Runner’s World Five and Dime
October 17, 2015
5K: 34:34
10K: 1:09:38
Temp: Mid-40s with a bit of wind
What I wore: hat, long sleeve half zip, Skirt Sports Happy Girl Skirt(this is an affiliate link), compression socks, arm sleeves, and Altra Running One 2.5 (affiliate link).
When I got invited to the Runner’s World Half and Festival as an influencer, I thought I’d be pushing it at every race. Unfortunately, bronchitis and my hip had a different opinion. So, instead I had one goal for these two races: finish them both without re-injuring my hip. I was still coughing quite a bit and had forgotten my inhaler, so that added a little extra fun to the races. But I totally nailed my goals.
5K
After hanging with several of the other Runner’s World influencers (inside and with real bathrooms!) for a while before the race, it was time to line up.
Bart Yasso and Deena Kastor were hanging out near the start line. We chatted with them for a bit and then Bart was ready to lead the race out.
I purposely started way back at the 11:00 pace sign. I was not going to race this, so I wanted to be back where everyone would be around the pace I wanted to stay at. The gun went off and it only took about 2 minutes to get to the start. I slowed down just before the line and high fived Deena Kastor.
The course was a lovely short tour of Bethlehem with only one hill right around the 1 mile mark. Since I was basically just out for an easy run, I spent most of my time looking around. Most of the influencers were either racing (way faster than me) or walking, I was running by myself. It was a good race – I like small hills, I was never crowded, and the spectators and volunteers were cheerful. I did feel a bit weird to be going so slowly in a 5K, but I had a bigger goal of finishing the Marine Corps Marathon in mind. Finally, I rounded the corner towards the finish line. I made myself stay even paced, but I may have gotten a little excited to see Bart Yasso and Deena Kastor.
I high fived Bart and boom! Race 1 of the Hat Trick (and race 2 of what will be called the Grand Slam) done!
I grabbed a bagel, a cookie, and a bottle of water and headed back inside to wait for the 10K. I loved being able to hang out where it was warm and have access to indoor bathrooms. I had not even broken a sweat (my heart rate did not get up at all), so I was a little chilly.
10K
At a little before 9:30am, we all headed back out to the start line for the 10K. Again, I lined up with the 11:00 minute pace group. I hadn’t run more than 6 miles in a day since I ran the Center of the Nation series, so I wasn’t sure how I’d feel during this race. I decided to try to run the race at around an 11:30 pace (my planned pace for MCM). My plan was to start slow and go slower if I needed to.
The gun went off and again, we moved quickly to the start line. Deena was there again, high living everyone. I took it easy for the first mile and just tried to keep my heart rate down. This course was a bit hillier than the 5K, but still nothing unusual compared to where I run regularly. I was trotting along when I saw David, our RW main contact, and Hilary Lane, a reporter who was running her first 10K, up ahead of me. I pushed it a bit to catch them and then settled in and ran the rest of the race with them.
I may have talked their ears off, ahem. Overall, I really enjoyed the course – Bethlehem is a nice town, the hills were manageable, and the spectator support was great.
I had so much fun chatting with David and Hilary and there may have been a few selfies taken.
The race went by quickly and then we were headed to the finish.
Hilary’s news team and parents were waiting, so I ended up in her news video. (Look for me around 56 seconds).
Then it was time to finish. David and I sprinted to the finish. It felt great to have a quick burst of speed!
I grabbed another cookie and some more water and then caught up with a few of the fast kids to head back to the expo and then the hotel.
The Good:
- Indoor areas for waiting and indoor bathrooms pretty much rock! There was never even a line for the bathrooms.
- The size of this race was just right. I never felt like I was alone on the course, but I also never tripped over anyone.
- I felt awesome the whole time. I had purposely worn more clothes than I normally would for the temps, but it worked out as it was windy and I was moving slowly.
- Having people to talk to during the race was awesome. I’m not used to taking it so easy at a race and the 5K was a bit boring.
- Runner’s World gave us all of our pictures for free!
There really was nothing bad or ugly about these races. From pre-start to finish festival, it was a great experience for me. The expo was a little crowded as the space was small, but I had no issues getting my big and I had no problem getting to the booths I needed to visit (we were doing a scavenger hunt on instagram and twitter.)
The rest of the day was pretty mellow. I grabbed lunch with Heather and Jen and got to try a local brew. I should have made them hop in my car to go to the actual brewpub, but we were all so starving we just walked across the street to a pizza place.
Then we headed back to the expo and attended Deena Kastor’s talk with David Willey, the editor of Runner’s World. I’ve totally got a girl crush on her. She’s such a lovely person, in addition to being an amazing runner.
Our last event of the day was a pasta dinner. Many of the attendees were part of the Sub 30 group, which I had never heard of before. It seemed like an awesome group of really supportive runners. The food was fabulous (pretty much food all weekend was amazing).
Then a group of us headed back to the hotel. We had a little foam rolling party in my room (the benefit of driving was that I had plenty of room to bring a variety of torture implements) and then I crashed early, knowing that I had a half marathon in the morning.
Have you ever run multiple races in one day? I’ve done lots of challenges, but this was my first time with two races in the same day (unless you count Ragnar DC and Ragnar Cape Cod.)
Disclaimer: Runner’s World sponsored my participation in all of the Runner’s World Half and Festival events. All opinions are my own.
love the pictures! you look so happy. i have done 2 races in one day – the clarendon day double. i’ve done it twice and it was hard each time, lol. congrats!
courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Marine Corps Marathon Race Recap
Yeah, but at Clarendon you have to get back up that big hill, ugh. One of these days I’ll get to do that double.
This weekend looked like so much fun! It’s been on my list for a while.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #45
You should do it! I would have enjoyed it even if I had not been there as a blogger. Great races.
Looks like such a blast! I haven’t run two races in one day, but I’ve done two runs – so kinda the same! Congrats on the five and dime!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…The Boyfriend Chronicles: The Maxi Dress
THanks! It was so fun!
RW got some great pictures of you on the course. You look like you were having the time of your life!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Falling for…food and family #hemphearts #sweatpink
I did have so much fun. I’m so glad I got good pictures.
very jealous – looks like so much fun – love the outfit.
Darlene recently posted…Thinking Out Loud Thursday: So much to do & so little time
It was awesome and I totally love that skirt.
Very very cool. I’ve definitely got a girl crush on Deena Kastor! I’ve only done two races in one day at the Clarendon day double last year. It was kind of fun!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…40th Marine Corp Marathon Race Recap: Running for the Fallen
One of these years I’ll be able to make the Clarendon Day races. They used to be my favorite, but now they are during soccer season.
I totally agree that there was no bad or ugly in these races… it was one of the smoothest race experiences I’ve had. And those warm buildings open with bathrooms= amazing. Congrats on meeting your goals and staying injury free getting in all those miles, plus the marathon the next week!!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted…4 Steps to Healthier Kids
These were some of the smoothest races I’ve ever run. I really would love to go back and actually race them.
Like I said before: looks like a freaking blast. I ran the Flying Pig 3-way which is the same thing: 5k 10k half. Or the full if you’re crazy enough.
Marcia recently posted…How to Master the Mental Aspects of Running
I want to do the Flying Pig 3 way one of these years!
I absolutely love that picture of you approaching the finish line and Bart Yasso. If I were you, I’d frame it!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Pumpkin Nut Bread Recipe (and a Fit Body Bakery Giveaway!)
I should. It’s totally my best race picture ever.
Looks like you had a fun weekend! A friend of mine was there for that weekend, too. Gosh, I love Bart! Love the pic of you two. I have never ran multiple races in the same day. You rocked it! Congratulations!!!
Artney @ My Pretty Brown Fit recently posted…MISSION Reflections: 2015 Marine Corps Marathon
Isn’t that just the coolest picture??? I’m so glad that they caught it.
This looks like an amazing time. I love your skirt with the orange! So cool you got to meet Bart and Deena. I’ve met Bart before, he’s got amazing stories. And my stomach is now growling at bedtime thinking about that pizza!
Kelli recently posted…Treat Yo Self!
It’s funny – I didn’t like that skirt online, but when I saw a friend with it I was like “hello, I need that in my life”. It’s my naughty school girl skirt. ;o)
They were both amazing people.
So what is this sub 30 club?
The one thing I really enjoyed about RW was the great expo and the awesome accommodations while we waited for the races. It was a bit chilly the morning of the races so it was nice to be able to wait indoors and be so close to the start line. I thought it was a great race for spectators too for the same reasons.
Indoors = awesome!
The sub 30 club is a club for people pursuing a sub 30 5k, but from what I can tell it is so much more than that. https://www.facebook.com/groups/223573647748267/
I so wish I could have been there. Awesome experience isn’t it!
jill conyers recently posted…4 Tips For a Productive To-Do List
It was incredible. Wish you’d been there!
Great recap and congrats on meeting your goals! Looks like you had a great time and I’ve loved seeing everyone’s free photos! I hope iI finally make it up there next year!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Digging Deeper: My Story
It’s a great race. I may head up again next year, even if I’m not an invited blogger.
I love that you guys had a foam rolling party 🙂 I’ve never run more than 1 race in 1 day but I’m glad that it sounds like it was a fun experience for you!
Looks like a heap of fun. Races don’t always have to be hard work.
Char recently posted…Crises, Questions and Dilemmas