Capitol Hill Classic Review

The Run
5/19/13: 6.21 mi; 49'31"; 7'58" avg. pace

This was one of my favorite 10k races we've done. The course was scenic with tree lined streets and the occasional government building. The crowds were there, but not oppressive. The weather was misty and cool and without heavy rain to slow us down. My only goal was to finish inside of 50 minutes, which I accomplished by a mere 30 seconds. It was a great start to 10k season and a little unexpected given the slow recovery period I've experienced. Here are the Nike+ graphics breaking down my run.

Full route with run pace and mile markers

Mile splits

My slowest point was starting out and wading through the crowds. So the first mile was the slowest at 8'24". After that, I recovered 40" on mile two as we cruised down First Street. By mile three we were heading down towards RFK stadium and even had a bit of downhill to help us along; still, I ran a slower third mile split than my second mile. Mile four was a concrete circle through the Anacostia River Trail, which I thought would be considerably more green. Oh well. Mile five featured the only uphill section, as we left RFK in our rearview; I managed to keep steady at an 8'00" pace despite the incline. Others waiver on the hills, I like to plow through them. Mile six was the return trip down First Street, nice and flat. I had enough left in the tank to run my fastest mile of the race at 7'41". A slight bend onto Third Street and then Maryland and we finished back at Stanton Park. Bagels and bananas were waiting on us.
Here are some pictures from the event:

"Get the school in the background." "Okay."

Always appreciate a mid-air shot

Emily kicking it

Mary hits the home stretch

Mike touching some sky

Say what you will, it looks like we all finished pretty strong. Mike almost looks like he's long jumping in that shot.
The food was fairly satisfactory as well. As you'll see documented below:

Fried Catfish Sandwich from The Sixth Engine (Friday night)

Crab campanelle. Pre race carbs

Creole Chicken at Gordon Biersch. Post race dinner

Post race brownie. Yeah, that was sweet

Looking forward, we may have a few 5k races in June leading up to a possible July 4th romp in Nashville. I plan on doing the annual Run for Your Life 5 Miler featuring the toughest hill around Charleston. Come out for that one and raise funds to fight colorectal cancer. Other than that, we'll play it by ear.