I have a secret. I like to race and not tell anyone about it. Half marathons and full marathons, yes. I love to talk about those. I blog about my training, I post flat runner pictures on Instagram before the big day. I’m very open and honest about my distance racing. 5-milers and shorter distances, however, and I like to race in secret. That’s what happened with the B’nai B’rith Health Run 5K on Sunday.
I didn’t even tell my coach about my 4-miler in May until after the fact. I probably wouldn’t have told him about the 5K either except that talk of a time trial came up earlier in the week. Thankfully it was easy to shift my training plan to accommodate the race. I did get a lot of “wow, long run on a Thursday?” type of comments throughout the week, but I was obviously harboring a secret and didn’t want to spill it on social media.
Midweek Long Run + B’nai B’rith Health Run 5K
A quick breakdown of my week:
Tuesday — 5.61 miles
I had hill repeats on tap for Tuesday. I took my dog out for my warm-up since it was nice and cool in the morning for her, then did my repeats. It was a great start to the week.
Wednesday — 6.01 miles
6 at 6 for me on Wednesday! I had my long run planned for Thursday so I had to keep my pace down which was pretty easy given the 91% humidity at 6:00 am. It was a good, but challenging, “easy” run. (Aka I was thankful when it was over.)
Thursday — 16 miles
Going into this run, I was a little concerned about the weather. The humidity had been out of control the days prior, and I wasn’t quite sure I’d mentally be able to make it 16 miles in the middle of the week. My husband and I also had to get creative with my route and how I would get all my miles in with driving kids to camp, picking up my car, and him getting to work on time. I was essentially running a point-to-point route which could have turned into a large loop if needed, but I was hopeful I wouldn’t have to do that. I kept an open mind about what the morning could bring.
The first leg, I ran with friends. When their six miles were up and it was time for me to put on my hydration vest, pack up my food, and turn on a podcast, I was determined to run my way back home. I said goodbye to my friends, snapped some pics, and then headed out.
Midweek Long Run
To say my long run wasn’t pretty would be an understatement. There was a lot of positive (and negative) self talk, a lot of angry belly rumbling, and it was just plain hot and humid. By the time I heard from my husband and knew I would be picked up soon, I had made it past all the self doubt and I was on to straight determination. He picked me up at mile 14 and although I was glad to get a break and be in the air conditioning for a brief moment, I was a little disappointed I couldn’t finish my run in one fell swoop.
By the time I got back to my car, my GI tract was making it clear that it needed to be emptied — and soon. I drove home, took care of business, and headed back out. I only had two miles left and I was planning on staying in the neighborhood so I figured I could go sans water. Worst idea ever.
Stay Hydrated
Such a bad idea, in fact, that you would have thought I learned my lesson from the last time I pulled a stunt like this. But nope, I sure didn’t. Hopefully there won’t be a third time for it to be the charm.
Anyways — my last two miles were awful. I definitely hit the wall. My energy stores were completely depleted, I was hot and bordering on dehydration, and as I was standing at the bottom of a hill in my neighborhood trying to decide if I could actually make it up the hill, I got a few texts from my friends with encouraging words. It’s like they could sense I was stuck and needed help. And with that, I ran home.
I made it. 16 miles in the heat and swampy humidity. On a Thursday. Amen!
I came home, stuffed as much food and beverage into my mouth as I could in 5 minutes, and promptly took a nap so I could attempt to function through the rest of the day.
Friday — 1.53 cycling miles
On Friday I hopped on the bike to work with one of my runners. She did great and it was nice for me to get my legs moving without impact.
Saturday — 3.14 miles
Saturday was soggy. Trixie and I went out for a quick 3.5-4 miler in the light rain. We weren’t even a mile from home when it turned into a torrential downpour. We were both soaked so I figured we might as well keep going. By the time we got home, Trixie looked like a drowned rat and my feet were sloshing around in at least a quarter inch of water inside my shoes. But we had fun and got some miles in and that’s what matters!
B’nai B’rith Health Run 5K Recap
Sunday — Race day!! — 3.1 miles
I had zero nerves leading up to race day. I attribute my lack of nervousness to a few things. One, it’s a small, low key race — very low stress. Two, keeping my racing a secret helps. I rarely think about racing if no one around me knows about it. And three, I’m not as nervous before a race simply due to the sheer volume of racing I’ve been doing over the last several years. Experience helps.
Julie and I jogged over to the race together and no sooner did we head to the starting line did we see our friend Cindy. I also saw my daughter’s teacher and her daughter, which was so nice. They were walking the 5K since it was her daughter’s first race ever. I was super excited for them. After we said hello to everyone, I briefly considered moving up to the front of the race but before I could even get my thought together, I heard “go!” and we were off.
Mile 1
The first mile was hard. I went out too fast for the conditions. I’m usually really good about holding back at the beginning but the adrenaline got the better of me. At mile .83 we hit our first water stop which was fantastic because I was so darn hot. I grabbed a cup and dumped it on my head. I was a little worried there wouldn’t be another water station before the end but what could I do now? Keep running and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Keep running and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Mile 2
Longest mile of my life. I wanted to die. It was so hot. I kept praying for another water stop. At one point I felt myself getting overtaken by someone and it totally messed with my head. We ran side by side together for a while in silence — simultaneously encouraging and racing each other.
Mile 3
Somewhere in the last mile there was a second water stop. This time I stopped and actually drank water. I was enjoying my little break but the next thing I know my shadow says, “time to go!” I sure as hell wasn’t going to let that happen so I chased after her. We stayed together for a while until the last, longest hill of my life nearly took me down. She obviously didn’t go out too fast because she trucked along. I had a mental battle of whether to stop and walk or to push harder and get across the finish line faster. I’m sure you know which option I chose.
B’nai B’rith Health Run 5K
I *thought* maybe I snagged a PR, though I wasn’t entirely sure. I *hoped* I won an age group award if nothing else.
Julie, of course, had a brilliant race. As it turns out, Julie won second overall female and I took second in my age group! And we both snagged new 5K PRs. I’m ecstatic as this is my second age group placement this year. I don’t foresee any more in 2017 but you never know. It’s been a really fun year of racing for me, and I’m super proud of myself!
Finish time: 25:20
Friends that race together win stuff together. Or something like that. 🙂
Looking Ahead
Now that we’ve got a baseline for my training after this 5K, things may get a lot more interesting ’round here. My coach hasn’t told me as much so maybe I won’t notice the change if there is one but I won’t be surprised if there are some changes.
This week I’ve got hills, easy miles, and a “shorter” long run. And no, I’m not secretly racing any 5Ks any time soon. But if I am, you guys will be the first to know… 😉
xo
TALK TO ME!
Do you like to race in secret or share it with the world?
Do you like racing or prefer running for fun?
Linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap, and My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run.
55 Comments
Congrats! I usually share about my races, but some are more important to me than others, so I tend to share more about those! Good job pushing through that long run. Ending with hills is rough — but then that’s how many race courses seem to end!
Thank you! I like to race 5Ks hard so I tend to not want to share with others. Just in case it’s a disappointment. 😉
Loved that you did a race and kept it a secret. I’ve done that before too, though I have not won my age group.
Nothing worst then having stomach problems on your run! Great week getting in all those workouts in the humidity.
It was super exciting, that’s for sure!
Those runs were tough. And you’re right, stomach issues are the worst. But I survived to tell the tale!
Hey that’s awesome congratulations! What a nice surprise for you. For smaller races, I sometimes don’t mention them until afterwards. Nice job girl
Thank you! It was a very nice surprise. 🙂
Congrats on that PR and AG! I never intentionally kept a race secret but there may have been some impromptu ones. Never feel disappointed about stopping at home to regroup during a long run. Those few minutes make no negative difference yet help YOU out mentally and physically so much.
Thank you!!
You’re absolutely right. I feel like if I had kept going my bowels would have caused a little less trouble. But it is what it is! Time on my feet is what matters at this point.
Dropping in from the weekly wrap! Congratulations on your 5K and a great week of training. That’s an awesome 5K for a more impromptu race too especially so soon after long runs and other workouts this week. I haven’t been talking about many of my upcoming races because sometimes it’s best to sign up last minute, you have no time to really get nervous or over think it, you just GO!
Thank you so much! I totally agree with waiting to sign up. No time for nerves!!
A PR and an AG award? Congrats lady! So proud of you, and the fact that you could run a 5k PR a few days after a long run is amazing!
Thanks! My only regret? That I should have run faster. ?
Congratulations Rachel! A PR and an AG award ….that’s something to celebrate! 16 miles in this heat and humidity is an accomplishment no matter how those miles are completed! You rock!
P.S. I’m with you, I kind of like to keep my 5k’s a secret until they’re done 🙂
Thanks, Teresa! It was a fun week. ?
Keeping races a secret takes some of the pressure off!
Congratulations, you sneaky racer! I’m afraid to run balls to the wall on a 5k; I’ve avoided it ever since I started marathon training.
What?! Why?? 5Ks are the best!! Short and sweet. 🙂
I HAAAAATTTTEEE 5Ks. I don’t want to have to be in pain and counting the time until I finish. I do about 2 5Ks a year now, and I always look for someone slower I can pace so I can use the excuse of helping others so I don’t have to run fast.
Haha! Then why do them at all, girl? They’re my favorite race distance.
Congrats! It’s fun to secretly run a race. No pressure whatsoever. I like to race vs run for fun. I’m too competitive:) Although, my husband and I are running a half next month and it’s a trail race which is something totally new to us. So this will definitely be for fun!
How exciting! You’re going to love it, I’m sure.
Congrats on your PR and AG! I tend to not mention 5Ks until after the fact because they’re usually a last minute decision 🙂
Great job getting your 16 miler done – so tough when your stomach is not cooperating! And the heat/humidity?! Don’t even get me started!
Oh my gosh, girl. The humidity nearly killed me!
and thank you! It was a fun race. #secrets
Congrats! I don’t really keep races a secret. I have a 5k coming up at the end of August, and I want to use that to gauge how I’ve been doing this summer. It’s supposed to be for fun, but I’m competitive, and it would be nice to have an idea of where I stand before starting training.
I think being competitive is *why* I keep it a secret. I don’t want to psych myself out!
Congrats on your PR and 2nd place in your AG! That’s so exciting! I have enough running friends who ask if I want to join them for a weekend run that it would be hard to race in secret. Plus, I love have the company of them joining me. Sometimes I post “flat runner” pictures of my racing clothes laid out the day before and sometimes I don’t, so perhaps when I don’t, I am sort of racing in secret since I haven’t announced my race to the world. 😉
Thank you!! It was super exciting.
I don’t mind sharing about my big races. I have no expectations except to have fun with those. But when I’m gunning for a PR or to place, I try to keep quiet and keep the race day jitters far, far away!
I enter very few races with the intention of “racing.” I’ve learned to just take what the day gives me, and if things feel right, I go with it. I wish I had more of a competitive spirit, but it’s just not in me…I’m too artsy-fartsy and “free-spirited” LOL
I think that’s part of the reason I don’t want to tell the world I’m racing ahead of time. I don’t want to stress out unnecessarily. If it doesn’t “feel” right, then I won’t do it.
Great time on that 5K sneaky! Congrats! 16 miles on a Thursday, all I can say is WOW! Great week and stay hydrated!
Thanks, Mary Beth! It was a fun little race. 🙂
I’m shocked I could get 16 in on a Thursday. But I kind of enjoyed getting the long run out of the way. There may be more midweek long runs in my future!
What fun! Despite the heat and feeling miserable, you got it done! Congrats on your PR. My first race EVER was the Chicago Marathon in 2013. I told absolutely NO ONE about it. I had never run in my life and barely trained. I told my husband and kids the week before so they knew we would be downtown. I literally called my best friend once I passed the finish line and told her what I had just done. I had to text some pics to get her to believe me!
NO WAY! That’s amazing!!! How did you train for it without anyone knowing what you were up to? You’re the QUEEN of sneaky racing! I need to take some tips from you.
Seriously! I would tell my husband I was going out for a walk and would come back all sweaty 3 or 4 hours later. He never asked what was up! He must have thought I was cheating on him!
That’s the best thing I’ve ever heard. Haha!!
Congratulations on the PR and AG award! I am super impressed you ran all those miles and then ran a race!
Great job getting the long run done during the week.
Thank you! It was a fun, and challenging, week. I’m glad I could pull it off.
That’s awesome! Congratulations!
I haven’t been totally forthcoming about certain races. Maybe because if I keep them hidden, I can keep my anxiety under control. I don’t know.
I love having fun out there. Running and races make up such a huge part of my social life and while I can’t say I’m fast enough to ever really “race” I am out there racing against myself and my own goals.
I had never considered racing anyone except for myself until I won an age group award in May. I’m allll about having fun and not racing anyone except for myself. But now that I know it’s a slight possibility, however remote, it gets me thinking…
And I’m with you on keeping races on the down low. It definitely helps me keep the pre-race jitters in check!
Congrats on a fantastic 5k time and a shiny new PR. I do like to keep my 5ks a secret. I also like to go to other towns where I don’t know anyone. I feel both of these things take the pressure off. Long running on a Thursday? You rock!
You totally get me!!! I do the same and it totally takes the pressure off. #greatminds
The long run on a Thursday was kind of a blessing. I could enjoy my weekend for once during a training cycle! 😉
Congrats on that super fast 5k! Good for you! I’ll do those small races and not make a big deal about it. Actually, the only place I really talk about my racing is on my blog or IG. My peeps get me.
Thanks, Wendy! I have lofty 5K goals. I think I’m going to focus on that (and trails with you) next year. Oh, speaking of… I had an idea. I have to message you!
So speedy! That is really really awesome! Way to go!
Thanks, Nicole!
That’s pretty darn amazing to snack a AG award AND a PR in a hot race! Congrats!
I like to race, but not all the time. It’s hard! I also like running for fun, too bad I haven’t done too much of that lately (although this month was a welcome break).
Thank you! I go through phases of racing v. running for fun. It seems like it’s every other year which means 2017 is my year to race!
Great job on the race, speedy! And congrats on the PR!! I usually share about my races, even my bad ones. Sometimes I just like to hear myself talk, haha! 🙂
Thank you so much! I think we all like to hear ourselves talk, especially when it comes to racing. But I like to keep those pre-race jitters in check. 🙂
It was so hot and humid on Thursday so great job getting those 16 miles in!
Congrats to both of you on a AG awards! How fun!
Thanks, girl! It was super hot and humid. On all the days, as a matter of fact. Glad we’re getting a bit of relief this week.
I’ve registered for races and kept my registration a secret for awhile, but I don’t think I’ve ever kept it a secret until after the race.
Congrats on running a speedy race!!!
Thanks, Kathryn! It was fun. Hope I get to do it again someday!
I’ve never done a race in secret but I do think it would help a lot with staying mentally prepared. You did an awesome job on your 5K, congratulations on your new PR!!
Thanks, Janelle!
[…] you’ve been following my training, you’ll know my last couple long runs were a bit of a struggle — especially on the nutrition front. I made a very concerted effort […]