After weeks of preparation, careful tapering, and a lot of anticipation, race day finally arrived. The nerves, excitement, and energy all came together as I laced up my shoes and headed to the start line, ready to see how far my training had brought me.

Pre-Race Rituals

The morning of the race started early. I focused on sticking to my routine—hydrating well, having a light but energy-packed breakfast, and mentally preparing myself for the 21K challenge ahead. I made sure to arrive at the venue with plenty of time to spare, allowing myself to settle into the environment, warm up properly, and focus on the race. Since this was the second time I was doing this race, I already knew the course well, which gave me the confidence of not having to figure out the route and knowing exactly what I needed to do to get to the finish line.

How do you usually prepare on race day? Any rituals that help you get into the right mindset?

The Start Line

As I stood at the start line, I could feel the adrenaline building. My strategy was clear: pace myself early, stick to my gel strategy, and leave something in the tank for the final push. The weather was on my side—cool and dry, though the sun threatened to warm things up later in the race. I took a deep breath, reminding myself of all the hard work I’d put in to get here.

The First Half

The first half of the race went according to plan. I maintained a steady pace, taking my first gel at the 7K mark as planned. The crowd was amazing, and their cheers gave me the extra push I needed to keep going strong. The kilometers seemed to pass by quickly, and I felt confident in my pacing and energy levels.

The Challenge Begins

As I reached the 13.3K mark, I took my second gel, knowing this would carry me through the toughest part of the race. The course had a few unexpected hills, but I focused on keeping my rhythm and not letting the terrain throw me off. By 18K, I took my final gel, though I realized it might have been too late to fully kick in before the finish line. Nevertheless, I powered through, determined to finish strong.

Race Stats Breakdown

• Total Distance: 21.5 km
• Official Time: 1:48:20
• Average Pace: 5:02 min/km
• Average Heart Rate: 160 bpm
• Maximum Heart Rate: 192 bpm
• Average Cadence: 169 spm
• Elevation Gain: 16 m
• Elevation Loss: 12 m

The race was divided into three segments:

1. First 10K: Time – 50:42, Average Pace – 5:04 min/km, Average Heart Rate – 145 bpm
2. Second 10K: Time – 50:23, Average Pace – 5:02 min/km, Average Heart Rate – 174 bpm
3. Final 1.5K: Time – 7:42, Average Pace – 5:07 min/km, Average Heart Rate – 183 bpm

Throughout the race, I maintained a steady pace, with slight variations as I adjusted to the terrain and fatigue. The familiarity with the course allowed me to stay focused on my pacing rather than figuring out the route. The elevation was relatively mild, with a total gain of 16 meters, making for a fast, flat course ideal for setting a personal best.

Reflecting on the stats, I’m particularly pleased with how I managed my pacing and heart rate. The final push in the last 1.5K shows the effort to maintain speed despite the fatigue, which is something I’ve been working on in training.

Crossing the Finish Line

The last few kilometers were tough, as the sun began to heat up and my legs started to feel the strain. But as I saw the finish line in the distance, a surge of energy took over. I pushed myself through the final stretch, crossing the finish line with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. My official time was 1:47:57—a personal best!

What strategies do you use to push through the final stretch of a race?

Post-Race Reflections

After the race, I took some time to cool down and reflect on the experience. I felt proud of how I managed my pace and energy throughout the race, and Jen’s guidance on resting my knee and using the gels strategically had definitely paid off. While there’s always room for improvement, this race was a significant milestone in my running journey.

How do you reflect on your race performances? What do you focus on improving next time?