Yesterday was the 31st running of the Austin Capitol 10,000 - more affectionately known as the "Cap 10K". We've run this a few times some years back, but then it started falling on NASCAR weekend when I was up in Ft. Worth. The stars have re-aligned and we began running again last year. This year's race didn't have the pomp and circumstance of last years "30th running", but it was still a good day to be out for a run with 17,000 of our closest friends.
The weather forecast was a complete guess by all the local weather bunnies, as usually is in spring in Texas. But before getting out of the truck at our parking spot I could have sworn I saw a little blue sky start to form, so I grabbed my sunglasses and slapped them on my cap, pretty much where they would stay for the race. I suppose I guess about as accurately as the "certified meteorologists" do.
The starting line chute is nicely segregated for the Cap 10K. Up front are the wheelchair atheletes, who start at 8:30. There were 4 entered in this years race. Next comes the elites, also known as the folks that get paid to run and workout. (How can I get THAT job?) Then the timed runners are queued next, according to their expected finish time. So C and I got to start fairly up front, which is nice to have a corral to stretch before the start, ahead of the "fun run" folks, who really had some cool costumes this year. All timed runners started the race at 8:45, and the fun run folks started 15 minutes later at 9:00.
Last year I took off like a rocket and burned out just as fast. This year I was pretty much dog-tired at the start of the race, and decided to run a more "intelligent race" to start. My goal was to maintain an 8:00/mile pace. The first mile directly towards the Capitol is a bit of a gradual climb. But not too bad. Perhaps it's not too bad because I know that as soon as you turn past the Capitol you have that nice steep little climb up San Jacinto to contend with. Due to the humid conditions I grab a quick water at stop 1, slug it down and take back off. I am doing a smart "barely sub 8:00 pace". Good so far. Mile 1.25 we turn onto 15th street. While everyone keys in on the hills to come, they forget there are a few rollers here on the backside of the Capitol to contend with too. By now I am staring at the ankles in front of me and slowly working my way through "traffic". My pace begins to come down as my heart rate begins to climb. My "smart race" is going by the wayside.
I am moving pretty good through the flat parts of 15th toward mile 3, and bring my pace closer to a 7:30 now. Perhaps this is because the steep downhill over Lamar Blvd gave me an opportunity to try some "outdoor speed skating" in order to stay upright. Normally I enjoy a nice downhill stretch, as my mantra "gravity is my friend" usually helps my overall pace. Yesterday this was a blind skid until the road turned back uphill. Then the next mile or so took away any momentum I had gained from my uncontrolled descent. A left-hand turn and another climb down towards "the rock" finally brings us past mile 4 and down to the loop around the Austin High School track along the side of the hike and bike trails. I hug the curbs here solely to take advantage of any sand and gravel that has been kicked out into the street. This is the only form of "traction" I'll have all morning.
We finally rurn onto Cesar Chavez Blvd right at mile 5. It begins to rain again, and rather than hitting the water stop across the road (note for those folks next year, it would be better to actually BE on the course) I decide to tilt my head back and catch rain drops on my tongue. Yes, I now look like a wet turkey running in a 10K. Hmm, I suppose I actually am at this point. Anyhow it works, and I manage to catch a little moisture to sustain me for the final mile. While in that final "ah ****, I'm close enough now not to be able to stop for a walk break" mode I hear Jen shout my name from the sidelines. Girl, you don't know how well that snapped me out of my daze and helped my finish! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I turn onto 1st street to cross the final bridge. A few folks pass me as we all begin to hear names being called out at the finish just around the corner at mile 6. Ah, but they spring too soon, and I pass them in the finishing chute for the final .2 miles. I am randomly picking off my next few victims when I make one final selection. I see a gal in front of me and think "I'll pass her soon too". So I push harder into my kick, and then the unthinkable happens. SHE SPEEDS UP! GAH! So, now I have to run even FASTER, and hadn't planned on this. But I do have just a little bit more in the tank, and really turn it on. One tenth of a mile to go and I am sprinting. I am all set to zig right and make my move as she runs out of gas and "slows down" and I plow into the back of her. "Oops, sorry - and I pass". Not exactly how I had envisioned this in my head, but I continue my sprint and finish only 5 seconds slower than last year.
So again, it was a tough, humid, wet morning for a race. I was pleased with my 7:43 pace, and "No" my sunglasses never came off the top of my head.
One final note, after C finishes we are both soaked to the bone. Yes, it rained on us again as we are gathering snacks after the run. So we cross the street to Dominican Joes for some coff-ay, and breakfast tacos to go. You should have seen the looks we received from the uh - "less dripping wet" patrons inside the coffee house. We are making puddles on the rustic wooden floor, and glass countertop, etc, and become quite the attraction from the yuppies, hippies, and student types sipping on their lattes while usurping free Wi-Fi for their laptops while seated on comfy cloth couches. We slog back out to the truck and head to the house. Life is good!