10 Miler Race Report - Parkway Classic

[Raggedeannie]

I ran the GW Parkway Classic this morning, which is a "flat and fast" "net downhill" point-to-point race which starts at Mt. Vernon, follows the scenic GW Parkway (a highway along the Potomac river), and concludes in Old Town Alexandria.  This was a last training race before my half marathon on May 4.  

I was careful to start out slow and steady, with a plan to do run/walk intervals of 5 min/1 min.  I stuck to this except for the first and last miles which I ran straight through without walking.  I stopped to stretch out my calves twice (So tight!), and lost two minutes to the porta potties at mile 5.  I came in at 1:50:55, right at an 11:00 pace.  Not too shabby for a first 10-miler!  And most importantly - I felt really good throughout the race.  I never really had a moment where I felt tired or that I wasn't sure I would be able to finish.  Lungs and heart rate kept pace with my legs and vice versa.  And I think I have my hydration and fuel all figured out.  3 weeks to Half Marathon day!

Weather: Temps were upper 50s bordering 60 at 6:35am when I parked at the finish line and got in line for the shuttle to the start line.  It was a beautiful sunny day with lots of shade along the route.  Got a little warm toward the end but with a nice breeze.

The shuttle clusterf***: The shuttle line was four blocks long and not moving.  Minutes ticked by, line inched up.  The last bus was supposed to be at 7am.  Still not much closer by 7:15, so I cut out of line to use the bathroom at the Crowne Plaza across the street (lots of others were doing the same).  Finally a whole army of charter buses and DASH buses (Virginia public transportation buses) arrived about 7:30 and they were able to move people very quickly.  I got off the bus at Mt. Vernon at 7:52, rushed to bag check to drop my bag, jogged over to the porta potties to pee again just as they were singing the National Anthem.  I jogged back to the start line as the gun went off (8:05, delayed 5 minutes), and took 5 minutes to stretch out before joining the sea of runners.  A rushed start to the race, but mostly under control and not too stressful considering I am a back of the pack runner, anyway.

Route: Guys, this route is stunning.  The whole parkway is tree-lined, and runs along the river, to our right.  There is a trail alongside the parkway and there were lots of bikers and walkers and joggers out and about.  To the left are houses and there were spectators every so often.  My favorite signs were "I just farted! Run faster!" and "I like your stamina - can I have your number?"  The course has a few mild downhills and uphills but overall is very flat and a real treat to run on.

Water/logistics: Water/nuun stops and porta potties every two miles.  I ran with my Nathan handheld and used the water stops to refill it.  This lets me keep sipping water as often as I need it along the route. I took shot bloks and alternated margarita and black cherry at miles 4, 6, and 8.  I feel like I have water/nutrition figured out.  I felt great, hydrated, fueled, etc.  I had cheerios before leaving home, a spoon of almond butter on the way, and a banana while waiting for the bus.

Finish line: The last 1.5 miles or so are through Old Town Alexandria and had good crowd support to get us through the end.  I was feeling good so kept running strong to the end.  Pacers puts on a good race and handed out snack packs and medals (bling!).  They also had a post-race beer garden with music in the park - with stunning views right by the river.

[Raggedeannie]

[runaways]

Nice job! You're going to do great in 3 weeks!

[gt7301b]

Great job and great report.

The shuttle is the reason I haven't done this race recently, it is too much stress for me on race day!

[bostonmichelle]

Congrats!!

[melmel48]

Awesome! Your post reminds me that I need to start figuring out nutrition and hydration for my half!

[spunkypenguin]

Congrats on a great race! I think I might do this one instead of Cherry Blossom next year. I wasn't terribly impressed with Cherry Blossom, but I liked last weekend's weather better...this is a little warm for me

[Deleted]

Great job and nice report! Bonus points for the picture!

[mrshandy]

Congrats!! My H ran it, too. I was at mile 4.5 or so with a sign that said "Pain is temporary, drinking Port City at the finish line is awesome." Maybe you saw us?

The finish line festival was really great and very family friendly. My only complaint were they weren't selling beers for non participants.

[thom]

Sounds like a great run & great confidence boost before your 1/2! Congratulations.

[hannahb]

Nice! Well aside from the shuttle

[cinco]

Great job! You are adorable!

[coconutbug]

Great job! Cute pic!

[kams]

Ahh you are fabulous!! Congrats!

[labbie]

Sounds like such a beautiful race, and great job! Love the photo.

Sent from my XT1080 using proboards

[Raggedeannie]

gt7301b yeah it didn't really allow for a good, calm warm-up and stretching. They allow for drop-offs at the start line, so if I run this again I might have H drop me off next time.

mrshandy I think I remember seeing your sign, too bad I wasn't paying attention to recognize you! Wish I had seen you at the party - I would've given you my beer ticket! I learned my lesson drinking beer after a long run and wasn't sure I would make it home in one piece...!

Thanks for all of the support, ladies!!

[shellfish26]

Way to go! Congrats!

[gt7301b]

Apr 13, 2014 20:44:20 GMT -5 Raggedeannie said:

gt7301b yeah it didn't really allow for a good, calm warm-up and stretching. They allow for drop-offs at the start line, so if I run this again I might have H drop me off next time.

mrshandy I think I remember seeing your sign, too bad I wasn't paying attention to recognize you! Wish I had seen you at the party - I would've given you my beer ticket! I learned my lesson drinking beer after a long run and wasn't sure I would make it home in one piece...!

Thanks for all of the support, ladies!!

If you get there super early the lines aren't horrible, but you have to get up early:)  DH said he made it to the shuttle start around 6:15- 6:20 and was at Mt. Vernon before 6:45.  He said he just sat on a bench for a while before doing he warm up and dropping off his bag.

[mrshandy]

gt7301b Raggedeannie

Dropping off H was so easy, even with getting two kids out the door at 6:45AM. Traffic was minimal. I just pulled over dropped him off and made a u-turn. Then the kids and I drove up Richmond Highway, had breakfast at Starbucks, then drove back east and found a park to park at and walk over the Parkway to watch the runners. It worked out great!

Parking at the finish line was really great as well, free, plentiful, and close.

[Vally]

Way to go!

[gt7301b]

Apr 14, 2014 7:21:46 GMT -5 mrshandy said:

gt7301b Raggedeannie

Dropping off H was so easy, even with getting two kids out the door at 6:45AM. Traffic was minimal. I just pulled over dropped him off and made a u-turn. Then the kids and I drove up Richmond Highway, had breakfast at Starbucks, then drove back east and found a park to park at and walk over the Parkway to watch the runners. It worked out great!

Parking at the finish line was really great as well, free, plentiful, and close.

That actually doesn't sound too bad, but I was a bad wife and didn't go watch Mr. GT race yesterday. 

[taratru]

Awesome! When I was in DC last month, we drove that road and I kept thinking it would make a great run.

[Raggedeannie]

Apr 14, 2014 7:21:46 GMT -5 mrshandy said:

gt7301b Raggedeannie

Dropping off H was so easy, even with getting two kids out the door at 6:45AM. Traffic was minimal. I just pulled over dropped him off and made a u-turn. Then the kids and I drove up Richmond Highway, had breakfast at Starbucks, then drove back east and found a park to park at and walk over the Parkway to watch the runners. It worked out great!

Parking at the finish line was really great as well, free, plentiful, and close.

This is great intel!  Will have to go this route next year or get to the shuttle pick up a little bit earlier.  My H is not a morning person, least of all on the weekends, so I didn't want to make him hoof it all the way down to Mt. Vernon just to turn back around.  I left him at home and took the car.  I did miss him at the Finish Line, though, it was such a GORGEOUS day and I wanted to lounge around in the park...

[cole]

Congrats!! Adorable picture

[lovesherheels]

Aww, you're adorable! Congratulations on your race; you're going to rock your half!

[MrsE]

Yay! Congrats!

[sassystace]

Way to go! Love the picture.

[ebeth]

I love this race. Had to miss it this year on account of the fact that I'm in Puerto Rico right now.

I usually get the shuttle by the PC mall and have no issues