2010 Cleveland 10 Miler

Cleveland 10 Miler – April 24, 2010

Yesterday, my wife and I ran the Cleveland 10 Miler (http://clevelandtenmiler.com/) I have been running this race since day one (2005) and they even list my name in their web site as part of the 50 or so runners who have run every 10 miler. The first 4 years it was downtown, but starting last year they moved it to Edgewater Park, which makes it an easier course, mostly flat with a bit of elevation loss since it starts at Edgewater's "upper deck" and ends at the "lower deck".

Here is a picture before the race. We are walking from the front deck, where we picked up our registration stuff, to the lower deck where our car is parked. A long line of people. The lake is on the left. Cleveland downtown straight ahead:

This has become a very popular race (5K is also an option) and this year it hit the limit of 2000 runners. The location is easily accessible and there is plenty of parking. Organization (by Hermes) is first class, in my opinion.

Here is a picture from the start line:

I see a little kid and a bunch of chubby guys, clearly not the kind of material that will win the race. WHY are these guys in the front line? I don’t understand what is going on through these people’s mind. Are they so ignorant?  PLEASE show some respect for the fast runners behind you who are trying to run 5 minute miles.

The weather was nice for running. Cool (50F), cloudy, with some sprinkles. After a short warmup I realized that I did not need a long sleeved shirt so I went back to the car to drop extras clothes. Liz, as always, started overdressed and wasted valuable seconds trying to undress while running. That’s where I say “I TOLD YOU SO!”

My goal was to run 7 minute miles, and I succeeded! Mile splits: 6:52, 6:53, 6:55, 7:01, 6:57, 7:05, 7:04, 7:03, 6:53, 6:29. I am especially pleased that the last two miles were fast, resulting in a negative split. I was running under pressure with a group of runners, everyone trying to move ahead, so I pushed as hard as I could.

My final time: 1:09:04, was faster (by 1 1/2 minutes) from the previous best time which was last year. I finished 4/49 in my age group and 57/1665 overall.

Liz had a 10 Mile PR with 1:31:48. Here is a picture of Liz storming ahead in the last ½ mile of the race:

There are no pictures of me. I wish I had one while eating my 4th plate of scrambled eggs. I don’t say this with any pride, but I usually eat like 2-3 runners after the race. That’s my portion, Liz’s portion, and some more. I hope there was enough food for everyone.

My next important race is the Cleveland Marathon, where I hope to improve last year's time of 3:22, or at least do better than 3:30. More about this in a future blog.