On Saturday, at the Beach to Beacon 10K in Maine, I set my first new running personal record since 2013.
I was in Maine for the race as a guest of Cabot, along with my fellow Cabot Fit Team members. I’m honored to have run this iconic race for the second time (I ran it in 2013 as part of the Cabot Fit Team as well). With only 6,000 bibs available, Beach to Beacon is in high demand, so I’m very grateful to have received one. A huge thank you to Cabot for hosting us and covering accommodations and travel.
We were up bright and early on race morning. The staff at the Higgins Beach Inn, where Cabot put us up again this year, kindly provided a pre-race breakfast. I had toast with peanut butter and banana plus a hard-boiled egg. Fueled up and ready to go, we posed on the front steps before heading to the start.
We arrived at the start area about 90 minutes early — better early than late. That gave us time to take photos and visit the porta-potties a couple of times. I loved our sharp race shirts.
About 30 minutes before the start, I said goodbye to the other girls and lined up in my corral. Coincidentally, my bib number, 740, matched the pace I hoped to hold, so I stood between the 7- and 8-minute mile pace markers.
After a spring of near-PRs, I was determined to get a new PR. My previous 10K PR had been on this same course in 2013, so it felt right to try to beat it on the same terrain. My 2013 Beach to Beacon time was 48:54 (7:53 per mile). Given that I had run two 10-milers this spring at about that pace, I knew I could push a bit for a shorter distance — though the course is far from flat.
I sipped a bit of Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer while waiting and chatted with a woman next to me. Shortly after 8 a.m., we were off.
From the start my legs felt good, but it was hotter than I expected and the sun was relentless. Knowing the heat would slow me later, I tried to bank some time by starting fast but not so fast I’d blow up. I also remembered that my Garmin often shows slightly faster splits because the course can end up longer than the watch thinks.
- Mile 1: 7:26
- Mile 2: 7:41
There were water stops about every mile, which was a relief in the heat. I grabbed water at mile 2 and managed to sip some while running. I don’t usually take water during a 10K, but the temperature made me cautious.
The combination of heat and hills started to challenge me — I’d forgotten how hilly this course is — but I focused on maintaining pace and taking advantage of the downhills to make up time. I refused to give up on the PR even when I wanted to stop and jump in a glacier.
- Mile 3: 7:47
- Mile 4: 7:45
One of my favorite parts of the course opens up around mile 4.5 to 5 with a beautiful view of the water — a welcome sight and a great mental boost.
By mile 5 I was hot and tired and had to fight the urge to quit. I relied on mental tricks — reminding myself that I hadn’t skipped workouts or early mornings to give up now. A downhill during that mile helped my pace, and I grabbed another cup of water, drinking some and pouring the rest over my head and back to cool off.
- Mile 5: 7:32
Mile 6 is the hilliest section, and I braced myself for it. I felt slow on the climbs but kept pushing and tried to make up time on the descents. I knew I still had a shot at the PR but the margin was tight, so there was no room to slack.
- Mile 6: 8:07
The finish area is lined with spectators — lots of encouragement that helped me summon a final push for the last quarter mile. I told myself I could do anything for a quarter mile and pushed hard around the final bend.
At the finish, my Garmin showed 6.3 miles with an impressive final 0.3-mile pace of 6:45 — I was flying. When I crossed the line and saw my time, I was ecstatic: after two years, I had a new PR. I earned it in tough, hot, hilly conditions.
My official 10K (6.2 miles) time was 48:17, an average pace of 7:47 per mile — a 37-second PR. WOOHOO!
After finishing, runners had to walk uphill about half a mile to reach the water stations, which felt long when you’re hot and thirsty. The volunteers redeemed themselves with watermelon in the runner’s tent — the best thing after a tough run. I also grabbed chocolate milk, yogurt, and fresh blueberries, which felt perfect.
One of the race highlights is the finish area’s scenery: stunning views of the Portland Head Light. It’s one of the most beautiful race backdrops I’ve seen.
Deanna from Teaspoon of Spice also earned a shiny new PR, and the rest of the Cabot Fit crew crushed it. We regrouped after the race and celebrated the team’s efforts.
Back at the Higgins Beach Inn, we were so hot that we didn’t hesitate — we dove straight into the ocean in our running clothes. The water was freezing but felt incredible, like a built-in ice bath.
Many thanks again to the Cabot team for hosting us and for the chance to run Beach to Beacon. Until next time, Maine — I’ll miss you.
Now I’m off to update my race recaps and PRs page. Hooray!