Last year I participated in Pacers’ St. Patrick’s Day 8K. The race was flat, festive, and the start of what was a memorable spring season. When Pacer’s released their event 2015 schedule, I was delighted to see a page for the St. Pat’s 10K, 5K, Double and Leap.
Image: Pacers Running
Pacers was bringing back the 10K! Runners had the option to sign up for the 10K, 5K or both (the Double). Double participants would receive a finisher’s medal – ummm nice!! In December my friend Jenn forwarded me the below email:
Twenty percent off race entries – what a steal! I ended up paying $36 for two races, a technical tee, and a medal.
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup is always easy peasy (at least for me) for Pacers races. Per usual (see here and here) runners could pick up their bibs at their Logan Circle or Clarendon locations the Friday and Saturday before the race.
The short sleeve technical tee was nice (for some reason I really like the A4 brand they use) and I liked the color this year (last year’s was black). My bib also indicated I was running the Double.
Race Goals (“A” least probable and “C” most probable)
If you have been following me, training has not been ideal the past quarter (getting over foot pain, the flu, and balancing work). Fitness/running-wise I knew a 5K PR (sub 30:57) was highly unlikely, but a 10K PR was possible.
My 5K goals (would go easy and use this as a warmup):
- A – Break 33:30 (10:46/mile)
- B – Break 34:00 (10:56/mile)
- C – Break 34:30 (11:06/mile)
My 10K goals (would attempt to PR):
- A –Break 1:09:10 (11:07/mile)
- B –Break 1:12:00 (11:35/mile)
- C –Break 1:15:00 (12:04/mile)
The day before race I had 8 miles planned with my friend Rachel. I wasn’t too worried about running that much on Saturday….after all….I had done that the year before with the Virginia is for Lovers 14K. In hindsight…. (huge DOT DOT DOT).
St. Pat’s 5K
On Saturday night there was a flurry of twitter messages regarding the race. Because of the impending snow and ice on race morning, Pacers put out an advisory notice in the event of inclement weather. The 5K (with the earlier start) would be held and it would be possible the 10K would be cancelled (10K only runners had the option to drop down to the 5K; runners could also defer to 2016). When I woke up Sunday morning both events were on (the Leap was canceled). I was a bit surprised..partially because I convinced myself it would be canceled.
I got dressed and parked about a 1/2 mile away from the start (I was not in the mood to run/walk to the start that morning). The beautiful Washington Monument (the start was towards the left hand side… same start as the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler).
There were quite a few people there, but you could definitely tell people opted out of the race due to the weather. I was able to meet up with Kathryn in the corral and it was nice to catch up. We hadn’t seen each other since the Leesburg 20K.
The race started at 8:15AM and took us west on Independence Avenue and around the Tidal Basin on Ohio Drive.
Image: Pacers St. Pats 5K
The Tidal Basin was frozen and the views were magnificent. While not planned, Kathryn and I ended up running the entire 5K together – it definitely made the time go by quickly! Running while talking about running is always fun.
My finish time was 34:20 or 11:03/mile….sneaking under my C goal.
St. Pat’s 10K
After crossing the finish line and a quick photo opt, we had maybe 10-12 minutes before the 10K start. At 9:00AM the 10K started and it followed a similar route as the 5K. The course was extended by turning around by the Kennedy Center and running along Kutz Bridge towards the finish line.
Image: St. Pats 10K
It was getting cold and my legs were starting to tighten up. The first couple of miles were in the 11:30ish range, and I knew I did not have enough gas for a PR. Below is a view of Georgetown from afar (I even saw Mar on the course as we turned around by the Kennedy Center).
Prior to the race, Pacers communicated that the 10K would be rerouted at the 4.5 mile mark if the course became slick due to the snow/ice. At one point in the race…part of me wouldn’t have mind a re-route…but then the other part of me said… no way I want to finish this. It was a STRUGGLE. The temperature was dropping and the sleet was coming down. My legs felt like ice!
We passed the 4.5 mile marker and the last 1.7 miles seemed to go by very slowly. I think the 5 mile marker was taken down and the sleet was picking up. As you can see from the above picture, the roads were getting slick and it was getting difficult to get a good running grip. I ended up finishing with a time of 1:17:50 or 12:31/mile. My total Double time was 1:52:10.
Fatigued legs + mental doubts + sleet did not make for a fun race. I was not in the same condition I was in last year when I was able to run strong back to back runs (8-9 mile range). I was a little disappointed with my 10K performance, but I know I was a bit overambitious with my goals. Several lessons learned and this will help me set realistic goals for Shamrock weekend. I know I will be back to where I like to be come Summer/Fall.
Prior to the race, Pacers advised Double runners that they would mail us our medals due to the weather (they wanted to breakdown everything as soon as possible so everyone could get home safely). A week later I received this goody and a nice note.
Final Thoughts
- Another well managed and organized event by Pacers.
- Their communications regarding the weather was timely and clear – I never felt ill informed.
- It was nice they offered runners the opportunity to defer to 2016.
- It was a nice change that this route was not along Pennsylvania Avenue/Capitol Building.
- Flat, fast, PR course (think Cherry Blossom minus the Memorial Bridge and Hains Point).
- They had photo set up at the end.
- Yay medals!
- Hopefully I can fit in the Clarendon Day Double this year.
- Scored with the 20% discount.
- I wonder what it would be like if they held the 10K first, followed by the 5K.
- Not confirmed…when I was at packet pickup one of the organizers/volunteers said they want to try to add a 15K next year… if that is the case…sign me up! I hope this becomes a reality.
I am so glad that Pacers offered the 5K, 10K and Double this year. I would love to run this again (hopefully without the snow and sleet).
Have you run a double before?
Running in any St. Patrick’s Day races this year?
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC
March 10, 2015doubles are tough! i was reading a recap from the tiny terror and she did a double where the 10k was first. i think i’d prefer that but i understand it’s tough. good job getting out there in the bad weather!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Analyzing Pinterest Analytics, Part Three
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Thanks friend. think I would also prefer the 10K first. I am hoping the Clarendon Double will fit into the training schedule this fall.
brittney @ corral b
March 10, 2015this race sounds so fun! all of the swag (plus that coupon) are so nice. i ran the dumbo double (10k saturday and half sunday) and i always wondered if it would have been better to have the longer race before the shorter race. oh well! it was a blast all the same.
brittney @ corral b recently posted…spring half training: week two
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Doubles and challenges are fun, but I forget how tiring they are 🙂
Nathasha
March 10, 2015Congrats on completing the double in challenging weather! Really awesome! Aside from the cold, wintry mix, the race sounds pretty fun (and yes, definitely a steal at $36!). I’ve never done a double. Maybe I’ll consider this one next year. 🙂
Nathasha recently posted…Spring Races and First Running Injury
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Thanks Nathasha – yes yes, consider it for next year 🙂
Sharon
March 10, 2015Great job on finishing the double in wintry weather conditions! The shirt and medal are nice! There always seem to be great deals in your area! I’ve never done a double but it sounds challenging! Awesome job Jenny!
Sharon recently posted…5 People I would Love to Workout with or Be Trained By
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Lucky to have two large running stores in the area that manage several events (competition = always good for the customers :)…love the NY deals). Maybe one will pop up in NJ soon!
Mar @ Mar on the Run
March 10, 2015ugh… this race. I think I’m not built for doubles! I’d rather just run 9 miles. But the weather made me extremely grumpy. At any rate, so bummed I missed you directly on the course and before/after 🙁 big fat bummer but see you next weekend in Shamrock! I LOVE this double medal though and if there is a 15K next year – sign me up too!!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Rev Cycle Baltimore & a Dash of Salt
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Yes, really really hoping there will be a 15K next year. See you next week!
Tara @ Running 'N' Reading
March 10, 2015Jenny, I’ve never done a double but my husband did the Hat Trick (5K, then 10K) at the Runner’s World Half & Festival and he loved it; I know it took him awhile to recover, though – ha! He PR’ed both races, and he said it was tough. Kudos to you for sticking with it and getting out in the crappy weather; those streets looked pretty sketchy and I know it was like that around here. Just when I thought it was safe, I’d come up on a really scary patch. Great recap, as always; I know you’re going to do great at Shamrock!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…10th Annual Chase Race and Paws
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Congrats to your husband for PR-ing both races! That is really impressive. One day I would like to run one of RWs festivals (Boston or Bethlehem). Exactly – with those races can’t zone out.. need to keep an eye out on the roads. Thanks for the nice words.
Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes
March 10, 2015I haven’t done a double before, but doing at least one is definitely on my bucket list! Glad to see you were able to finish and get your medal, despite the challenging weather!
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Thanks Tricia!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running
March 10, 2015I am hopeful that they’ll offer the 15k option next year. I think it would have been easier on our bodies to just run the 9.3 miles straight instead of having the break inbetween races. While it was fun, I’m not sure that doubles are made for me, at least not on a regular basis.
And that weather was just brutal. Kudos to you for not giving up!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…The Story of My 14 Mile Run on the Treadmill
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Crossing my fingers for a 15K 🙂 Glad we were both able to finish without any accidents! See you soon!
Stephanie
March 10, 2015Considering the less-than-ideal weather conditions, you still did great! I have never run a double before…not sure if it’s my cup of tea.
Stephanie recently posted…Shamrock Half Marathon Training: Week 10
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Thanks Steph! This was my first double and definitely came away with many lessons learned . I am looking forward to next weeks Dolphin Challenge…but nice thing is that its spread over two days 🙂 See you soon!
Jess
March 10, 2015I’ve never run a double! It sounds like those conditions were so rough 🙁 I really hate running in sleet and on icy roads, so you ran two really great races given the conditions!
Jess recently posted…Great Expectations
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Thanks Jess! Perhaps there will be a few double opportunities out in Cali Cali!
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero
March 10, 2015Awesome job sticking it out in that weather and doing the double. You are tough.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Adjusting to the Soreness
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Thanks Abby! Hope to warmer weather for both DC and SC!
Coco (@Got2Run4Me)
March 10, 2015That weather was tough! You earned that bling! I did the Reston 10 Miler the same day, but since it started at 8 and was just one race and was further west, I finished in the snow before it turned to sleet. Pacers is really good on organization, decision-making and communication.
Coco (@Got2Run4Me) recently posted…My Swet Ride Review
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Thanks Coco! Glad to hear that you did not have to run in sleet. I am hoping the R10 and Double do not conflict next year.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets
March 10, 2015Great job Jennifer! That nasty weather sounds like torture, and running races literally back to back is no easy feat! It’s good that you can use these races as a learning experience for your upcoming races and help with your strategy. And all for only $36 with an awesome medal and T-shirt? Awesome!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date – March 2015
Run Jenny Run
March 11, 2015Thanks Janelle. While I do not like those “bad days” always a good learning experience (what do I need to improve on, goal setting etc). Hopefully we’ll have perfect weather for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler 🙂
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running
March 11, 2015Running two races back to back is tough! Way to go, especially with all the sleet etc! I love the medal.
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running recently posted…Race for PAWS (Virtual) 5k
Run Jenny Run
March 13, 2015Thanks Ali! Glad I saw it through.