How to run a PR on a bad day?

Last Updated on October 25, 2022 by Amanda Brooks

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Does that sound like a trick question?

Yeah it basically is.

But if you run a new race distance…tada automatic PR!!

I haven’t done anything shorter than a half marathon for an actual goal time in AGES, so I wasn’t entirely sure what pace to hit or what I could hold for this new distance of a 15K {9.3 miles}. Instead I went in with the idea that I’d simply like to be close to 8 minute miles for as many miles as possible.

I didn’t really taper. {I mean I ran 10 miles less over the last 5 days}
It was 90% humidity. {but hey only 70 degrees, not yet 80}
My allergies have been on red alert.
I can’t say these are ideal for running fast.

EA SPORTS RIVERSIDE DASH 15K
Sanford, FL – roughly 40 min North of Orlando

Quick run down for those looking for races in the future:

Beautiful run along the water for the entire course
1/2 of course on slanted roads
Completely flat, not even a speed bump.
Small race means plenty of room to run
Fabulous course support – from water to blocked roads
Gorgeous area for the finish festivities
Post race pancakes and beer for those interested
Plenty of easy to access parking within a couple blocks of start/finish
Great fitting finisher shirt, just kind of crudy design this year
Early registration was uber cheap at something like $20.

OUR RACE
David had been feeling off all week and wasn’t sure he could go strong…secretly I was excited because that meant he would run by my side and that always pushes me MUCH harder.

Instead mile 1 I thought “oh crap” this is too fast {uhh does my watch say 7:11?!}. I never start out too fast, but he was clearly feeling good and so I let him go, then just tried to keep him in my sights.

After the halfway point, I was hoping to pick up the pace, but instead found that I was working harder and getting slower. Whoops.

While my final avg pace was 8:18, I spent the last half right around 8:30. {I’d love to share my final mile by mile pace, but my watch refuses to give them up. Downside to the TomTom is you can’t see miles on the watch and apparently it refuses to sync the race workout to my computer.I was frustrated that I could push the pace, but beyond proud of myself because I kept digging in at each mile. Instead of thinking “oh well, I’ll just relax and enjoy it” or “ehh I’ve never done this before no time to beat” — I found myself thinking “just hold this, you can do this, nothing hurts, be strong”.

This is a massive and important race day shift for me. Let’s hear it for learning to embrace discomfort and looking at the bigger picture!

The only downside is I was pretty focused on whoever was in front of me and it definitely wasn’t a relaxed feeling, so I did miss out on really soaking in my surroundings. Now I can’t wait to go back there and just run for fun.

Bizarre thing? I gave it all I could, I just couldn’t get my body doing any faster…but after I finished, nothing hurt. Not even the normal achey knees. Hmm could it be the HOKA’s?

Final thoughts? I didn’t hit my goal pace, but I did test out a new distance and I did find myself in a better mental place.

Time: 1:17 {David 1:11}
6th in my age group and David was 7th in his…yes I like small races!
THE NITTY GRITTY
I’ve started reporting on these to answer some questions and yes so I can remember later!

FUEL
Pre-race – 1 energy bite, 1 tbsp almond butter | 1 SaltStick tablet, 3 spirulina tablets
During – Vega Energizer + Vega Electrolytes (oops probably should have taken something)
After – 3 donut holes about an hour later, big veggie and egg breakfast about 3 hours later
– unusual as I normally go for a smoothie and never stop at the donuts, but it’s what my body seemed to be able to handle.GEAR
Run Miami shirt, Lululemon shorts, HOKA One One Clifton shoes, McDavid Sports compression socks, Fabletics sports bra, TomTom Runner watch, Sparkly Soul headband, Flipbelt, ShowerPill athletic wipe (post race clean up!)