Hi, guys!
I ran the Tufts 10K for Women on Monday (Columbus Day) and had so much fun! What an awesome race!
I haven’t run the Tufts 10K since 2003 (we’re usually in Newport on race day), but it’s a race that I always recommend to local runners, especially newbies, because it was one of my first. It’s a mostly all-women’s race, so there’s plenty of support and motivation, and I remember having such a wonderful experience as a new runner. I also remember the awesome shirts that you get with your registration, so I always throw that little tidbit in there to entice runners to sign up! Anyway, the nice people from Tufts Health Plan offered me a bib to this year’s race, and I happily accepted.
On race day, I drove into the city with my friend Jess and her 9-month old daughter, mother, and sister-in-law, who have run the race together 5 times now, which is actually pretty common. Women run this race again and again, year after year. At registration, you could actually pick a sticker that said how many years you’ve run the race, and I saw plenty of 5, 11, and 15 stickers out on the race course. The Tufts 10K has a ton of history and this year’s was the 39th running.
Registration was a breeze, no lines. Same with the porta-potties. We got right in without a long wait. Pre-race, there were quite a few vendors set up around the start at Boston Common, so you could get a last-minute snack or drink of water. (I was pumped to see Nuun there!)
The race started at noon, so about 20 minutes before the gun, the announcer asked runners to line up based on their pace with stroller runners in the back.
Jess said there was a separate start for the strollers about 5 minutes after the rest of the runners took off to help with the congestion. She said it worked out really well. Maybe Quinn and I will run together next year?
I said goodbye to Jess, her mom, and sister-in-law and we all lined up in our respective time areas. (I lined up between the 8 and 9 minute mile signs.)
After that, I got my music ready, set up RunKeeper, and then ate a package of GU. I ate breakfast at 7:30 AM and then a snack at 10:00 AM, but, by noon, I definitely needed a little something.
Before I knew it, it was GO TIME!
The course was amazing. It took you around Boston Common, along the Charles River, and back to Boston Common again. It was flat, flat, flat the entire way. The weather was pretty warm and there wasn’t much shade, but there were plenty of water stops. I actually stopped at every single one. I was really dehydrated!
The first few miles of the race were kind of rough for me. Maybe some of the other long distance runners can relate, but it sometimes takes me a good 2-3 miles to get into a groove, so I definitely didn’t feel great at the beginning. I knew it was a short race, so I just trucked along the best I could.
- Mile 1: 9:07
- Mile 2: 9:08
- Mile 3: 9:03
I started to feel better around mile 3, so I picked up the pace. My music and the other runners, especially the Elites flying by, motivated me.
- Mile 4: 8:32
- Mile 5: 8:28
As I approached the final mile of the race, I wanted to die. The heat and dehydration was definitely getting to me and my stomach started to feel really crampy. Uh-oh. My plan was to pick up the pace at mile 6, but I actually slowed down a little with the hope of feeling better. It actually worked, and I was able to sprint the last 3/4 mile of the race. Woohoo! I was so happy to finish strong!
- Mile 6: 8:17
- Mile 0.2: 7:49
Total time: 54:48 (8:50)
Right after crossing the finish line, I felt horrible. There was water and lots of snacks available, but I could barely bring myself to grab anything. I knew I needed to eat a little something, so I grabbed a yogurt from the nice Stonyfield people. It was just what I needed.
Shortly after that, I caught my breath and met up with Jess and her family. We grabbed some snacks and hung out for a little while before heading home.
All in all, it was an awesome race, and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to run the Tufts 10K again. It’s definitely one to add to your race list!
Question of the Day
What race have you run the most times? How many times have you run it?
I love that new Stoneyfield yogurt!! And I feel like I’ve had all of those feelings during a race before (the good and the bad). You killed it though!
Me too! The apple flavor is amazing!!
Congratulations! Glad you’re feeling better too.
I’ve never been very good at managing my food and drink when running any later in the day than first thing in the morning. It’s hard to eat and drink enough to stay fueled and hydrated but not overdo it and feel full!
Bummed I missed you! Glad to read I wasn’t the only one who wanted to die that last mile … haha 🙂
@Nicole @ Pumps & Iron: I’m bummed that I missed you too! Hopefully, I’ll get to meet you at an event soon! 🙂
@Tina: Two of my favorite fitness bloggers! Awesome to see you are also fans of each other!
How fun! What a lovely course, and it looked like a beautiful day! The only race I have done is the Tinkerbell Half Marathon through Disneyland.. it was a blast!
I ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon last February, and it was SO MUCH FUN. I don’t think anything tops a Disney race!
I’ve only ever ran races for cross country in high school!
Looks like a GORGEOUS course. Love that people keep coming back. Sorry you didn’t feel well!
OMG your time is amazing! You’re officially my hero! It looks like you had a great day!
Looks like a really fun race! Nice medal?
No medals, but we got sweet long-sleeve tech shirts!
This race sounds like it would be a great one for first time racers.
The Broad Street run (10 miler) in Philadelphia. I’ve run it for 8 times now. 2 years ago they started a lottery because it got so big. I fear every year that I’m not going to get in. After 10 years of running it, you get veteran’s status so if you don’t get in through the lottery, they’ll give you a bib anyway. So if I can just make it 2 more years then I’m in for eternity…lol
Hey Tina! I ran the Tufts 10K as well but unlike you…this was a LONG race for me. In fact, it’s the first race I’ve run since high school track (and I’ll be 31 this weekend…) and by far the longest I’ve ever run all at once. I trained with the help of friends and family and felt so great on Monday despite the hot sun. I was inspired to be surrounded by so many women who value their health and wellness and felt very grateful for my own health and ability to be out there, achieving a personal goal. I hope to run it again next year and am already looking to sign up for my next race… 🙂
Great job! I normally don’t get a chance to run this one since I have to work, but one year I was able to run it and it was 90+ degrees!
I have run the More Women’s Half three times, and the Disney Half at least as many times!
I usually run the Scottsdale Women’s Running race every year in November. I love the all women’s races. There’s such a unique vibe to them!
I actually have a few of my colleagues ran as well! Go Tina! I’ve wanted to start running for a while but lacking the “umph” to do it. Any suggestions?
5k! a lot! i’ve run like 11 or 12 half marathons though – i do love that race, too!
there aren’t many races i’ve done multiple times. I’ve done LA Marathon twice, and I think that’s it! otherwise, it’s random…
I remember that race! I lived in Boston (and am FROM boston what uppp) for a long time and my ex’s sister ran that race. (this was before i was into running). except when she ran it, that year it was FREEEEZING. looks like much warmer weather for you!
my kids and i were in Boston doing one of the trolley tours, they said we had to go around some stops b/c of a road race, wish i had know about it ahead of time, would have gone to watch.
Congrats on finishing! That sounds awesome that they have a separate stroller start! I wish more races around me encouraged people to run with strollers, I feel like my little man would love a race like that!
hhmm tough one. Either the Crescent city classic in New Orleans (4 times) or the runDisney Princess half (4 times). Both super fun!
What a fabulous race – great time too!!
Well done!!! Love race recaps even though I don’t run anymore, almost feel like I’m there running it myself!
Congrats! It’s so awesome that you were able to taper back a little and push through at the end. I have a really tough time with that. I love the idea of an all women’s race! And that’s so cool that there is a stroller option! Alrthough running while pushing a stroller is no joke!
I feel like you are always running a race! You’re awesome Tina. 🙂 I really enjoy reading these recaps too! I’ve never run a race so its a nice little scoop.
How fun! I love local races. I run the same half marathon every January.
I was there too! Great job on the race; I was a bit slow, but at least I did it with minimal stopping!
The two races I’ve run the most are the BAA 10K and the Pell Bridge run in Newport. I’ve ran them since their inaugural run in 2011. You might like the bridge run! It’s early in the morning and you watch the sun rise as your run over the Pell Bridge. 🙂
I bet that’s so pretty!!
I love the Tufts 10K, I’ve run it 4 times. I think Falmouth is my record at 5 times. New England running is the best, so many beautiful sites!
I love Falmouth too!!!
I ran the race as well and it was sooo hoooottt. The event itself was very well run and there was a ton of support, water, etc. But heck yes, I was dying at the end because I was not feeling the sun/heat!
Congrats on your 10K. You had a perfect progression run! I got to run along the Charles River for the first time in August and it was so beautiful. Hope you’re doing well. xoxo
Thank you! Hope you’re doing well! 🙂
I did the tufts race this week too! I didn’t eat after breakfast and I think that’s where I went wrong. I felt awful during the race. I’m definitely doing it again next year!