After a crazy busy day on Saturday with the yard sale, and having friends and family over for a cookout last night, I got up out of bed bright and early for the ASN Survivor Harbor 7 miler this morning!
The ASN is the Active Survivors Network and is a charitable organization who, in their own words:
Through the promotion of physical fitness—whether in the form of regular exercise or participation in athletic competition—the Active Survivors Network connects people whose lives have been affected by serious illness, disease and accidents with the support and resources they need to remain active and heightens public awareness of survivor disabilities through advocacy and education.
I love this! Plus, it was a great race on a beautiful sunny morning in Baltimore. At least, that’s how I felt around 7:45 am before the start. I’ve been eyeing this race for the last few years and I’m glad I was able to make it fit into my schedule this year!
I decked myself out head to toe in UnderArmour and Nike Dri-Fit hoping to stay as cool as possible!
Even my socks!
Started off at a good pace, somewhere a little slower than my 5k pace. I got to mile 3 at around 25:00, which was a decent pace for this distance.
By time we got around to mile 5, whoooo boy, it got HOT! I could tell that I was starting to slow down but I didn’t let it get me down. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other (which is all you can do!)
By the way, I was so appreciative for the mist tents at mile 3 and mile 5. I could have run through, circled back around and run through again!
Anyway, my goal for this race was 60 minutes, but unfortunately my [watch] time was just under 1:05. Chip time shouldn’t be too far off. It was just too darn hot to run too fast. I kept an eye on my heart rate monitor the whole time and my HR stayed between 181 and 184 pretty much the whole time, although I know I slowed down as it went on. I’m just proud that I didn’t have to stop and walk! I definitely thought about it though! There was just no shade along that Aliceanna/Boston Street stretch! I would have done anything for some trees! There was a little breeze coming off the water but not enough to make it comfortable.
By time I was done, it was 89 degrees in Baltimore when I finished at 9:10. Phew! (I learned today that being a gym rat has its disadvantages! I’m not prepared for adverse weather conditions!)
Anyway, all in all, it was a gorgeous day for a run and I’m glad I did it! (What a sweaty mess!)
How do you do in hot weather? Do you avoid races because of the climate?
My cheerleaders were there and I am so grateful to have such a supportive family!
Now boyfriend and I are off to the movies to chill out in the A/C!
