Race Review: Manhattan Beach 10K

Race Review: Manhattan Beach 10K

My husband and I have done the Manhattan Beach 10K together almost every year since we met in 2008. The only one we missed was last year, 2012, because we were in Fiji on our honeymoon. If there’s any reason to skip, that is a valid one in our book!

I was a bit nervous going into this year’s race because I have not been running like I used to. I developed some pain from running last year and realized it was easier to keep my weight down and stay fit if I did other exercises in replace of running. This is a huge switch from me because I was used to running being my primary source of exercise. Aside from a few runs here and there, I have been playing soccer twice a week as well as swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, walking Kona, and doing yoga. Plenty of ways to keep fit. But without straight running, I had no idea what my pace was going to be or what I could expect.

My motto for the race was just to go “slow and steady” and to never let myself get to a point where the run felt uncomfortable. This was hard for me because I like to push myself, but without proper running training I didn’t want to do anything stupid and get hurt. The race started and I put on some tunes using my new iPhone running armband and we were off.

I felt like I was going a slow, but good pace for me. I was surprised when we hit mile 1 and I was told I was at 9 minutes. Then it seemed like a while before we got to the mile 3 marker and the timer shouted “38.” I was thinking to myself “Wow, 38 minutes at mile 3. I am running over a 12 minute mile. Makes sense because I feel like I’m going at a slower pace.” And I kept going. Slow and steady. It was fun to run through Downtown Manhattan Beach and through the neighborhoods while the residents sat outside and cheered us on and rang cowbells. Love this community.

At the mile 5 marker we had hit the infamous Strand which is where I do most of my running. I was surprised when the guy said “45 minutes.” I was thinking “Wait, am I running a 9 minute pace or a 12 minute pace?” Oh well, whatever. I kept on going with the quiet mantra of “Slow and Steady” chanting in the back of my head.

Marion and I with friends at the finish line.

I ended up finishing the race in 57:12. That’s a 9:13 pace. It’s not a PR or my fastest time ever, but given that I haven’t run more than 4 miles straight in over a year I was quite satisfied with this time. I remember the days where I trained like a mad woman and running a 10 minute pace was hard for me to maintain. And I feel pretty good after the race too, which makes me want to get back into running again and have something to train for. It is fun and I do miss racing. It’s been a nice hiatus but I think it may be time to train for another running event again. I am a goal oriented person and events like this help keep me on track!

This past weekend the beach hit almost 90 degrees so the race was nice and warm, but since it was early in the morning it wasn’t too hot. I am such a fan of the Manhattan Beach 10K and plan to do this even as long as I am living in Southern California and physically able to run. It’s the best. Plus they have awesome shirts. You get to choose between a long sleeve shirt or a short sleeve. I always get a long sleeve and wear them during our “winter” and for playing soccer. Highly recommend it for residents and people looking for a fun 10k to complete that crosses over gorgeous landscape.

What about you? Does your hometown have a race you like to attend? Do you like 10K’s? Post in the comments and let me know.