Berkeley Marathon: 10K Race Report 11.17.2019

• Race: Berkeley Marathon
• Distance: 6.1 mi / 10K (Garmin = 6.15 mi)
• Time: 1:04:17
• Average pace: 10:27/mi
• Elevation gain: 344 ft

It’s been about 8 months since I’ve run longer than 4 miles. But I wasn’t going to let that stop me from trying my hand (or should I say feet?) at this year’s Berkeley Half Marathon 10k race. My entry had been deferred from last year after the cancelation due to the fires in the North Bay Area. And while I didn’t feel ready to run a race, I also knew that I wouldn’t be happy if I didn’t try.

The day was already bright and sunny when I got to the race start. Parking was a cinch as there was a garage that was about a half block away. Because parking was so close, gear check was totally unnecessary.

I made my way to the start about 45 minutes before the gun went off so I could stretch and avail myself of the port-a-potties (always a joy, right?). About 10 minutes before the start, I made my way to corral A and made my last mental affirmations: “You got this” “There is any reason to push yourself” “Just have fun” “Just think of the brunch you’ll eat afterward”, and the other plethora of things we tell ourselves before a race.

Once the 10k gun went off, I trotted along the first two miles, not really feeling bad, but not really feeling particularly good.

One thing that always helps: there were some really great spectators, those lovely people who cheer on complete strangers who choose to push their bodies to the limits for no apparent reason. These people helped to remind me of the community spirit that runners and their loved ones show. These people are the smiles and encouragement that can take your race from bleh to yay in about 1.2 seconds.

So there I am, reveling in the fact that I’m actually running the 10k, people are being super supportive, and hit a wall at around mile 3 or 3.5. I find myself walking the not-so-steep hills. I start consuming my trusty Kramp Krushers, and tell myself it’s totally fine to walk. Because it really is. As long as you get out of the way of other runners, of course.

After mile 4, the course has one more uphill climb, and then it blessedly meanders downhill toward the finish line.

My last mile was my proudest moment. I am not sure when the last time it was that I felt such a strong finish. My mile time was around 9:30 the entire last mile as I pushed myself beyond what I thought I was capable of that morning.

And isn’t that what it’s all about? Pushing ourselves and finishing strong? I feel like if you’re able to finish strong, you’ve won. Heck, even if you can’t finish strong. If you finished, you win.

So there it was. I had major doubts, but I did it anyway. I finished my first 10k in almost a year, and finished proud and strong. Not to mention, I got an extra medal, a loyal runners glass, and “loyal runner” printed on my shirt. Aaand… I got an extra medal for completing the SF/Berkeley Challenge!

While I’m not sure if I’ll continue road races in 2020, if I do, the Berkeley Marathon will be one of them.