Run Ros Run by drakethecat

Adapted from another running forum:

The Sycamore Pumpkin Fest 10K is part of the Chicago Area Runners Assoc annual series. I run as a Clydesdale/Athena, although this year am the only woman in my division. I still want the damned prize, though, so I needed at least one more race to make the minimum. I hoped to beat my "soft" PR of 57:49 from last November. Still, I'm only 2 weeks post-marathon and yesterday's 8-miler, my first longer recovery run, was pretty creaky so wasn't sure how I would feel. The main goal was not to risk injury, especially since I have another mara in a month.

Sycamore is a small, tidy town about 65 miles west of Chicago, beyond the current reach of urban sprawl. The 10K is part of a harvest festival that includes a parade, pumpkin carving contests, funnel cakes, etc. Something for everyone!

The race course runs west, south, east and north, but at times when I've run it in the past there seemed to be a headwind in every direction. The wind was certainly there today, but temps were close to 50 and it was sunny.

The race runs first along Sycamore's main drag and then through an area of big Victorian houses, modern boxes, and finally out into the country.

I missed the first mile marker but hit mile 2 at 18:19. Shortly after that point we
turned east, started a mild downhill and picked up a strong tailwind. Just then, while moving alongside a paddock, four beautiful horses started running alongside the fence, in formation. It was beautiful!

Mile three, 8:54. Wind (and horse) assisted.

From there the course travelled north for about 1.5 miles, up and over a long (but not steep) hill. The tailwind turned into a nasty side-swipe. Good thing I've got plenty of ballast!

Miles 4 and 5, 9:03, 9:08.

The final 1.2 was on a twisty path through a big park -- soccer fields, golf course, etc., mostly into a headwind (it seemed). I didn't have much of a kick.

Mile 6, 9:08, final 0.2 1:58 for a final of 56:32. Happy to get
the PR, and to feel strong after my marathon. I know I can do better with fresher legs in a few weeks.

Grabbed a beer and some snacks, got a rubdown with a foam roller, got to keep the roller. The shirt is a cool rusty orange, too. It was a good morning.