Army 10Miler

Headed up to Virginia to run the Army 10Miler race with my brother.  Its one of the largest 10 mile races in the world with 35k registrants.  Of course, it being a race, only ~27k actually showed up, but whatever.

I stayed the night before at my brother's house since he lives closer to downtown than my parents.  Worked out pretty well.  Got up at 0600, out the door at 0630, drove 10min over to the nearest Metro stop, maybe a 15min Metro ride to the starting area, then about 45min to warm up and stretch.

It was pretty cold, somewhere in the high 40s, and wouldn't be getting above the mid 50s during the race, so I dressed appropriately.  Both sets of calf sleeves, Injiniji toe socks, my Puma flats, running shorts, a long sleeve running shirt, a hat, and my hydration belt with one bottle of watered down Powerade Zero.  In the other cup holder I carried my brother's phone, my ID, some money, and my bag of Sport Beans.

We got stuck in the last corral so we didn't start until 0820.  Kirt wanted to average somewhere around 8:00/mi.  Race started and we took off.  And for the next 10 miles, we did a fartlek run.  We would sprint for 10m to pass people, then slow down and get stuck behind someone, then pass and sprint another 10m, then slow down.  On and on, for 10 miles.

Course was pretty easy.  Only a few random small hills, which we passed even more people on.  I know its supposed to be scenic because it weaves its way around Arlington and DC, but I don't remember anything other than the Watergate Hotel.  Had to focus on not running anyone over or tripping anyone up.

The post race was a bit disappointing.  There was water bottles everywhere, so that wasn't a big deal.  But if you wanted any sort of food (bananas, bagels, whatever), you had to wait in a huge line.  No thanks.  We walked the mile or so back to the Metro and went home.

All in all a fun race but I wouldn't ever run it and try to PR.  That would be dumb.  Unless you are literally in the front elite group, you will be stuck behind people the whole way.  But overall, a fun way to spend a Sunday morning.