What a beautiful day for a race!
I had one goal in mind when I drove over to Schenectady to run my second Stockade-athon. (Read last year’s recap here!) My goal was to PR this 15K.
Thankfully, my twitter friend Loretta was also running this race! She is faster than me and offered to be my official pacer! She set her watch to pace us at 9:00 minute/mile. I knew that was a bit ambitious, but my goal was to aim for under a 9:10/mile average.
Thankfully it wasn’t as frigid at the start as last year. I wore one throw-away layer that I discarded at the start and was fine in one long sleeve tech shirt and crops.
And we were off. Miles 1-5 went by very quick. I was in my own little zone and didn’t really even pay attention to the course or surroundings. Apparently I did the same last year because I ran through some areas and didn’t remember it from last time. Ha! My legs were stiff and sore for the first few miles.
Loretta was so motivating though! I stopped to walk up a few of the massive hills and when I would look up and see her still running I tried to pick it back up.
I’d have to say my favorite part is running through the cemetery at the 10K mark. Creepy, but cool. I tried to take some pictures but they didn’t come out too well.
With 2.0 miles to go Loretta said she was going to run ahead so she could get a picture of me at the finish. Little did I know I would catch up to her. The Gu I ate at mile 8.5 must have given me a shot of energy because I pushed and kept my pace at under a 9:00/mile for the last mile.
Finally, the finish line was in sight…did I make it?
YES!
I took a whole minute off my previous 15K PR. I am so happy. I haven’t felt the thrill of PRing a race in so long. I love it! There were a few times I didn’t think I could do it, while speed walking up some of the monster hills (State Street, I’m looking at you.) But I did have a good feeling about the race today. I’m so happy.
And I need to thank Loretta for being my pacing buddy.
Race Stats
Total Miles – 9.44
Total Time – 1:26:06
Official Race Chip Time – 1:26:04
Average Pace – 9:07/mile
Splits
Mile 1 – 9:15
Mile 2 – 8:55
Mile 3 – 8:47
Mile 4 – 8:14 <–what? Who am I?
Mile 5 – 9:10 <–its all uphill from here (not the most encouraging sign, people!)
Mile 6 – 9:54
Mile 7 – 9:24
Mile 8 – 9:49 <–hill of death
Mile 9 – 8:51
Mile .44 – 8:28
Until next year, Stockade…
I ran this race today too! I must have been right near you, I finished in 1:27, 6 minutes faster than last year. Those hills are so brutal! I had to walk up that last hill in the 7th mile too. Congrats on the PR!
I thought you would have said your favorite part was passing me and sprinting to he finish. Way to go getting those last sub 9 minute miles!
Yay, good for you, Jen! Oh and FYI, it’s going to be pretty difficult for you to run the Stockade-athon next year when you just ran NYCM the week before
haha IF i even get in!! it will be a taper run for the philly marathon!!!
OH! it will be my last long run before the Half!!!! [yes. that's right Liz. it looks like I may be going to Philly next fall
]
Heather recently posted..Simply Saturday
Now, we need to convince Liz to run the marathon!
Jen recently posted..2011 Stockade-athon 15K
Congrats on the PR! I totally bit it on the State Street Hill and the sign in the Stockade that said “It’s all uphill from here” was NOT encouraging at all! I need to report the person who thought that would be a funny one. This race, unfortunately, was not my best so I’m a bit bummed although I mentally set a goal for myself – run it in less than 1:30 – and that’s what I did. Sometimes I set goals, beat them, and I’m still disappointed!
I think I may have spotted you on the little girls’ bathroom line but couldn’t give up my spot. What’s your next race? I’m thinking I might do a 5k to work on speed – maybe the Jingle 5k at the Crossings.
Great work today!
Thank you! At least you made your goal! Congrats!!! That is still awesome. My next race is the Troy Turkey Trot. I ran in 2009 and skipped last year (ran Delmar’s Turkey Trot). I don’t think I can PR that (the crowds!) and I’d have to be super speedy (under 25:05!) but maybe its possible. Who knows!
Congrats on the PR. Esp with the hills. I thought they were eqasier than Rhinebeck, though.
Darlene recently posted..Oops I did it again! An Impromtu Race!!
yes, rhinebeck made the stockadeathon look flat.
Congrats on the PR! I love that feeling.
See you at the Turkey Trot!
soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo proud of you!
Heather recently posted..Simply Saturday
Congrats on your PR, Jen. I just recently came across your blog but it has really been motivating to me as I am just starting to get into running. I also have a significant amount of weight I’d like to lose after having two kids so your story really spoke to me. I’ve completed 4 5K races and would love to conquer a half marathon so I’m using Couch to 5K right now to increase stamina and speed. Thanks for sharing your journey including the ups and downs. It’s nice to know that we are not alone on our quests. Have a great day!
thank you !! glad you decided to stop by. Congrats on your 5Ks as well! Racing is addicting.
Great recap. Congrats on the PR!
David H. recently posted..Inside my head