I was planning on volunteering at this race as I did last year. But the weather forecast looked good and many of my friends were running in it.  I’ve never run a 15K so there would be no pressure to PR because it would of course be a PR.

So I went to the expo yesterday and registered!!

It was chilly (in the 40s) when I left my house.  I planned as usual to dress in layers and take them off before the start of the race. I have been disappointed in my pace since I came back from my injury so I decided to wear my old running shoes — the ones I wore last January for my 1st half.  They’re not too light and not too heavy (but they are worn!)

I arrived pretty early and found Amanda & Tami by the fireplace.

trying to stay warm

 As it got close to race time, some of the “Strong Running Mamas” posed for a photo.

me, Suzy, Amanda, Tami, Janis, Bridget (Elisa taking the pic)

 I decided to take off my sweats & jacket but to leave on my gloves.  I was wearing a long sleeve shirt and capris under my running skirt (which got so many compliments!!).  I’m glad I did because when the sun came out I was fine — even rolled up my sleeves and took off my gloves.

This was the first race that energy-wise I felt good the whole race.  I’m not sure why.  I was running at a faster pace tha usual and was waiting to crash and burn but did not.

The 1st 5 miles were easy but I was warned about the hills.  Compared to Rhinebeck, they were nothing.  I did walk during all 3 hills to conserve energy but in hindsight, I think I could have run up them.

My skirt got a lot of attention (I wish it hadn’t shrunk in the dryer).  Someone yelled my name during the race.  It turned out to be a former student of mine.

Laura, race cheerleader

I stopped to tie my shoe around mile 2.5,  took one GU at mile 5 & had water during several of the later miles, but still I was surprised at my pace.

This was so much faster than my last 3 halfs.

My biggest problem was my feet (as usual).  I got MY FIRST BLISTER!!! Ouch! So miles 6-9 were painful!

According to my Garmin, this 15K was 9.4 miles!!! My time registered as 1:35:31. 

Official Time – 1:36:08 (10K time = 1:03:32)

I really liked the course.  It was quite varied – you started in the park, ran through city and the Stockade-athon district, up State St past Proctors Theatre, through the cemetary and then back through the park.

It was pretty crowded getting refreshments after the race.  But it was worth the line – besides the usual cookies, bagels, fruit, there was hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee, choc milk, soup, pizza, pudding, candy and more…

love the pink tech shirt

So I’ve got my racing mojo back!! WooHoo!

Happy Running!  Did you race this weekend?