Back on Track

As previously reported, my jogging time had slowed down and my distance was diminishing. Ever since Trixie stopped running with me, I lost some of my motivation to keep moving. Yes, I was still getting outside most mornings, but my movement consisted of more walking than jogging. Any movement and any time in nature is good stuff, but it is just not quite the same as jogging. I had gotten into a bit of a rut - I needed something to alter the trajectory that I was on. Careful what you wish for...

The offer came as a lottery at work for an upcoming run that USAA was sponsoring. There were a few "free" entries for the Navy 10 miler, happening 4 weeks later but... in Ft Worth...starting at 7am. I put my name in the drawing and let fate decide.  

Winner! Or Loser. Depending on the perspective...

Turns out it was definitely not "free". I probably spent $30 in gas and tolls going to packet pick-up 15 miles away (no race day pickup due to extra security on the base) and making the trek to and from Ft. Worth. Nor was it practical - I had to wake up at 5:15am and be on the road by 5:30am to make it on time. I opted for the 5 mile route (as opposed to the official 10 miler) so I spent way more time in my car than on my feet and legs!

But I had accountability and that is exactly what I wanted/needed. I set a goal: jog the entire 5 miles and complete in under 1 hour by improving my current average time by 30 seconds per mile. I typed up a daily plan in my calendar for each morning. I also altered my eating a little. Plan your work, work your plan. 

The morning of the race tunned out beautiful - 60 degrees, a nice breeze and a welcoming sunrise. 

Always proud to see the USAA logo out in the world.

The course was at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS RB), so of course there was a fly over at the start.

The course was partially on an outer road and partially on the runway, mostly flat except for a couple small hills near the beginning and end. There was an F-35 parked nearby. Pretty cool to be on the base, but mostly concrete and plain unmarked buildings where I was, but still, mission accomplished. I had hoped for a pace of 11:45, but I achieved even better! (Though I did have to walk a bit at about 4.3 miles)

Start. Finish. Not last.

I had never met any of the other USAA runners, but we had communicated ahead of time on Slack about looking for each other at the finish line. It was a small enough crowd at the event that we did  manage to identify each other just based on tiny Slack profile pictures! 

I'm really glad I put my name in the drawing, really appreciative of the opportunity and really happy with the results. But I have absolutely no plans of ever doing that again. I'll stick to races closer to home! 

And speaking of...I'm now primed and motivated to keep up my training for my annual July 4th 10k followed by the Shoreline Trail 8 miler in October.