Mizuno Wave Run 10K – raceday recap
by mims on January 17, 2012
I didn’t do too well in this one. Route, logistics, weather and everything else was great, so I only have myself to blame. This time I thought it would be a good idea to follow Acap, who has a PB of 61mins, it sounded smarter than trying to stay with Jo, who has a PB of 55mins.
I lasted no more than 3 minutes before Acap was completely out of sight. And after that I was mentally destroyed. The thought that really did it for me at the time was “there’s no way in hell I can even get close and stick to Acap’s pace over 10k, no matter how hard I trained, so there’s no way I can ever get my time under 65mins. Ever. So what’s the point? Just give up now.”
So I did. I just ran half-heartedly throughout the whole thing, stopping for a walk even when I didn’t really have to. And even running at a languid pace, I didn’t enjoy it. My mind was simply not there. I just wanted it to be over with, right from the beginning. And never ever run a 10K again.
I hope I never feel like that again during a run.
It all comes down to, wrong strategy, wrong strategy, wrong strategy.
I know that I’m not a naturally fast person, but that lesson hit home hardest that Sunday. What I should’ve done was ease into the run and pick up the pace later, instead of flooring it at flag-off. I thought of my Otto Hutt 15K, which I ran at my own pace instead of trying to hang on to someone else’s, the route was much more difficult and longer, but I feel like I ran that one better than Mizuno. I think my average pace was better, given that it had 10 hills and 5K longer. At the very least, I got to enjoy the first half of the race before going to work on the 2nd half.
So yes, lesson learned the hard way: run your own pace!
Official time – 1:10:20
Ranking – 136/615
The race was run efficiently and I would’ve enjoyed the route (except for that last super-murderous hill). There was a long queue to pick up your medal and goodie bag, but the line moved quick enough. Overall no complaints on how the event was run.
I contracted a fever the day after the run, that makes it three times this year. Maybe my body is telling me I need to rest, or just the unavoidable fact that no matter how much fitter you get, as you age the recovery takes longer and longer.
Oh well, I think I’m gonna stay away from 10Ks for awhile, it is my ego that can’t take it! Heh.
3 comments
Kau ikut acap? Patutler burn hehe.
Anyway, I like your quote – “run at your own pace!” Truly no one knows us better than ourselves. While it’s admirable to try and pace with someone who’s faster than us, perhaps it’s wiser to stick with what we know we can handle. I sure do…
Tak larat pun nak pace sape2 hehe.
But your timing was nice! 1h10mins for 10K is cantik weh.
by Fairy on January 17, 2012 at 6:07 pm. #
1:10 is very good for me now hehheh (pls excuse my jakun-ness over my new PB
). Maybe it’s just not one of those races but I’m sure you’ll pick up during the next one.
I had some mental problems too. I stopped and walked 4 times I guess. Yes, even when my body felt okay. (mental tak kuat, me). An ol uni-mate saw me walking and he said KAMON Millie! That’s when I saw the final hill. *yes, dah nak habis pun nak jalan lagi*
by Millie on January 17, 2012 at 10:55 pm. #
fairy – yup, i’ve learnt my lesson! although once in a while i still think it’s a good idea to have someone push you out of that comfort zone a bit, in order to get better. but not all the time lah. it all depends on your goals and priorities.
(i do wish that i learnt this lesson on a cheaper, non-timing chip race though)
thanks!
millie – congrats on your new PB! i know, perasaan PB tu akan happy berhari/minggu2
yeah, running is a mostly mental thing, it’s harder to train your mind than your legs, that’s for sure!
haha i remember that final hill…phew!
by mims on January 20, 2012 at 12:11 pm. #