St. Patrick’s Day races – they are always fun and festive. Pacers Running typically hosts their St. Patrick’s themed race the first weekend of March in Washington, DC.
Image: Pacers Running
I’ve participated in their races for the past two years:
Last year was the inaugural running of the 5K and 10K. The course was moved from Pennsylvania/Capitol area to the Mall/Tidal Basin. You may recall it was snowing last year – which made the course a bit treacherous towards the end.
I wanted a second chance at the Double (run the 5K followed by the 10K) since my 10K was a bit of a disaster last year.
Packet Pickup
Per usual I picked up my bib at my local Pacer’s store the Friday before the race. I went after work and was in and out in less than 10 minutes (which included picking up my friend’s bibs). This year runners could opt out of a technical shirt and choose a $10 Pacers gift card during registration – yes please! This girl did not need another shirt 🙂
Race Goals (“A” least probable and “C” most probable)
The St. Pat’s race would serve as a tune up/training run for the Gate River Run 15K, which was held the following weekend.
- A – 1:47:50 or 11:34 min/mile <- my 2015 Clarendon Day Double total)
- B – 1:52:10 or or 12:03 min/mile <- my 2015 St. Pat’s Day Double total)
- C – 1:56:15 or or 12:30 min/mile
My overarching goal for the race was to run consistent splits for both the 5K and 10K, which is why I used a total time goal. I thought I would finish somewhere between my “A” and “B” goals, based on my recent training runs.
St.Pat’s 5K and 10K
Crossed out 10K, what happened?! The night before the race I had some stomach cramps, ugh. There was no change the next morning, what is a girl to do? I popped some Advil and walked downtown. Sometimes exercise makes the cramps go away, so I figured I would give the 5K a shot and reassess how I felt afterwards.
Everyone magically appeared! I love all the green.
I met up with my friends, Susan, Jenn and Brett<–photo cred, thanks!
The race started at 8:15AM and followed the same course as last year – west on Independence Avenue, pass the Memorial Bridge, around the Tidal Basin and back to the Mall (same finish area as Cherry Blossom – hill included).
Image: Pacers St. Pats 5K
Ready for the start! I saw Colleen and her daughter Avery right after I crossed the starting mat.
I ran the first mile with Brett (who ended up with a PR) and saw Colleen and her daughter a After the turnaround, I told him to run ahead without me.
- Mile 1: 12:00 Twelve-zero-zero, how cool is that….my tummy 🙁
- Mile 2: 12:21 Yeah…it’s not going away
- Mile 3: 12:27 Want to curl up in a fetal position
The cramps did not go away. It was one of the races in which I was looking at my Garmin the entire time – wanted it to be over (and I love this course). Jenn met me on top of the “hill” and I even had to walk a little bit before heading downhill. I finished with an official time of 38:49 or 12:30 min/mile (funny..right where I wanted to be).
My body was going to fight me if I ran the 10K, so I collected my 5K medal (new this year) and went home.
Final Thoughts
- Thank you Mother Nature for no snow/ice/sleet.
- I love that Pacers now offers a $10 gift certificate in lieu of a technical shirt (which was cute).
- Different color bibs for 5K, 10K and Double runners.
- Another well organized event.
- There were medals for all participants this year (they were only given to Double participants last year). 5K or 10K runners received the medal shown above. Double runners received an additional medal.
- Flat, fast course – PRs are made here.
- Free photos by Swim Bike Run Photography!
- There is also a kid’s dash.
Maybe third times a charm? I’m gonna get you next year St. Pat’s Double!
Did you run the Pacers St. Pat’s 5K or 10K?
Are you running any Doubles this year?
Helly on the Run
April 6, 2016Bummer you had tummy problems but way to finish the race! 🙂
Helly on the Run recently posted…It’s All About The Climb…
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016Thanks Helly!
Jennifer @ Dashing in Style
April 6, 2016Congrats meeting your pace goal despite the tummy problems! I wish more races would make race tees optional. I always feel guilty for never wearing mine.
Jennifer @ Dashing in Style recently posted…Operation Lean and Strong
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016Agreed – I have a whole box sitting in my closet (want to turn it into a quilt).
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner
April 7, 2016Those double runs are tougher than I seem! Sorry you had some stomach issues. Yes next year!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Cherry Blossom 10 miler race recap 2016
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016Exactly. Clarendon Day is a tough one too. Ready to try this again in 2017 🙂
Elizabeth C.
April 7, 2016Sorry to hear that you had stomach issues. Sometimes those things are just unavoidable and out of our control. I think that even attempting the double is amazing! That’s awesome that you’ve done doubles in the past, too. I just found your blog (from Amy Lauren) and I’m excited to hear more from a fellow Washington DC area runner!
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016Hi Elizabeth! Thanks for stopping by. I was on a lil (unplanned hiatus with the new job). Look forward to following along your blog.
Chaitali
April 7, 2016I’m glad i got to meet you briefly! I did love this course. It was beautiful and flat. I didn’t realize they had made the shirt optional this year since I was running based on my deferral from last year. That’s definitely a great option.
Chaitali recently posted…Making running fun again
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016It was very nice to finally meet you. I saw you are training for Baltimore. I will be there running the relay. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Chaitali
September 20, 2016It’s not one of the official Baltimore races, but Race 13.1 is doing a half in Baltimore the first weekend of December this year and it fit my schedule so that’s the one I’m doing 🙂 I’ll definitely look out for you if you’re going to be there and I’ll probably do the Jingle All The Way 5k again so maybe see you there if you do that one 🙂
Chaitali recently posted…Race 13.1 Baltimore Training Week 3
Run Jenny Run
September 20, 2016Ahh….the 13.1! I’m going to the one in October. I may do Jingle Bell, will let you know 🙂
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com
April 7, 2016Congratulations on your finish! I have never done a double race in the same day. Only the same wkend. That’s nice that you had the option to not have to both since you were not feeling well. Cute medal!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com recently posted…April Fools Races Weekend in Atlantic City
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016Thanks Lacey! Hope everything is going well. Catching up on posts this week 🙂
Jen@bubblyrunner.com
April 7, 2016I LOVE Pacer’s races–they’re always so well organized and super fun. I’ve only done the GW Parkway 10 miler, but I want to do the Veteran’s Day 10K and maybe some others! They’re my favorite running store too. Awesome job on your finish!
Jen@bubblyrunner.com recently posted…Five: A Random Blog Survey
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016Veterans Day 10K is on my list to do!
Sun
April 7, 2016Sorry to hear about the stomach issues 🙁 What a cute medal though – I love the green color!
I do not have any doubles planned this year but who knows – I may add one in later in the year just for kicks 🙂
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016Thanks Sun! Looking fwd to catching up on your posts 🙂
Tamieka
April 7, 2016Soory you were not feeling well for this race ;(
I was going to try to run this with Ainsleys Angels but I had a foot discomfort that I was not comfortable with ;(
I love that a medal was included !
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016The 5K medal was a nice surprise. Maybe next year for the both of us!
brittney @ corral b
April 7, 2016stomach issues are the worst! awesome job on getting through the 5k though. i LOVE the idea of getting a gift card instead of a shirt. i definitely have enough shirts; i think it may be time to start a quilt with the ones i don’t wear often.
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016Exactly…now I need to learn how to quilt!
Lauren @ Lauren Runs
April 7, 2016That’s such a cool concept for a race! I don’t think I’ve heard of this in the Chicago area. Sorry to hear your stomach issues impacted things… never fun.
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016Thanks Lauren! If you are ever back in the area for it (or Clarendon Day) you should come. Looking fwd to catching up on your MCM training.
Pam
April 8, 2016You did a great job with stomach issues. It’s no fun to run when you have cramping going on. I like they the race offered a credit instead of a tech shirt. At some point, no runner needs or wants another race shirt. Also, very cute themed medal, I love that!
Pam recently posted…Five Goals for London Marathon
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016Thank you, Pam. I’ve collected a few cards from them now, so looking fwd to cashing in. Hope packing is going well for Paris.
nathasha
April 10, 2016Aw, sorry you weren’t feeling well. But congrats on getting through it! Cute medal!
nathasha recently posted…Hatfield-McCoy Double Half Marathon Training – Weeks 4 + 5: Rock ‘n’ Roll DC with dad and sister
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016Thanks! Run with me next year haha.
Elizabeth
April 11, 2016I wish more races offered a gift card instead of a shirt! That would be amazing. I hate running with stomach problems. I can usually ignore most other stuff: runny nose, (not too serious) leg pain, and headaches, but stomach issues make me nervous. That medal is cute. I never run St Patrick’s Day races, but I should. Always a good excuse to wear green. 😉
Elizabeth recently posted…ORRRC Half Training Week 6
Run Jenny Run
September 19, 2016Yes! Two of the local running stores who host the events offer them now, will be neat if more stores offer this option.