Do striped socks make you run faster?

Running the St. Patrick’s Day races was once again a great experience.    

I was hoping to improve my 10k time and I felt pretty confident about it. Anything lower than 52 minutes would do it but I was really hoping for 51:3x.  For some reason the last four times I ran a 10k I would only improve by about 5 seconds.  An improvement sure but I was always looking for more.  On the way down to the race I reviewed the eight times tables with my third grader so I could know roughly what my pace should be.  He wasn’t thrilled but I felt I was doing us both a service.  Low eight’s would work. 

The race fell on the spring forward portion of daylight savings time.  That itself was not a problem since it did not start until 10:45 but the fact I was dragging the boys to the race did mean a morning whine fest.  They lasted all of ten minutes.   As we picked up my bib they complained about the cold and convinced Grandma and Grandpa to take them back to their house.  I made them take a few pictures with me before they left but my phone was not having it!  Boo for no pictures of my striped socks! 

Suddenly my four spectators left me alone.  I wasn’t alone for long as I bumped almost immediately into one of my facebook friends who I attended k-12 school with.   Actually she is one of the people who’s time I looked up two years ago!  We walked over to watch the two mile race.  It was nice to catch up and talk all things running.  We both ran our first marathon’s last fall and I was happy to hear first had her NYC experience. 

I made a pit stop at the car to drop off my sweatshirt and take a last drink.  The sun was coming out from behind the clouds just as we were lining up.  I questioned my long sleeve shirt (don’t you hate that?) but the wind and a couple of friendly strangers made me confident that I would be OK.  It ended up being PERFECT running weather!

I had lined up pretty well and was free of the crowd rather quickly.  I felt good then first hill was as I remembered it, a turn around right at mile one.  I caught a quick glance at my watch and saw 7:00!   HOLY CRAP! SLOW DOWN!!  I used the downhill turn to breath and resist the urge to continue to book it.  If people passed me whatever.  And man when I saw the hill just after mile two (15 min and change in) I was glad I had it stepped back a little.  How the heck did I forget this hill?  It was a slight steady uphill that lasted about a half mile!  I was happy to get to the midpoint and start lap 2 well under the 24 minute guide in my mind.  A quick cup of water and I was off to do it again.  The sun felt great and the wind kept it cool.  I willed myself to continue strong. I hit the hills and used the downhills to regain myself.  I loved hearing people comment on my socks!  I told myself it was almost over! I kept running.  Kept doing calculation in my head.  Guessing.  I guessed wrong that the next parking lot I passed was the last (Ooooops those park, parking lots all look the same).  I pulled my way to the finish line and could not be happier with 49:17!  To say I surprised myself would be an understatement!

I stumbled to find a drink and catch my breath.  I wandered over toward the food for a bagel and hung out in front of the outdoor fireplace.  I wanted to make sure of the time I had.  And whatayaknow?  Third place in the 40-49 age group!  OMG, OMG,OMG!!  This club is so competitive how did I do that ? 

Who cares!  Yeah Me!!