Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker Run 10k

EVENT: Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker 10K
DATE: Sunday, February 23, 2014
LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA
RACE BEGAN: 08:35 am
FINISH TIME: 1:10:29

When I first ran this event in 2012, it was the Year of the Dragon, and somehow it was decided that we'd keep collecting these firecracker run zodiac animal medals until we got all 12.

With this one done, we only have 9 more...

I decided to wear this pair of Thirty 48 running socks for this, as my feet have been hurting a bit lately during my runs -- bunion and blister pain have been coming up more often, more likely because I haven't been running as often as before.  Also, I guess a lot of my socks are kind of running thin, so these felt so good on!  The socks were thick, but not to the point that they crowded my shoe.  I felt a good amount of support, too.  My feet were comfy and dry throughout the sweaty run and afterward walking around Chinatown and taking the train home.

Ru Running Series socks:

·         Right & Left foot specific for a better fit and blister prevention

·         CatalystAF ™: Design which allows increased airflow

·         COOLMAX ® fabric to move moisture away from the feet, keeping them dry

Admittedly, I wasn't really up to running this year, but a commitment is a commitment.  We woke up at 5:30 am and took the train to the start line to pick up our packets.  They moved the late registration/pick up/t-shirt area this year to behind the finish line rather than on the side, so it did get a touch crazy for a while.  Along with our bibs, we got the drawstring bag that you see above and a tech t-shirt with the same logo.  Really liked the advanced materials, but the shirts ran a bit small on the women's side.  They let me get a larger shirt, though even that will require me to stay in decent shape to keep wearing, ha ha.

We met up with some friends and casually waited until the 10k started.  The sun was out, and I pretty much sweat through the race even though I didn't push myself.  I was wearing long sleeves and pants since it had been colder in the morning, as well as the drawstring bag, which I kept taking off/adjusting.  I jogged/walked the first mile, and as the uphills began, I walked up most and jogged on the declines.  I must say, some of the roads were so broken up that I worried about rolling my ankle, so I felt somewhat justified in my jogging/walking.

Paces:

Mile 1 - 12:13

Mile 2 - 14:28

Mile 3 - 12:48

One of the views from the top of one of the climbs.  Yep, ran with my phone...

Mile 4 - 9:52

Mile 5 - 9:58

Mile 6 - 9:19

.26 - 7:15

I did start running faster on the declines, and I was getting tired of being in the sun.  Although I didn't care that I was going to take over an hour, I did aim to come in under 1:15, so that pressure kept me going a bit.

I was rewarded with this medal:

 

Here are my other two!

Besides the medals (and shirts!), this race is just a fun one overall.  Lots of energy, firecrackers, views of LA/Dodger Stadium, and a manageable running distance.  Also, they EMAILED ME MY TIME after I crossed the line.  Major bonus points!

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FTC Disclaimer: I was provided a sample of the Thirty 48 socks and was not otherwise compensated to provide a positive opinion.