Race Recap: Great Candy Race Quarter Marathon 10/12/19

Saturday 10/12/19 was the Great Candy Race Quarter Marathon and 5k in New Smyrna Beach, FL. This was my first time running the quarter marathon (6.55 miles). The past two years I participated in the 5k which was always a great experience. This was also my first race since June 1st and let me tell you I've missed it so much!

Pre-Race 
I had a scheduled 6 mile run for that day so this worked out kind of perfectly. My pace was supposed to be around 9 minutes per mile. I figured that this would be a good test for pacing and making sure I can run at this slower pace for an actual race. 

The Race
I made sure to start off in the middle of the pack so I wouldn't start off too fast and get caught up in the excitement. I looked down at my watch after the first half mile and it was around 8 minutes so I slowed down a bit. I really need to work on pacing haha. I felt really good and had negative splits and lots of energy during the race. The quarter marathon course is even prettier than the 5k course. It's near the ocean and parts are in this nature trail area. I really enjoyed it and enjoyed not going all out during a race. I also made sure to not sprint when I saw the finish line to avoid any possible injuries. Overall racing like this is so much fun and it makes me realize that running is so much more than just trying to win or getting that PR. 

Next Race is the Lighthouse Loop Half Marathon on 10/26/19 which is another training run. 

My splits according to Strava
8:34
8:41
8:33
8:36
8:09
8:14
7:59 last .55 miles

Results
Time: 55:52
Pace 8:32
23rd out of 98
3rd in age group

The Bling