What a way to start 2010!

First race of the year and it was great! The Dallas Snowman Shuffle on 1/9/10 and it was COLD. No snowman, but it would be a good place for him. It was 9 degrees when I woke up and about 16 degrees when we got to White Rock Lake. I ran with my best buddies from Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers (RAW), Marci Sims and Debi Cox. This was my third 10K, Debi's second and Marci's first. I have to say RAW girls kick some butt and take no prisoners!

I am so proud of Marci! This girlie just started running and she went out there and ran with all her heart, even gave me a high 5 when I saw her on my way back. I ran to my car to get my camera and bag and missed her coming across the finish line :( .

And Debi, she shaved 3 minutes off her PR and took 3rd in her age group. RAW girls ROCK!

I started this race too fast. I knew I did and I knew I couldn't keep the pace, but I was cold and didn't care. And I was kinda experimenting to see how long I could go that fast. I know, dumb, but I'm still learning. I hit the first mile at about 7:55 min/mile pace. WAY TOO FAST! I was still cold and didn't care.

At the half-way mark, I was really tired. I usually try to negotiate with myself, ok, if you keep this pace, you can pull back at mile 5. Or, if you keep it under 9, no long run tomorrow. Fortunately at mile 4, I saw my friend Jeff who was also running the race with his wife and brother-in-law. He yelled, "Good job. There are only 20 people ahead of you. You're probably going to win your age group." I needed that motivation! I picked it up again and kept going. Pace got slower, but still moving well.

I ran miles 4-6 pretty much alone. I discovered that is tough on me because I usually try to stay with a pack. What can I say, I'm a lemming. Hit the finish line at 55:54, shaving nearly 3 minutes off my previous personal best and taking a 2nd place in my age group! SWEET! Not a bad way to start the 2010 race season.

As we're waiting around for the awards, I check Twitter and see that Twitter buddy, TriBoomer placed 2nd in his AG. Turns out he's at the same race. Impromptu tweet up! Great to meet this fantastic athlete!