This is FWRC's signature event. With distances of 5k and 15k, this is the largest event that FWRC hosts, and is well coordinated.
I struggled through this event last year, as the humidity was a challenge. I ran a 1:37:57 that day. I haven't completed many 15k's as this would be only my 3rd to date. I PR'd at the Hot Chocolate 15k last year, posting a 1:34:01. At the time, I was training diligently for The Cowtown 13.1, and, it was a February event, leading to cold running weather, which, is preferable to heat and humidity.
I set a very ambitious goal of 1:30 for today's race. That would require a pace of 9:40 a mile. I have yet to determine my pace for 15k's, as I haven't run many of them.
But, my training and racing this summer have been good, and the speed work I've done has helped.
I got off to a good start and felt like I could run my planned race. However. It was incredibly humid. Much like last year, I sweated through my shirt before mile 1. It was going to be a warm day. I noticed from mile 1 that I was extending my run slightly. That would not help my desired finish time.
I ran into several racing buddies along the way in this one. Good thing, as it made me keep my pace up. I ran several miles with Charlie, a buddy from FWTRI Club. It was fun to run with someone I knew. I made the turn at about 10k and headed back. I walked quickly up a hill to drink my Gatorade, and then resumed my running. I fell back into my pace. I continued to push for my 1:30 time, but, it appeared I'd miss slightly. I pushed hard down he stretch and booked a 1:32:06. A new PR. Per Strava, I booked 9.4 miles, which didn't help my time. My splits were consistent and I felt really good about the way I managed the race.
9 of 23 in my AG and 174 of 370 overall.
Good day...a confidence builder for Chicago too.
Congrats on PR
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