The Agoura RAD 10K had their inaugural 10 mile race this year. I found out about it when I was still living in Virginia and signed up as a prep race for The Malibu Marathon that I will be running this November. They had packet pick up on Thursday and Friday before the race at Road Runner Sports in Thousand Oaks; as well as race day pick up. They sent out several emails with directions and information regarding race day, which I found very helpful.
The parking was interesting in that you really need to read those emails to understand where to park. The race was a point to point with shuttle service, so if you parked in the wrong place you might either be towed or have some serious walking to get back to your car. I chose to park very close to where the finish ceremonies where being held and take the shuttle to the start line and then again back to my car.
The shuttles were on time and plentiful with just one glich: the driver got lost taking us to the start line… oops. No big deal, the passengers let him know how to get there and we were on our way. At the start line there was a bag check and one more glich; no porta potties. That did not make the 900 runners who had drank coffee, and a liter of water before their race, very happy. Over the years I have learned not to stress over these things, they happen, go pee or whatever in a bush and move on. It’s not like the race directors planned it this way, you have to give people a break. As a result of the potty incident, the race started about 25 min late.
When we were finally off, I was a tad cold and had to pee but my goal was to go after a PR. This was my first race representing Team Oiselle and I wanted to make my fellow birds proud. I was told this was a hilly course, but that’s what I train in around here, so I thought “let’s roll with those hills”.
The first mile I spent geting warmed up and finding a workable pace. I felt good most of the race, it is a beautiful course, especially toward the end. I had a guy introduce himself around mile 7; I was confused because I have never had someone put their hand out and say “Hi my name is Matt” in the middle of race. So Matt, my name is Lisa and it’s nice to meet you too, my friend. I apologize for not being more friendly out there, I was a little busy.
There was one killer hill at mile 9 and I slowed down because it hurt (this cost me a big PR, mistake, should have pushed through the pain) At mile 10 this man came up behind me and I asked him if he could help me get a PR? “Sure” he said and, he was off and running yelling at me to “stay on my heels”. Thank you to my mystery man, I can’t tell you how motivating it was to hear you yell those words. The final miles wind through the hills near Lake Malibu and ends on a Paramount Western Movie set. Doesn’t get cooler than that.
I finished at 1:14:37; AG place 4/60; Overall Female place 12/275. Full results HERE
It was a 4 second PR, something I’m not jumping up and down about, but OK, a PR.
Splits:
1 – 7:11
2 – 7:11
3 – 7:07
4 – 7:05
5 – 7:06
6 – 7:23
7 – 7:22
8 – 7:34
9 – 8:20
10 – 7:10
Damn it! Why did I slow down at mile 9! Slightly mad at myself for that one.
The best part about this race was meeting up with two of my favorite bloggers: Stuart from Quadrathon and Rebecca from See Becca Try to Tri . Rebecca is running Boston as well, and happens to live very close by, so really excited about doing some training runs with her.
And the other best part was meeting up with some of the folks I run track with on Tuesday night… this is the Future Track Running gang
These are some incredibly kind, fast and inspiring runners. Wendy (pictured with the blue tank top) is also running Boston this April. Looking forward to some speed work with them this winter.
One last very important thing; if you’re looking for a photographer in the Southern California area, you must check out this incredibly talented young lady Nicole from Nicole Alicia Photography She did some photos for my blog and they’re amazing. Weddings, sports, babies, you name it, she does more than snap shots but, captures a moment. Love her!
Has anyone ever introduced themselves; or other strange things during a race?
