Bolder Boulder 10K

Published May 27, 2013

5 months of running has led me back home for my last 2 races before Alaska.

The Bolder Boulder is an annual 10-kilometer road race in Boulder, Colorado. The most recent race featured over 54,000 runners, walkers, and wheelchair racers, making it the largest race in the US in which all participants are timed and the fifth largest road race in the world. It has one of the largest non-marathon prize purses in road racing.

The race culminates at the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field with a Memorial Day Tribute with one of the largest Memorial Day gatherings in the United States.

Just one year ago, I didn’t think I was fit enough to complete a 1oK at 5500 ft. WOW – look at me now! Today’s run was my 7^th race of 2013 – including 3 half-marathons in Moab, Fort Collins & Denver. FAAANNTASTIC!

Woke early, headed to South Boulder to catch a bus to the starting line. My qualifying wave (heat) was scheduled to start at 7:11am – just 11 minutes after the elite runners. How cool is that!

Have never run in such a large event before. As we ran through Boulder, I was super impressed by all the crowd support – live bands, crazy costumes & even belly dancers – and all at 7 in the morning. AMAZING!

Ran strong all race – only running ahead of marathon pace for the first mile. Unlike last weekend’s race in Denver, I maintained my pace & did not get caught up in running too fast. I’ve got enough gas in the tank to sprint 3 miles – but the ultimate goal is 26.2 miles on June 22^nd. Gotta keep my eye on the prize!

Nothing like finishing at Folsum Field (CU Stadium) – crowd cheering, seeing yourself on the Jumbotron. 51:24 – my 2nd best 10K finish (fastest time since 2001).

Feeling strong, ready for next weekend’s half in Louisville.

CHECK OUT my video ‘BolderBoulder 2013’