Race Report: Capitol Hill Classic.

I know. I know.

I know I am so behind on my race reports and training updates, it's not even funny. So please accept this as my peace offering and show of goodwill that I am indeed back on the straight and narrow. ;)

Anyway, on with the report.

The 28th Annual Capitol Hill Classic was held Sunday, May 20, at Stanton Park in Washington, DC. There were around 3,000 participants in the 10K, 3K, and fun run combined, but the event was so well-run that it never felt overcrowded (except perhaps in the last-minute line to the women's restroom ;)).

This is the largest event I've competed in so far, and I expected to feel a little bit claustrophobic as a result. But I didn't, actually, even when I chose a spot in the middle of the pack to start the race in. Though hearing all the footsteps behind me, coming behind and sometimes past me like a family of wild horses, was a little unnerving at first. It was also pretty cool. :)

Anyway, the race course began at Stanton Park and then made a beeline for RFK Stadium, at which point it curled around the back of the stadium and out the other side, the way we came in. Shortly we found ourselves in the middle of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, where many families stood the curb cheering, playing music, serving up water straight from the hose, and offering outstretched hands to slap five. The support was overwhelming, even for those back-of-packers like me!

Once we emerged from the neighborhoods, we turned onto First Street and ran between the Capitol and the Library of Congress, and then down one side of Capitol Hill. We circled around the Capitol and then, IN MILE FIVE, began our ascent of Capitol Hill's other side, which made me want to weep. ;) But before I knew it, the ascent was over, and down the stretch we came to the finish line!

Those last few tenths of a mile to the finish were simply amazing. I couldn't stop smiling as I neared closer and closer to the end of my journey, watching the balloon arch come nearer into view and, finally, pass over my head in one quick moment. I was awestruck at what I'd done -- I, who have never considered myself a runner, had just finished my second 10K.

My time on this one was 1:14:55, a good three minutes faster than my last 10K. But more than that, I felt so, so much better than the last race. I felt like I could run stronger, could breathe better, could actually WALK after the race was over. I felt like I was more fit, more ready, and more confident. And I was sort of sorry to see it end -- most certainly unlike the last 10K. ;)

So it was a great Sunday. I can't wait for the next one!

:)