10k Race in Santa Monica!

Weekend update part one!

On Saturday Linus and I went to Santa Monica (after waking up at 4:30 a.m.) to run a 10k. It was called the Summer Sizzle race, and was basically a low-key race along the beach. Definitely not the biggest, most competitive race, but a great run nonetheless.

View of the Santa Monica pier at 6 a.m.--so pretty!

Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that I am VERY competitive. Especially when it comes to running. I'd told myself that I'd go out and use this as a mid-distance training run for my marathon in December. Of course, this whole, 'Oh, I'll just go at a normal pace and not worry about racing,' never actually happens with me. I didn't run as fast as I might for a super-compettive, larger event, but I did go out and run a consistent, quick pace. And I won! First place overall! So obviously the first thing I did upon finishing (besides drinking some water) was call my mum and dad. They've been there for me from the time I first started running (as a lanky, freckle faced 8 year old) so it's always so special for me to share my running successes with them.

I'm notorious for taking TERRIBLE running photos. But I actually like this one (mostly because the beach looks beautiful and my butt looks really big).

All in all it was a fantastic race and the weather was perfect (overcast and right by the ocean!). It was a great way to begin my official marathon training!

Sweaty and smiling after the race!