The Mesa Mi Amigo Turkey Trot is a distance of 10k. (6.2miles) My body seems to really do well with this kind of distance so I was excited to see how I would do with a 10k in a race scenario.

With over 3000 people racing the 10k, I was only concerned about beating one person. THE TURKEY! I was told he ran about a 7:15 pace. That was a bit daunting considering my goal pace was 7:20. Yet, I was set on the idea of earning that certificate so I knew I’d have to really push myself extra to get it.

Let’s break the Mesa Mi Amigo Turkey Trot down:

I was a bit anxious as I waited for the race start. I kept to myself, crouched down in the thickening crowd near the start line, and checked out everyone’s shoes as I tried to calm my nerves. Soon enough, I heard the announcer give the two minute warning. I stand up and stretch to my tippy toes looking for the Turkey, but no sign of him, and before I knew it the race began.

MILE 1: average pace 7:11

As I take off, weaving in and out of other people, I spot the Turkey ahead of me to my right.

‘Aha, found ya,’ I thought. ‘You won’t leave my sight.’

I stuck with him for the first half mile, and I shockingly ended up passing him. And you know what? I never looked back to see where he was from that point on. I just plugged ahead one foot after the other.

Mile 2: average pace 6:51

I picked up the pace a bit here thanks to this chick in all pink in front of me. It really is amazing how much you need other people to push and propel you forward. I ended up passing her at some point, and yet, then out of now where she’d pass me again…then minutes later, I’d be back in front. This back and forth mouse game went on for the entire race. She kept me sweating.

Mile 3: average pace 7:11

Pretty uneventful mile. I felt really slow, but was pleased every time I check my Garmin. Still on track to beat the Turkey. =)

Mile 4 and 5 : average pace 7:19/7:31

Mile 4 and 5 are always hard for me whether I am racing or not. I need to figure out what is happening at this mileage point for me. Maybe it’s a hydration thing because I really noticed how dry my mouth was. I was tempted to look back and see where the Turkey was, but I didn’t. I did some math in my head and knew that as long as I didn’t dip below 7:30 for the rest of the race, I’d beat him.

Mile 6: average pace 7:02

I always perk up when I am a mile out from the finish line, but the bad news is, so does everyone else. I really become alert as people I haven’t seen the whole race start coming out of the wood work from behind me. My competitiveness gets turned on and I kick into high gear. The last mile is when I really burn out my legs, knowing that I can afford to do so because I am so close to the end.

The last .20: average pace 6:47

What a fun finish! People everywhere- cheering and shouting. I really enjoyed the friendly, encouraging crowds. I gave several high fives to all the cutie pa tootie kids lined up towards the finish line.

Crossing the finish at Mesa Mi Amigo Turkey Trot

I was thrilled to have beat my personal goal with a time of 44:32.(average pace 7:10)

Right after the Mesa Mi Amgo Turkey Trot

Yet, I was super stoked because I BEAT THE TURKEY!!!!!

Mesa Mi Amigo Turkey Trot- Me with the new turkey and the old turkey(Craig A Davidson who served as turkey for the last 15 years)

Mesa Mi Amigo Turkey Trot

My 2 biggest supporting fans

my husband Michael

My awesome mom