Solstice Run Race Recap

12± min 10 M PR!!!

Pre-Race: Race morning we headed out to Northville's Solstice Run 10 M about 5:30 a.m., arriving with plenty of time to spare and even found rockstar parking for an easy exit. We also found a secret stash of porta-potties with no lines, plenty of TP, and hand sanitizer. (It's the little things.) 

Start Corral: As we walked up to the start I easily spotted Jordan (Race Recap HERE) in his bright green jersey warming up, and even easier to spot was TNT Coach Ken; the jolly giant was making sure everything was ready for go time. The start was staged on Northville Downs Horse Race Track; the 10k-ers were set loose at 7:15 am with us 10 milers behind them at 7:30 am. Just before the race was about to start The Engineer found us and so the three of us (Spike, in his efforts to slow down for ultra training, opted to run with me) set out with a goal; 1:20 or Bust!

The Race: We rounded the track of Northville Downs and then headed out of the complex, hitting "Kona Hill" almost immediately. It was definitely the @ss kicker it claimed to be and after we crested it the rest of the route was just one continuous hill after rolling hill. Our trio ran strong, enjoying the beautiful neighborhoods, and did I mention the hills? We tackled hill after hill after hill after... I was completely gassed by mile 8 and just switched in to auto pilot, trying to stay locked in to our goal pace range (7:50-8 min) until we reached the downtown area again where I kicked it in as hard as I could. We finished on the track at Ford Field and I've never been so happy to be done with a race! That was really hard work, but it totally paid off:

Final Chip Time: 1:19:35 @ 7:57 P - 12± Minute PR!!!

136/692 Overall

28/301 Women Overall

4/53 AG 

At Mile 4 w/ Spike, who I think is about to dump water on his head.
(The Engineer is leading our trio and out of frame)

Post-Race: After we collected our medals we found Nichole (who had PR'd her 10k!!!) and Jordan, and a then found a spot in the shade to collapse on the ground and exchange war stories. We all agreed that it was definitely a tough course, the toughest I had ever run on for sure. After a few minutes we had to get going as Spike had to work, so we said our goodbye's to Jordan and The Engineer, snagged a popsicle, checked out the results board, and headed to the car, cheering the runners in along the way.

Top: Post-race with Nichole and Jordan
Bottom: Damn these traveling Mirage tongues, but at least the shirt fits!

Post-Race Thoughts: This was the 10th running of the Solstice Run and also it's last year named as such, as next year it will return as the "Kona Run." (Personally I think they should rename it Hillville 10 Miler!) Kona Running Company puts on a great event; the course was beautiful, they had live music, the tech-shirts FIT!!! (and are cute), the medals are fun, there was nutrition available on the course, plenty of water, the volunteers were great, the finish area was loaded, and best of all they did a virtual race packet! No unnecessary papers!!! I will definitely be back to race this again.

As for my thoughts on how I ran, I am so unbelievably happy with how things turned out! It was a challenging course, it was hot, and yet with the help of the guys, we were able to lock in and hang on; given the conditions I think I ran the smartest race I could. With my first double-digit race in the books, I now have a good idea of where to set the bar for the half I'm racing in September. Congrats to all those that raced Solstice on Saturday, and if you didn't, next year you should!