GPX Hit the Brixx 10K

I set a new PR for the 10K! 

Having said that, I must also state this is only my second 10K and both were logged this year.

The unofficial time is:  1:26:11   (Overall results not yet posted)

CHIPTIME:  1:26:12

This is one of the most popular races in Charlotte and it earns that spot for several reasons. 1) Two races, a 10K and a 5K are offered back to back so for distance runners this is a great event to log 9+ miles on a Saturday morning 2) Free Pizza and Beer 3) Because there are two events at this race, parents can split childcare duties and both are able to participate in a race on the same day / same event.

I ran with a friend from the Hickory, NC area and she posted somewhere in the neighborhood of 1:02:10, this is also a favorite race for her even though she has to drive a distance to attend.  Weather was warm but stayed below 90° and it was perfectly sunny.  We were blessed with lots of friendly volunteers and police officers to cheer us along the way. 

The 10K awards ceremony actually took place during the 5K for time's sake and the crowd stayed for the majority of the presentation.  The GPX series is known for its stellar awards and door prizes so runners do tend to stay and cheer for the winners!  Downtown Charlotte was very active today as there was also a Heart Walk that took place a mile or so west of the Hit The Brixx event.  The Heart Walk is a dedicated fund raiser and truly a walk, no runners present, so for those of us leaving the 10K, we sat at stoplights and very politely waited for the walkers to press forward.  Quite a large turnout for that event also, which goes to prove that 2010 has truly seen a major increase in the number of active runners at local events.

While my pace for this event showed progress (all 6 miles each had a pace less than 14 min per mile) it is still 30% above my target pace, 50% above competitive pace, and I intend to meet that target goal before year end.  I have four races lined up for October and three in November with a fourth race in pending status.  My goal will be met this year and 2011 shall see a more fit version of me!