Snowman Stampede 10 mile Race Recap

On Saturday Cory and I ran the Snowman Stampede 10 mile race. This is the third and final race of the winter distance series, you can read about the first two here: Frostey's Frozen 5 miler and Rudolph's Revenge 5k 2010 I did race Rudolph's in 2011 but failed to write a recap.

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These races are well run but getting a bit boring for me. I train a lot along the Platte River Trail and have raced this course six times now. Next year may need a different off season focus. But this years 10 miler went ok, I made a few mistakes in the race that I hope to learn from for more important future races. I am happy that all these little races are over and that I have nothing shorter than a half marathon (or sprint tri) on the schedule until the off season!

I was still a little sick but wanted to beat my only other 10 mile time of 1:35:56 for a PR, I really wanted to run it with 9:15 mm or less, I would have loved to come in under 1:30 but wasn't sure that could happen since I am still a little sick and didn't taper at all for this race. I came in at 1:32:57, according to my garmin the course was a little long, 10.23 miles, leaving me at 9:05 mm. Not quite my A goal but still a PR.

My big mistake was not taking a gel, I had some with me but left them at the start in my jacket. I didn't have any pockets so decided not to take one because, 10 miles isn't that far, right? Lesson learned, 10 miles isn't that far, but I still bonked in that last 3 miles. I had to argue with myself not to stop and walk, I was tired and empty. I think a gel would have solved this issue at mile 7. So next time, I will take gels, more than I think I need, just in case.

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the event. Cory and I were both racing solo and neither wanted to carry the camera. To be honest I didn't even think about bringing it with us, these races are tune ups and just really don't seem like that big of a deal, but I do wish we had some photos. Cory got a PR as well with 1:12:27 almost 2 minutes off last years race. It must be all those long slow runs he does with me that is making him so fast ;)

This week is a focus on recovery so happily no crazy two-a-day work outs. I will be back later to report the weeks workouts but something that I have finally figured out is that when coach gives us "recovery weeks" he only means the work week is recovery, the weekend is still smashfest fun.....

What is your favorite distance to race?
Mine has to be the half marathon, feels like a big event without totally wiping you out. I also really like the half ironman.

Hope you are enjoying your Presidents Day!