Time for another race!

Last week, I traveled to another city to participate in a 10k race. It was my second time competing away from my hometown. The last race I ran was in February last year, where I achieved a good time, although my focus at the time was mainly on improving my strength and training at home.

This time, I aimed to beat my previous time, especially considering that the next race would take place in a city located almost 2,800 meters above sea level. My preparation included a mix of running days combined with strength training at the gym. I also brought a new pair of shoes designed for long distances, making this event the perfect opportunity to test them out.

Competition day arrived, and I flew to the city with some friends and their families. Upon arrival, I felt grateful for the experience ahead; the race was scheduled to start at night, allowing us to rest and eat during the day.

As the race neared, we made our way to the starting area, where hundreds of runners were warming up, eagerly waiting for the event to begin. I was placed in the fifth group of runners, meaning I would have to wait for the four preceding groups to start before we could begin.

When the moment finally arrived, I struggled to maintain my pace due to the sheer number of participants. I had never seen so many people running at the same event—imagine nearly 15000 runners of all ages and backgrounds. Finding my rhythm at the start was a real challenge.

As the kilometers progressed, I started to feel more comfortable. The race took us through beautiful parts of the city, passing by numerous churches, historical sites, and even the presidential building. While I enjoyed the scenery, I was determined to challenge myself to run faster than in previous races.

Fortunately, by the seventh kilometer, I found my pace and was able to run more freely, as there were fewer people around me than at the start. 

I ultimately completed the race in under 50 minutes, a significant milestone for me considering I don't run as often as I should. However, I must admit that the elevation was a challenging factor. I received my medal at the finish line and rejoined my friends.

The cool night provided the perfect backdrop to test our performance and endurance before heading to Argentina to run a 21k. After the race, we spent the rest of the night taking photos and sharing great moments together.

S