Athleta Iron Girl 10k Race Report

If you are looking for a well-organized, high energy, girl-power racing event, then the Athleta Iron Girl Nationwide Series is right up your alley.

 

Tall Mom and I got to experience this firsthand.  We arrived at the outdoor expo area by Green Lake in Seattle, WA and met Kit from Iron Girl.

Mel, Kit & Me

Kit and I totally connected as she was a collegiate softball player at the University of South Florida.  All college athletes pictured above which is pretty darn cool.

Pre-Race with my Family Fan Club hat

We enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm that poured from every smile including the Iron Girl staff, participants and volunteers. Music was pumping and we were ready to have fun!

This was my first 10k and I wasn't quite sure how to pace myself.  My original plan was simply to chase Tall Mom the entire time.  As a former college hoopster, she knows how to push herself to new levels and ignore pain.  But, she switched to the 5k as she has been battling some illness.

While we were waiting, we met Lindsay and Danielle.  I love meeting other bloggers/readers.  So fun to connect.

Danielle and I post-race with our bling!

I haven't been putting in the speed training for a 10k, so I thought staying around an 8 min/mile pace would be my goal.  Mel advised a 7:45-8 range and gauge how I felt after the first 5k.

Before we lined up for the race, an inspiring story of a runner battling an illness was read, the bag pipes played after a moment of silence in honor of 9/11, and a spirited Nation Anthem was sung. 

The course doubled around Green Lake and was predominately flat. Nothing like my Hood to Coast Relay legs.  It was already pretty warm at the 8 a.m. start of the race.  

I enjoyed seeing all the active women participating in this event.  There were also lots of Mother-Daughter teams which made me miss my mom and wish she was out here with me.

As the 5k runners were turning towards the finish, I was sort of envious of them.  My Family Fan Club Head Sweats hat was doing a fantastic job of keeping the sweat from my eyes though! 

There was this little runner girl in a pink shirt that was rocking the 10k.  Maybe she 10-12 years old, and she was my hero.  I stayed with behind her pretty much the whole time.

My runner girl winning her age group. Stud!

I was excited to cross the line and my little runner girl sped past me!  My G-305 said 6.27 miles in 49:23 for a 7:53 pace.  I made my sub-8 minute pace goal. Time to chow at the post-race breakfast!

Breakfast burrito. Yummy!

Athleta Iron Girl 5/10k Seattle, WA

I was so proud of Mel for finishing the 5k and taking 3rd in her age group!  We stayed for the award's ceremony, and I captured this cute shot of my buddy.

It was beautiful out and the sun felt awesome (I was sporting some swoob), so we stayed to hear the 10k results. ...And, 2nd place goes to Jess ...What?!  I placed?!  I was genuinely surprised.

Athleta Iron Girl 10k 2nd place finish

The top 3 age group finishers received the Iron Girl logo "Grace" pendant with a pink stone.

Grace

We also met up with Coach Casey (Nuun Platuun Van 2 Rock Star driver) from nuun.  His wife and daughter ran the Mother-Daughter 5k together!

Mel, S, and I

Coach Casey and lovely S!

EVERY participant received a medal!  How awesome is that?!  All you running mommies out there should consider doing this event with your daughter(s). 

I plan to make the Iron Girl 5/10k an annual race as I was blown away by the organization, energy, swag, and Iron Girl staff.

The Iron Girl events are hosted throughout the nation, so check the schedule for a race or triathlon near you.