She Runs by the Seashore

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Chartway Norfolk Harbor 10K as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

I’ve had the goal of running a sub-50-minute 10K for years. I got really close in 2014, with times of 50:15 and 50:20. But more recently, I’ve only gotten further away from that goal.

I’m looking toward the Chartway Norfolk Harbor 10K this year as a potential opportunity to try for a sub-50 10K. The race is Nov. 24, so I have plenty of time to train. I will also be training for the Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 27, and I’m hoping I can get faster all-around as I train for both.

I can usually estimate pretty accurately about where I am for a predicted race time, so I’ll know closer to the race whether this is a possibility. For example, I’m not at this kind of pace right now. But there’s a countdown on the site, and I have 224 days, 18 hours and about 30 minutes left.

The 10K will be new for 2019, but the race website homepage describes the courses as “fast, flat and scenic.” Since I run on flat ground to train and I run much better on flat courses, I’ll definitely need a flat course to break the 50-minute mark.

I’d have to run a solid 8:00 pace. I’m running the eRace the Stigma 5K on May 11, and that will be a good indicator of where I currently am for the 5K. However, being honest with myself, I don’t think I will be at an 8:00 pace by then, even for the 5K. Hopefully, my pace will start with an 8.

I know I need to do consistent speed work (long intervals of 800 meters and above) and that I should probably include strength training — something I rarely do — as well.

Here’s a look back at my 10K race times over the years:

2018: 58:46, 58:36, 1:00:01

2017: 1:00:28, 55:55, 57:32

2016: 58:50, 56:35, 55:45

2015: 57:50, 54:19, 57:53

2014: 50:15, 50:20

I run the Mike Sterling 10K in Crisfield every year, and I will be returning to that race as well, but the hot weather during Labor Day Weekend is not conducive to a PR — even though that is where I ran my current PR of 50:15. I know I’ve run 51-something, I believe 51:11, on that course, too.

So, you never know, but I’m thinking the Norfolk Harbor 10K will be more likely for a PR. Hopefully in November, the weather will be just about perfect.

Interested in joining me at the Norfolk Harbor races? There are a half marathon, 5K and 10K, along with different challenges.

The 5K is Saturday, Nov. 23, and the half marathon and 10K are Sunday, Nov. 24. The Get Nauti challenge includes both the 5K and half marathon, and the Nauti Lite challenge includes the 5K and 10K. There’s also a kids’ mile on the Saturday of race weekend.

Sign up earlier to get a lower price: Registration fees go up June 2. I will also let you know when I get a discount code through BibRave.

I’m excited to travel to Norfolk and run this race for the first time. I’ve been to Norfolk before, but this will be my first time doing a race there.

I have run the Shamrock half and full marathons in Virginia Beach, which are put on by the same race organizers — J&A Racing — and those are great, so I certainly assume it will be a well-run race weekend.

It looks like in addition to the flat course, this race weekend will also be a fun time, with a post-race party including beer and chili/soup, and a surprise finisher item.

Learn more about the Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon and 10K and We Promise Foundation 5K at www.norfolkharborhalf.com.

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