My training plan called for a 6 mile run, and coincidentally this month’s Trophy Series Race was a 10k.  Perfect, because there was no way I’d go run 6 miles by myself in 25 degree weather.

I hadn’t been to this part of town, ever, but Denver is great for running (as expected right?) in that there are so many parks and fitness trails.  The course was a nice out and back along a wide, paved bike path.  We got just a bit of snow yesterday, and, yikes, it was slick and icy in some spots.  Yay for Yaktrax.

I am so happy with my performance this morning.  The handicap start had me starting 9:14 after the gun, with a predicted finish time of 1:00:21 or a 9:43 pace.  I was sure I wasn’t going to be able to run that.  I was thinking between 10-11 min miles actually.  But I was so cold that I took off at a quick pace for the first half.  Mile 5 is where I lost it, but I had built up such a margin at the beginning I knew I’d make it under my predicted finish.

And I did it!  Despite the cold (just below 30 at the start) and ice, it was a good morning to race.  I love running.

RMRR Trophy Series #1
Twin Lakes Park
6.2 miles in 59:47
9:41 pace
Weather: Sunny, no wind. 28F