Category: Race Recap

F3…what does it stand for?  3 Fs, of course= F’ing Freezing Frozen. In years previous, I’ve heard the course has been brutal- icy, windy, frozen, and perhaps even slightly dangerous. Thankfully, this year I was signed up for the 5k and it was only moderate winter weather (28 degrees and slightly windy).

My race: After an intense 8 week training plan for the 5k, it was somewhat of a downer, to not PR and not be able to come in the top 3…I was so close. Why no PR? According to my training, and speedwork, I should have been able to PR.  Well, it comes down to race day, I was still exhausted from a busy and stressful week, not to mention my current injury. At mile 2.8, I saw one of my usual stretching areas, so I wanted to stop and I did actually did pause. And then it was all over… It was Chicago marathon mile 18 all over again, significant loss of feeling and pain and I panicked, but that’s another story. Anyways, I didn’t PR, but 4th woman…I guess that’s cool.

The course was Chicago lakefront, which I regularly run, so I liked the familiarity. The best part is meeting up in the United Club before and after the race, because who wants to stand in cold? Plus, you get to meet all your friends and “steal” one of their new 2018 November Project buffs.  Post race party at Kroll’s was also enjoyable. It’s the finer details that matter. The 2018 1/4 zip is a pretty great race perk. Thanks to Flashframe for free digital photo downloads!  Overall, a lovely and well-run race. Would I do it again? Yes, I’d definitely do the 5k again; the half might just be too cold for me in the Winter.

Nutrition:

Pre race nutrition: Early morn-Peanut butter toast and kefir, closer to race- Picky bar

During race nutrition: Nada, it’s a 5k, guys.

Post race nutrition: Immediately after gatorade (~6oz), and half a bagel. Later: Nuun and Shrimp and grits, and Golden Ale.

“Trust in your training,” they say.Training only gets you so far. While it’s a true statement, there’s other factors that affect your race day performance than just your training e.g. nutrition and sleep. In this case, it was sleep (or lack thereof) that got me.

In the spring, while I PR’ed a few races (Women’s Naperville Half), I was slightly bummed about about my race day performance because my training had indicated a faster time. In the end, I think what got me was just lack of sleep/ rest. I was traveling, prior to the half. Slightly short on sleep prevented me from performing my best on race day.

(The featured picture is post half brunch at Egg Harbour Cafe in Naperville. I love some eggs after a run. I’d recommend the Naperville Women’s Half and the cafe. In fact, I’m even already signed up for the 2017 Half.)

Here’s to being more rested and a better summer & fall race season!