2023 Phoenix Shamrock 10k

While I had originally planned to run this race in Kiwanis Park with the other runners, injury forced me to switch my registration to a virtual run. I completed the 10k distance on a treadmill this morning. My right knee felt fantastic, and my left Achilles tendon felt good. Not great, but good thanks to some recent foam rolling.

I took the run at an easy, slow pace. I was able to maintain an 11:17-mile for the entire run. Physically that pace was great for a recovery run. Mentally it was a constant battle to keep from bumping up the speed. I could not quiet that voice in my head telling me I wasn’t training hard enough. That I wasn’t doing any good by going that slow. Telling me that I was wasting my time at that pace, and why even bother running if I’m not going to be pushing myself? That voice is a jerk.

I received the official swag (race medal, shirt, and water bottle) in the mail yesterday, but I had to put in the miles to earn it. I now feel good about calling the swag “mine.” I have a picture of the stuff on my Media page.

I am extremely grateful to be able to run pain-free again. There is still some discomfort, but that will be resolved with further recovery, cross-training, and foam rolling. My next step is to try running on the indoor track again.

I’m looking forward to the next race!

Go do the hard thing.