TBKF Heros for Hope 10k Race Recap

November 9, 2009 | Filed in: Uncategorized

This past Friday, I talked to my friend Billy online for a little bit and by the time the conversation ended and before I even knew what I was doing, he got me to sign up for a little local 10k in Playa del Rey. For some reason, Billy ALWAYS gets me to sign up for races, but I never regret any race he’s made me do. I don’t know why he always gets me to sign up for races, but he was the one who got me to sign up for Malibu 25k Trail Race, for San Diego RnR and I’m sure at least one more. Though the 10k is my most hated distance, it was for a great cause, benefiting brain tumor research, and I knew I would get to see Billy’s gal and my good friend Sara there as well. Though I was a little worried about doing some actual racing or running since I haven’t run really at all for two weeks because of my cough and being sick, I decided to go for a 6 miler on Saturday morning to see how I could hang and if my cough would hopefully stay at bay during the race.

The run on Saturday went great and I knew I would at least be able to hang in the race and I then I decided that I really wanted to race the race. I haven’t really ‘raced’ in a long time and I felt like I would feel good if I raced, even though I have Malibu next weekend. Anyways, I had kind of a late night the evening before the race hanging out with my little brother and talking and I didn’t get to sleep until about 11:45 and I was worried that my 5:30 wake up call would come to early.

When my alarm went off in the morning, I realized, oh DUH, since I hadn’t run in 2 weeks, I was ummm SORE from running 6 miles the day before. I tried to loosen up my legs and did some stretches and got ready to make the 40ish minute drive to Dockweiler Beach. Once there I picked up my race shirt and number and sat in my car for a little bit. I got there about an hour and 15 minutes before the race started. Then Billy and Sara showed up and we did some picture taking, walked around the little mini expo and snagged some food samples for after the race and some mini cupcakes that I would later devour. I have to give a BIG thank you to Billy for taking a billion pictures from the day so I could post some online. He also was out on the course and cheered and was super helpful throughout the entire day.

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Pre-Race before we walked over to the starting line. Yea, I was wearing that in public. I know. What was I thinking, but those pants are so bomb. $5 bucks at Walmart. I have 3 pairs and they come in a ton of colors! They are perfect for lounging around the house and pre-race attire and looking homeless.

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I really wanted to wear a bow in my hair and luckily I found a huge pink bow to tie into my ponytail. I don’t know why I’d never thought of it before, but it was fun! I think I will for sure be wearing it again next weekend in Malibu. Pink Power bow!

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Here’s Sara and I right before the start of the race. As you can tell it was a smaller race, but it was still really fun and sometimes the smaller races are the best!

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Then, we saw our friend Cody before the race too! He’s training for an Ironman and him and his friend ran this race to get their heart rates for training. Anyone who trains for an Ironman or does one, HUGE respect from me!

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Billy took this right before the start, I think I was probably laughing because we were SO close to the front. Um, you start to realize that when people are doing the sign of the cross right next to you before the horn goes off, it’s a little intimidating! Those people mean business!

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I love this picture! So once the race started I pretty much I started off way to fast, WAY too fast. Mile one went by pretty quick and mile two was more of the same, then around mile 3 I was dunzo already and I really had to push to not walk. It sounds weird but I was SO tired and I realized that DOY, maybe I should have eaten before I ran, normally I don’t eat because of some issues, but I also normally race much sooner after I wake up. I felt like I hit the wall and my legs were really heavy early on around mile 3 and a half. I just kept telling myself, go, go go, go, go, the faster you get done, the faster it’s over, the faster you can drink water, and cough, and stop moving!

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How cute does Sara look in this picture! She passed me right after mile 1 and I just kept telling myself to keep going. I grabbed some water from an aid station at mile 1.5 and tried to cool the throat. Sara is such a strong runner and I really am glad I met her and Billy! They are some of the nicest people!

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Another action shot from the wonderful Billy. Around mile 3.5 I also really started to feel the pain in my feet on the forefront of my foot. I get this pain when I try to race because I strike a lot on my forefoot when I attempt to run faster. I realized that when I run longer distances I really focus on switching up how I step to make sure that my feet don’t hurt. When I run shorter distances, and push myself, it’s a whole different ball game because my brain doesn’t always function the same as longer distances.

Miles 4-6 were pretty hard for me but I knew where I was placed in categories in the race and I just kept telling myself to hold on and that it was almost over. I took some Nuun from Billy in a bottle at mile 4.5, and I was running with it, it has a squeeze top and it was open and I totally squeezed it on accident as I was pumping my arms and got it all over my face. I kind of laughed and then realized I had to keep going! UGH! At mile 5, I told myself, come on, ONE more mile! I did have a little cough happen about at mile 5.5 and I just tried to breath and keep going. It felt like forever until the finish line came. 10ks are EVIL!

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Finally! The finish line! I passed a guy right at the end of the race, and then he did some crazy weird sprinting moves and totally had to pass me again before the finish. Guess he didn’t want to get beat by a girl! The race started at 8:30 and it was a little warm by the time we got to the finish. I was pretty sweaty and I was STINKY! ha ha, I guess that’s what happens. Luckily, it wasn’t windy and was actually a great day for a race.

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I totally started coughing and drinking ton of water right at the finish line. I felt bad people probably thought I was going to throw up or something! Ha! I was glad it was over and Sara finished 2nd female overall and I finished 3rd female overall! There were some really fast people in the race, and I actually also know who was the 1st female overall! The race was pretty flat with some camber which kind of was annoying at some points, but it was a decently fast course. I ran it in 47:41. My mile splits were 1- 7:13, 2- 7:37, 3- 7:56, 4- 7:48, 5- 7:56, 6- 7:41, .2- 1:28.

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We watied around for a little bit and then the little awards ceremony took place. Sara was 2nd in her age group and 2nd overall. I was first in my age group and 3rd overall. Small races rock! :)

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After we got our medals!

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This is one of my friends, Colin’s wife. She was the first female overall and also the first female in Sara’s age group. She is an AMAZING runner and it was so nice to meet her and get to talk with her for a little bit! She recently ran Chicago with Colin and her time is amazing. It’s so inspiring to meet real people who are fast and are SO nice! She was so sweet :) So here is 1st place, 3rd place and 2nd place in the race for females.

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Here’s all of us at the race including my friend Colin! He also won his age group in the race and is super fast too! I am so lucky to have met some great people who are such an inspiration to me as well. Looks like we need to start working the local small race circut. I think we should start a racing club called, “Do Work!” I was really glad to meet up with everyone even though it was kind of a last minute race that I signed up for. Best part about the race was that they raised $45,000 for the charity!!! How great is that! That’s so much money for a great cause!

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After the race, we went to a little place for breakfast called Maxwells and it was so delicious. I got an omlette called the garbage omlette and, get ready for it, it had spinach in it! It was so, so good! It is a step to me one day eating lettuce I guess. I wore my medal inside because I felt like complete doof wearing uggs and booty shorts around in public. My shirt was so stinky from the race that I put on my race shirt after.

Also, at the race they had some of the magazines that actually featured an article on me in it. The magazine is called LA Sports and Fitness. It’s SO weird to me that they wanted to interview me about my blog and racing, but I was so flattered and humbled! I got a few copies and will try to scan the article to share with you guys. It’s so weird seeing myself in the magazine, but it means so much to me that they wanted to do a story on me!

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So all in all, the race and weekend was pretty gosh darn successful if you asked me! Now, I’m SO sore today! ha ha, I forgot how many muscles you use when you push yourself to work and try to get a good time. My calves are really sore and the front of my quads are a little sore. It’s totally a different type of sore than when I run longer distances. I’m still glad I did the race and now must start getting pumped up for another race. Malibu Marathon this weekend!

xoxo

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Um, can I have your legs?? Cause, yeah, mine–never going to look like that!

Congrats on a speedy finish!

Love the pink ribbon! It totally completes the perfect ponytail.

Okay. First of all, your legs look amazing in that first race shot! Dude. Second, I’m so jealous of your bow. I can’t wait till my stupid hair grows out so I can wear fun ponytails and stuff. Great job on the race and good luck next weekend!

I don’t know how I found your blog – but I have been lurking for awhile… Thank you for being such an inspiration, I used to run all the time… marathons, 1/2s…etc.. then I had kids, got busy, got lazy. You remind me of why I loved it and why I miss it.

Great Job! I ran a small 5k this weekend and got first in my age group so opposite from the marathon I run when I place in the hundreths haha. Anyways looks like a fun day and you are going to do awesome this weekend!

You’re in magazines now?? Look at you!!

Great job on the race!

You’re famous!!! That is great about the photos ending up in a mag.

So, I’ll admit, after seeing the first picture, I thought that this post was going to be about you running a 10k in Uggs. :)

Which magazine is that! I want to read the article :) Great job girl!

I am new to your blog but you totally crack me up. That is awesome you are in a magazine! You def have to scan it in for us to see!

YaY! I’m running a 6 mile on saturday!

Great job on the race girl!!! For having tired legs you sure killed it out there! Glad you’re feeling better!

I can’t wait to read the article, so exciting. Look at you all famous and what not. :)

wow! so cool about the magazine article! Would love to see it. And how do you manage to look so good after a race?? I try to look nice for the race pics but always end up looking sweaty and gross…

Wow you’re in a magazine! How awesome!

Good God girl! For being sick you are stinkin FAST. Great report and how cool you are in a magazine. You are famous now!

Congrats on a stellar 10K race (nice come-back!) and the article! Great pics.

whooohoooo you speed demon you! great job at the 10K especially after being sick! LOVE the bow and the SF shirt….hehe Can’t wait to see you this weekend for Maliboooooooozzzzziiiieeeee!!!! ♥♥♥♥♥

Haha…you killed it Danica – 3rd female!!

Seriously, extremely proud of you out there for that awesome showing. ESPECIALLY considering you were getting over an illness and haven’t run in a couple of weeks.

Have a blast in Malibu with the gals next week. In the meantime, I will think of my next race for you… ;)

Too bad you don’t like trail races anymore. Oh well, gonna keep trying!

Damn girl! Magazine articles, pink bow in your great hair, placing in races, and a breakfast like that? You have the best life ever. Seriously. Crazy jealous.

Congrats on your placement! You are hella fast. I was waaay less fast this weekend :) but still placed 3rd in my age group in a small 5K I did. Go us!

Why do you hate 10Ks? Hmm I wonder if I will enjoy my half marathon more than past 10Ks, hope so :)

Congrats on a great race, and also getting a write up in the magazine…. how cool is that?

This is so cool!! How awesome that you were featured. I need to find that mag and read your article.

Congrats on another race. :o)

Great job girl! Congrats on getting 3rd overall! That’s awesome!!

wooooo awesome job speedy!!!! you did great and i love the bow :)

great job on the race..how cool that you got featured in the magazine…you’re like a local celebrity now…

I thought of you as I signed up for my first official 5K today ;-) Congrats on the race, and the amazing feature in the mag!!! You rock D ;-)

Great race! I’ve been lurking your blog for a while cause we’ve done a few of the same races (SF, Long Beach).
Small running world – the people in your pic that ran Chicago were also pictured in the LA Marathon’s blog. I recognized them because the photo on that blog said they live in HermosaB, which is where I live.
Can’t wait to hear how Malibu goes. I’m sitting out that one since I ran Santa Clarita yesterday.

SPEEDY splits there, girl! You & Sara rocked this 10k!!!

CONGRATS on the hardware :D

Wow, look at you being all in a magazine! That’s so cool!

Great job on the race, way to push hard! I love your idea for the team name “do work”!

Congrats, speedy! I’ve never run a 10k, but this one sounds particularly fun. Love the pink bow the magazine preview!

Congrats on your 10k!
Quick Question: I have been looking for a way to carry my ipod without using an armband. What did you use to wear yours at your waistband? I can’t find anything like that lately. Thanks for your help.
You look HOT in that mag! Great job.

GREAT job on the race and very, very cool that you were featured in that magazine!!

Awesome run Danica and was great hanging out after the race. Also, glad I got to meet Billy and Sara. Billy was the man out there..taking pics and cheering everyone on. Looking forward to meeting up with everyone at another race soon.

and hey 12halfmarys – you have a good eye and memory. that was us on the LA mary blog. so you live in Hermosa too? Definitely a small world. Btw, I assume you’re the one behind the 12 Half Mary’s blog? If so congrats on #11 and good luck in Oxnard.

oh my GOSH! congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that looks like an amazing article and a beautiful picture!!!! way to goooo! and i love all the race photos you posted— such great quality. you have a terrific long stride:) and the bow was the perfect touch.

great recap and photo in mag!!!

i hate the 10K more than anything too.

congrats on 1st place!

Awesome race report!!! And I LOVE the article! How cool is that? Congrats!

Congrats speedy lady on your awards! Love all the pictures that Billy took! They’re awesome. And I love your booty shorts! Do you know what kind those are off hand?

And congrats on the magazine article! Hope you can figure out a way to get it to scan or maybe find a link or something.

nice race! and with a cold, too. congrats on the magazine feature – looks pretty sweet.

Wow So proud of You friend! LOVE the pink pants! Love the pictures…love the medal! Love the whole thing! You look great as always :) xoxo!

you’re such a celeb I love it. Haha. great job on the 10k speedy legs.

Look at you all in a magazine and stuff!
OMG I know I always say it but you ROCK! Geeze… I need more stamina and motivation. I need friends who run to push me!

Ummmm you are HOT!!! Love it and I cannot wait to read the article. Great race- you are too fast for your own good. ;) xooxox

Congrats on placing and on the magazine article!! Both are huge accomplishments! I’ve been reading your site for a while now and you are a great role model with lots to offer. All best for Malibu :)

P.S. I love that you’re making fun of yourself for wearing sweats out in public. I’m a student and this is a daily occurrence for the majority of the school population (as I’m sure you remember).

Love all the pics from your race!! Congrats for being in the mag, thats awesome

unreal, danica!!! congrats on everything- the magazine, the placing, the walmart pants find!
you inspire me to get going on that speed training of mine… tomorrow.
:-)

Love the pink bow:-) Congrats on the race AND the magazine! woooot!

congrats on your race, Danica! You rock!

nice job girl! u ran a great race! way to kick butt while supporting that pink bow! i LOVE IT!!!

Congrats you are a racing fool! Love the bow and the pictures are wow amazing. Your now famous in LA! Much deserved love the blog.

You rock, woman! That is just simply all I have to say ;-)

You are amazing girl! Please scan that article!!! I’m so proud of you. How amazing!!!!

Congrats, you are fast!
I am just getting back into serious running and stumbled on your magazine article and in turn, your website. You are the inspiration, thats going to get me back on pace. Starting with “RunforHer,” this weekend. Keep up the great work. I can only hope to be as fast as you…one day ;-))

That’s how I got here, throught the magazine I picked up at Roadrunner Sports last week. I’m running Malibu also, so I’ll look for the pink bow! Congrats on your evil 10k!

HOLY LEG MUSCLES, Batman!! Look at you and your chic physique! Good grief. You wear those booty shorts well, if I may say so myself. And um, I guess I’ll never be able to run with you and your posse because you are all speedsters. Wow!

Yay for a good race! Billy took some great pics! Oh, and of course, congrats on your mag article. That’s wicked awesome too. :)

Girl – congrats on the awesome race. You totally inspire me.

And that’s SOOOO fun about the magazine article.

Random question – when you feel that pain in the forefront of your foot when running fast, does it linger after the race or go away when you stop running? I deal with that sometimes, and I just wondered what it’s like for you.

You are so cute there with your article! Congrats on your fantastic time :)

Congrats on all fronts. A nicely zipped up weekend!

Will we be seeing you at Pt Mugu?

looks like a fabulous race!!! and congratulations on the magazine article, thats so awesome! :)

Isn’t that such a great place for a race? I ran the Jet to Jetty 10K (uses the same course you ran) a couple of months ago. Really really great course. And you obviously took advantage of it. Congratulations on a great race anda great run! Good luck in Malibu this weekend.

you are famous! i want to read that article, where do i get the mag??
congrats on the race too. you always get such cute race pictures!

Um exccccuuuuuuse meeeeee! I need an autographed copy of that mag, please!!!

And way to kick ass and place in that race!! First in your age group is especially RAD!!

If I toe the starting line for Malibu I will definitely be looking for a pink bow and tutu!

Congrats again and I’m tellin’ ya, it was 99% talent and 1% pink bow!

Dude, you were in a magazine!!!!!!!! How freakin’ awesome is that?! When you’re famous, remember me who was there for your first marathon =).

Love all the pics, you look so strong and fit. I’m also digging the $5 walmart lounge wear and the pink ribbon.

You met Cody…that’s awesome!

Sometime I really need to come and run a race down in SoCal with you and all your local peeps. I was eyeing the Carlsbad half but can’t get away that weekend. Hmmmmmm…..maybe LB 2010?!?!

You’re a celebrity! Very cool. Good luck at Malibu! Look forward to hearing about it.

where did you find the bow? i loveeee bows. and i’m wearing hot pink next w/e!!

Congrats on being featured in the LA Sports and Fitness mag! That’s awesome!

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