I really like the Dana Point Turkey Trot. It’s one of the biggest Turkey Trots in the US and attracts over 15000 runners for the various races. With that there are great sponsorships so the health and fitness expo before, during, and after is one of the better expos. Not to mention attracting a good amount of elite runners. On top of that, it’s one of the bigger events that my run club pushes, so there is always a good contingency of us Snails representing and running. Finally, the course is mostly flat with some gradual climbs and descents. It’s really a great PR course if you start in the first corral.
Last year, I opted to run the “combo” race, which entailed running the 10K and the 5K. I was originally going to sign up for the combo again, but I received a free entry into the 10K from my run club and decided that I would just focus on that. My goal was not just to PR, but to also break the 50 minute mark.
Coming into the race, I knew I had to average an 8:03 to hit 49:59. My original plan was to start at an 8 min mile and feel it out from there. I knew I could sustain 7:38 from my 5K PR earlier in the year. I was able to start in the first (of 3) corrals. I aligned myself towards the middle, as the runners up front were 5-6 min milers.
The race started and I started way too fast. Miles 1 and 2 clocked in at 7:30 and 7:22. There was a slight decline, and I took advantage of it, but I felt that I would pay for it later. Not to mention the initial rush and energy at the start. Mile 3 took a significant dip to 7:40. After Mile 3 I decided with such a fast start, as long as I didn’t go over 8 mins a mile, I would still hit my sub 50 goal, so Mile 4 and 5 came in at 7:49 and 7:56. At this point I wasn’t purposefully holding back, but was being limited by my own fitness. About quarter mile from the finish one of my favorite teammates caught up to me and pushed me to finish strong even though my stomach was screaming. I finished Mile 6 in 7:51 with a 7:12 ".2" push to cross the line.
I crushed my goal with an official time of 48:11. A 4 min PR from last year. I would have preferred a negative split, but I was happy to hit my goal and then some. I definitely need to pace better, and usually do with the longer races. We’ll see how the half marathon next week goes.
Nutrition wise, I did eat carbs the night before and that may have contributed to my stomach issues towards the end of the race. I probably should have stuck low carb as I’m used to, but I’m still weary about these shorter, higher paced races. I will have to work on this as well as my pacing.
In the end it was a great race and a PR. I won’t be top 10 in my age division anytime soon, but knowing I placed in the top 10% makes me feel pretty good.
Most importantly, it was good times spent with great running friends. A great way to start Thanksgiving.
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