Race 1

Today was my first race in Mexico and I was not let down. They know how to throw races here! Yesterday we went to Costco and purchased a new cappuccino machine (Chris's new favorite toy), so I could start race morning out right. We got to the race site with tons of people and lots of activity going on. I actually feel bad for the people who live in Polanco because I know the music must have woken them up at 7AM today. After our run yesterday I was instructed more than once to not race today. Coach gave me an order of not letting my heart rate over 135 since I have a 21K trail race next weekend. I finally convinced him to let me race the first K and last K (but I actually ended up racing the first mile and last mile since I dont work well with Ks). They ended up being two of the fastest miles I have run in a 10K before (6:45 and 6:56) so I can tell that this training has been paying off. However, this meant that I was really slowing down the rest of the way to keep my heart rate down. I actually had to walk up the hills, but that was fine, because I was having a blast. I really dont have too much of a race report other than the first mile really hurt because the legs were so heavy from the run yesterday, but by the last mile I had shaken out any residual tiredness and felt great. The rest of the way was a game with the HRM on not letting the HR up too high. But as far as the event goes, it was top notch. For anyone ever in Mexico City, definitely run a race here. Here is the breakdown:

The good:
The race was 100 pesos ($7USD) and we got a super nice running hat and really nice shirt that is actually more like a soccer shirt
There were K markers at every kilometer and people calling out times
The weather was amazing
They had two water spray machines (although it wasnt that hot)
The 5K course was totally different from the 10K course so you werent dodging slow runners at the finish
They were handing out free TACOS at the 7K mark! I didnt have any but I was tempted because they smelled soooo good.
There were more spectators along the entire course than there were in the Honolulu Marathon
The race was so organized, I felt like I was running a big event like the NYC Marathon. When you finish, you walk through a line and get a bag with water, powerade, granola, an apple and an orange. Then you move down the line and get your medal, then you walk a little further and get your official time - all very organized.
All around the race were tents set up where you could buy any sort of running shoes or equipment imaginable. And for cheap. The running shoes here are about $30USD for any brand you can think of (except zoots). I havent done it yet because I am skeptical, but I have been told by many people that they are legit (not knockoffs). So that means they are stolen, but when you can buy a pair of newtons for $30 I am not going to complain.

The bad:
There were lots of hills (this Houston girl doesnt like going uphill)
The race was actually about 6.5miles
At the water stops, the water was on one side and the powerade was on the other, so if you were on the wrong side of the road you were SOL.

I cant wait for the next one! Chris was so impressed that he might actually come out of retirement and sign up for the next one! Here are some photos that my awesome coffee maker/cheerleader/supporter took.
At the start -I am trying to down a double americano and a bottle of NUUN in about 15 minutes.

Here is a dog wearing the shirts we were given. I thought it was a joke, but he actually raced, number and all. His chip was pinned to his collar. I may race my dogs in the next one.

And he beat me...

Here I am in the finish chute

I dont normally look that happy when I race.

Here I am happy to be headed home to a good breakfast

And just to show you how random our city is, here is a life-size rhino on the street. With a xylophone. And people playing it.

After the race we went to get some breakfast on the way home and at the grocery store I found something I have been looking for since I moved, and was told it didnt exist. Dr. Pepper. I only was allowed to buy a couple, but I was so happy I almost cried. It is pretty much the only sugar that I really crave and I am not sure how this is going to affect my training, but right now as I drink one watching Chris play guitar hero, I dont really care.