The Surf Metropolis 10 Miler Race in Huntington Seashore, CA, is a beloved occasion for runners looking for a picturesque but difficult course alongside the long-lasting Pacific Coast Freeway (PCH). With a wide range of race distances to select from, together with a ten Mile race, 10K, and 5K, it’s an occasion that caters to runners of all ranges. On this race recap, we’ll dive into the main points of my expertise on this scenic course that offered ocean views and a refreshing breeze all through.
- Location: Huntington Seashore, CA
- Race Distances: 10 Mile, 10K, 5K
- Course: A flat 5-mile out-and-back route alongside Pacific Coast Freeway (PCH)
- Beginning Level: Close to the Huntington Seashore Pier
- Occasion normally scheduled in September
On race day, the climate in Huntington Seashore was overcast with a touch of humidity within the air. Whereas the solar could have been shy, the ocean breeze stored issues comfy and refreshing for runners taking over the Surf Metropolis 10 Miler. However… should you’re not chilly earlier than the beginning of the race – it’s most likely going to really feel HOT. So, we had been dripping with sweat on the finish.
Backstory: I signed up for this race as a result of Kelly from Sparkle Athletic advised me to and I didn’t have a very good purpose to say no. Plus, I’m making an attempt to make extra buddies so that is me making an attempt…
Significantly although, Kelly and Elise from Sparkle Athletic have at all times been tremendous candy and welcoming to me at Run Disney races going method again. We’ve frolicked much more not too long ago and are formally good buddies. That is essential with run buddies as a result of you find yourself telling them random embarrassing tales whereas working. Plus, they’re enjoyable!
The Begin Line and Race Technique:
As I lined up at the beginning, I discovered myself in good firm, chatting with my pal Elise. In contrast to some races the place I set a particular time objective, this time, I used to be content material to benefit from the run with a pal and take it straightforward. Elise, alternatively, had a plan in thoughts – she aimed for an 8:30 to 9-minute mile tempo.
I used to be glad to run round that together with her till “8:30 to 9 minutes” turned “100% 8:30 tempo or bust”. I ought to’ve recognized she was going to push to the quicker finish of that vary! (By no means belief a quick working buddy who says they’re going to take it straightforward at a race.)
RUNNING with a PACE GROUP?
Assembly the 8:30 Tempo Group:
Because the race kicked off close to the long-lasting pier, Elise and I discovered ourselves working alongside the 8:30 tempo group. They had been pleasant, and earlier than we knew it, they assumed we had been aiming for that tempo too. Whereas a part of me felt that this tempo was a tad quicker than my consolation zone, I additionally knew that I had the health to maintain an 8:30 per mile tempo for the complete 10 miles. It was only a matter of conquering my psychological hurdles.
The Psychological Battle in a race:
Operating with a tempo group might be each motivating and difficult. On one hand, it’s inspiring to have a gaggle pushing you ahead. Alternatively, you grow to be aware of your tempo, and that may generally be a psychological hurdle. I usually wish to zone out and let the miles cross. Nevertheless, on at the present time, I used to be consistently enthusiastic about that 8:30 tempo, which made it really feel harder.
I’ve been working by effort stage over tempo recently. I’m not used to speaking about or enthusiastic about tempo whereas working (I take into consideration what effort stage I’m feeling). And I felt like my effort stage within the first half of the race was larger than I may maintain for 10 complete miles.
However, tempo group leaders are there to run a sure tempo, maintain that tempo all through the race, make changes as wanted to complete in that objective time and provides the runners of their group updates. Mainly, it’s their job to assume and speak about what tempo we’re working. I 1000% respect tempo group leaders as a result of it’s NOT straightforward and runners really matter on them. The 8:30 tempo group leaders had been superb at staying on tempo, giving us updates and had been enjoyable to speak to. My psychological hurdles had been utterly as a consequence of second guessing myself with the ability to cling on at that tempo.
I needed to again off as a result of I needed to However I knew I ought to be capable of maintain that tempo based mostly on my present health. So, I let myself run just some steps behind the group. This manner I didn’t really feel stress to stick with them if I actually wanted to decelerate. However, I additionally wasn’t letting myself again off earlier than I really wanted to.
The preliminary stress finally wore off and I obtained warmed up and comfy. Within the final two miles, one thing fascinating occurred – I spotted that I used to be completely able to sustaining that tempo. It now not felt daunting, and I even pushed a bit more durable in direction of the top. In the long run, I crossed the end line with a time of 1:22:39, reaching an 8:22 per mile tempo – a end result I used to be pleased with!
FINISH LINE
The Surf Metropolis 10 Miler Race turned out to be a stupendous but difficult expertise alongside the scenic PCH. Whereas working with a tempo group introduced its personal set of psychological challenges, it finally pushed me to realize a tempo I used to be initially unsure about. The overcast skies and ocean breeze added to the appeal of this race, making it a memorable occasion for runners of all ranges.
Whether or not you’re a seasoned runner seeking to set a brand new private greatest or a newbie looking for a picturesque course, the Surf Metropolis 10 Miler gives a improbable race day expertise. I’ll cherish the reminiscences of this race and sit up for new challenges on the horizon. Till subsequent time, glad working! #SurfCity10Miler #RaceRecap #RunningGoals
Ben and Diego got here out to help. After the race we went to Mama’s on thirty ninth, a cute brunch place in Huntington Seashore. They’re canine pleasant and we obtained a desk on the patio fairly quick (I feel we beat the crowds). And it was a scrumptious victory lap to have fun a ten mile race completed.
In working gear information… I would like a brand new digital camera that does texting (aka… a telephone). My telephone had the fanciest cameras in the marketplace once I obtained it and now can’t focus to take one clear image. I’m contemplating going from Android to iphone. What are your ideas on this?
WHAT I WORE TO THE 10 MILE RACE:
General – I’m glad I ran the race as a result of I obtained some high quality time with my Sparkle Skirt working buddies. And I’m additional glad I held onto the 8:30 tempo group as a result of I bodily may do it and it was simply my mindset that was hurting my potential to reside as much as my full potential.
