For someone who grew up in and around Boulder, the annual BolderBOULDER 10K race has been integrated into my childhood memories of Memorial Day. As the race celebrated its 35th year, I ran it for the third time in what is going to be my most memorable experience of the iconic race. Last year, I had my best 10K race, but this year my training hasn’t been as focused. Even though I wasn’t thinking I would beat my time of 54:06 from last year, I was hoping to get close and at least under an hour. Enjoying the experience was my main focus.
As I approached the start line a little before my wave went off at 7:15 am, I had some serious nerves. I may have even teared up a little in thinking of all of those affected by the Boston Marathon Bombings and in gratitude for my ability to run a 10K.
Before the race: and after the race:
I finished in a time of 57:05. I had two strong miles, which is to no surprise because that is about the distance of tempo running I have been doing lately, and four not so strong miles that I plan to work on. Overall, it was a great race!
After I finished, I picked up my swag bag and watched some of the 48,000+ other participants finish their race as the stadium filled up with runners and spectators.
A little while later, I boarded the press vehicle to lead out the Women International Team Challenge runners.
The starting line up…
…and then we were off at about a 5:30/mile pace.
Merima Mohammed from Ethiopia (bib ETH 23) lead the pack a majority of the way.
After the half way point, she was neck and neck with Mexico.
Until she had a strong break away for the finish, winning her first BolderBoulder in 33:58.79.
It was seriously amazing to watch these women runners; they are incredible and inspirational athletes. With the press float in mere silence, you could hear the chatter from the women runners, the light pitter-patter of their foot strokes, their breathing, and cheers from the crowd as we whipped around the empty streets of Boulder. As someone who grew up in Boulder, this was truly a neat perspective on the city I have never experienced before, and I will certainly never forget it. Merima ran a strong race; she certainly deserved her win.
HUGE thank you to the BolderBoulder for supporting my race and giving me the opportunity to experience Boulder in a way that I never have before and will always remember.
Stay tuned for my race day nutrition (good and bad).
so glad you had a good race! I want to come explore Ft Collins soon…
Kendra Tupper You should definitely come up! We love it here!
Great job, Lauren!! So glad you were able to attend + had the chance to ride on the press vehicle!
Rachel Hegemann liked this on Facebook.
Wait, why aren’t you sweaty in the after pic?
Nice blog 🙂
Stephanie Amber Thank you! Lindsay Anderson I am! The shadow just covers it up a bit ;-). Just look closely.