My 2nd year running the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k which is  by far one of the best and most popular races in Richmond, Virginia! Around 30,000 people come out to this race every year and the affordability and efficiency of this race make it one of my favorites, especially since it is in my home town!

Parking was not as bad as I thought it would be and I was thankful that I was able to find a spot in the area and did not have to walk too far to the starting line.

This race was on April Fool’s day this year and the start time was at 8:30am. Clear skies and temperatures in the 50’s made for perfect running weather.

We were all categorized into different starting waves based on our running times and I started in Wave D. I had a few coworkers and friends doing this race which made me very excited.

The course runs out and back down the historic Monument Avenue.  I ran this race pretty quick last year in 50:18 and it was also much colder out that it even snowed some during the race!

I had just ran the Charlotte Spartan Sprint race the weekend prior so I was still taking it easy on myself along with my side pain. During the race I felt some cramping and had to walk some during the water stops (which I never usually do). I tried to push myself as best as I could, but I knew it was not worth the pain so I ran what I felt best.

I finished the race in 53:22. Just 3 minutes longer compared to last year’s time.

Although I did not beat my time last year, it was not too shabby for still being within the top 6% of females and top 10% of my age group!

After the race they had a few goodies they gave out to include chapstick, emergen-c, bananas, nutrition bars, powerade and the famous Ukrop’s rolls! Overall  I had a great time and this is definitely a race I will be back for next year!