it!

Weight:
202.5