Race Recap: Runningal Memorial Red Solo Kup 4k 08/18/2018

Saturday 08/18/2018 was my third year running the Red Solo Cup 4k in Port Orange, FL. Two years ago it was my first race ever. This year I decided to run this as a race to see where I'm at for my fall schedule. I had a specific time range in mind but I did not reach that (by far). I'm okay with that though I know I will get there one day even if it's not as soon as I'd like. 

Mile 1  6:18
I have to post a disclaimer here: the course ran short. My watch clocked it at 2.42 miles instead of the 2.48 so we will go with my watch time over the official results.  I didn't feel particularly nervous or anything going into the race, but I just felt off when I started to run. I don't know how to explain it other than the feeling of being slower than I wanted. I didn't feel fast or confident and it showed. 

Mile 2  6:49
Since my first mile was slower than I anticipated I really needed to speed up for the second, but this did not happen. I still didn't feel fast and I knew this would be a bad mile even before I checked my watch. In other news, the course was very well marked and was very pretty. The volunteers here really do a great job. I also noticed there was less side-walk running this year which was appreciated. 

Mile .42  6:42
I had no final kick here. My thoughts going into this were to sprint like crazy after the second mile, but like everything else during my race that did not go as planned. It was just a bad day for some reason and I just need to assess where I am at and how to improve going forward. 

The Swag
Very pretty shirt and great finishers medals. The awards are actually solo cups which is the cutest idea. I really enjoy this race year after year despite not being happy with my times. 

Results
Time: 15:58
Pace: 6:36
Overall: 8 out of 208
1st in Age Group 30-34 women

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