Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 10K Race Report

Earlier today I ran the Cosley Zoo Run for Animals 10K in Wheaton, IL. Though the heat and frequent turns were more than expected, I enjoyed the race.

Applying rare discipline prior to and during the race I set my Garmin Forerunner 405's target pace based on my recent 10K personal record pace (6:42/mile), intending to hold that pace for first four miles, then to finish strongly.

Though sound racing strategy, the flaw in my plan was not appropriately taking into account the weather conditions, which unfortunately were quite similar to Houston's last weekend, i.e. low 70°F with 95%+ humidity. Consequently, while I held the first three miles on-target, I faded in the heat with my splits: 6:28, 6:42, 6:42, 6:54, 7:05, then 7:04. Though disappointed with my total time being a minute off my goal, I was quickly mollified upon seeing the results and noting that I'd won my age group and finished strongly otherwise (top 9% among men and top 6% overall).