Since I didn't get in to the Marathon this year, I'm trying my legs out on some smaller races, starting with my first 10k this morning in Central Park. Despite the fact that my longest morning run has been 5 miles, and I average about 3, I was sure it was do-able. It was the Park to Park 10k that takes a circuit of Central Park to complete. Having never been to the top edge of the park, I was rather looking forward to the 'tour' of it.

I snagged a handy ride over with my friend's husband, who was also running and is marathon training, and my friend baby-sat both of my boys for me for the morning! M is still working Saturdays all summer, so I had to find backup. I started my stretching on the front porch at 7am while waiting for my ride. He came late, so I got a decent amount in.

It was great to be in Central Park before 8am, another first for me, and then to merge into the sea of other runners getting ready. Number pickup, pin and t-shirt pickup, baggage drop, bathroom stop, and I was ready to finish my stretching. I parted ways with my ride, as he averages 8 minute miles and I seem at a steady 10.5 mile these days.

The start was staggered by average mile time, and so it was up to me to be honest and go to the 10 mile post near the back of the starting line. With 5,000 people running, this wasn't irrelevant ... though as I'm not in real race contention, it doesn't matter all that much. They score the races based on when you cross the finish line, irrespective of when you actually get to cross the starting line. It took me almost 5 minutes to get up to the starting line, so I was glad to have my watch keeping me aware of where I was really at.

I had to do a lot of weaving/dodging the first 2 miles, but the pack finally thinned out a bit. I had to learn to follow my own natural pace, not the pace of whoever happened to be in front of me. That took a good 2 miles, and then I was happy.

Figuring out water stations was another matter, it took 3 of those before I got the hang of it (go to the end of the area, not the front, don't really stop, and pour most of it on your head ... at least that's what worked for me. ) Once I did, it was no longer an annoyance.

I expected to hit a 'wall', but never did really in the least. I had enough energy to pick up the pace for the last 1.5 miles, and even sprint the last .25. I was tired for sure, but not sick or staggering so I called it a success :)

I skipped all the after stuff like pictures, bagels, award ceremonies, freebies, etc so that my ride could get back home in time to take his son to swimming lessons.

A fabulous first 10k, and my time was 13 minutes better than I aimed for ... results below.