Over the past 12 weeks, my running journey has revolved around a singular goal—to set a new personal record for the 10K. The culmination of this endeavor unfolded on a crisp November 19th, race day. Now, one week post-race, as the echoes of pounding footsteps on Chicago’s Lakeshore trail linger in my memory, I find myself compelled to pen down the tale of this exhilarating adventure. The desire to share the highs, lows, and everything in between has brought me to this moment, where I reflect on the meticulous training, the race-day strategies, and the sheer joy of surpassing my own expectations. Join me in reliving the moments, as I unravel the story of conquering Chicago, one stride at a time.

My preparation for this 10K race was a meticulously crafted routine that unfolded over six days each week. Following Matt Fitzgerald’s 80/20 training philosophy, my training schedule consisted of two invigorating speed workouts, three essential easy-recovery runs, and the cornerstone of the week—an empowering long run every Sunday. This structured training program, from Fitzgerald’s 80/20 book, provided the foundation for success. But training isn’t just about miles and splits; it’s a holistic endeavor. My nutritional compass, derived from Fitzgerald’s ‘Racing Weight’ and fine-tuned with the expertise of my friend Myriam—an accomplished athlete and coach—played a pivotal role. Through careful guidance, I shed not only weight but, more importantly, witnessed a significant drop in body fat percentage. This transformation made me not just lighter on my feet but stronger for the challenges that lay ahead. Recognizing the importance of a robust muscular system, I seamlessly integrated strength training into my routine, and the synergy of it all worked wonders, paving the way for race day success.

Race day began early, waking up around 5:00 am. I fueled myself with a toasted bagel with cream cheese and a cup of coffee. Despite a somewhat restless night at the hotel, the excitement overshadowed any fatigue. I diligently performed hip mobility exercises, ensuring my body was primed for the upcoming challenge.

Undeterred by a glitch in my Polar chest strap, I embarked on a 10-minute jog to warm up. The race started at the bridge by the Metra station Museum Campus/11th St. I set my pace using the Race Pace feature on my Polar watch—a decision that would prove to be a game-changer.

I kicked off the race, initially aiming for a pace of 5:48 min/km, but quickly found myself comfortably cruising at 5:48 min/km, my slowest benchmark. As the kilometers unfolded, I strategically adjusted my pace, staying close to 5:30 min/km, feeling strong and maintaining a controlled heart rate.

Around the 6th kilometer, the Race Pace feature hinted at the possibility of finishing under 55 minutes. The idea became not just a possibility but a reality as I pushed a little harder, overcoming a minor setback with a wrong turn around the 7th kilometer. Undeterred, I pushed on, reclaiming lost seconds and entering the final stretch near the Aquarium.

As the finish line loomed, my watch signaled the last kilometer, and I poured my energy into a final sprint. The decision paid off as I crossed the finish line in an impressive 54 minutes and 49 seconds (my PR), surpassing my expectations of finishing between 56 and 58 minutes. 

A jubilant mood enveloped me as I caught my breath, my effort registering at 8 out of 10. A quick recovery jog back to the hotel, passing a street musician playing a trumpet under the bridge, added a touch of celebration. Generosity flowed as I shared my joy, giving the musician $5 and a hug.

In the sanctuary of my hotel room, the realization of a job well done set in. Exceeding my expectations, I basked in the glory of my accomplishment. The next goal? A 10K in 50 minutes—a testament to my unwavering dedication.

The journey to this PR wasn’t just about the race; it was a culmination of disciplined training, nutritional changes, and a strategic race-day approach. My story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and the sweet taste of success on the Chicago Lakeshore trail. Onward to new milestones and faster times!

© Francesc Borrull, 2023

Matt Fitzgerald books referenced in this piece:

1. 80/20 Running: Run Stronger and Race Faster By Training Slower.
2. Racing Weight: How to Get Lean for Peak Performance.