2019 Little Patuxent River Trail 10k Race Recap

I feel like over the winter I need a race to keep me motivated to keep moving.  There are two distances--a 10k and a half marathon (which is the 10k loop twice.)  The race sells out quickly so there isn't really time to hesitate once registration has opened.  This is my second time running this race, and once again as I registered I thought "What did I just do?" Considering how the weather is almost always dicey in February, I really felt like I was taking a HUGE chance that I may have just put myself on the hook for a race that could have terrible weather.  In 2017, the race took place during a wintery mix that started out as flurries just as the gun went off.  This year, we had a snowstorm two days before, but on race day it was actually kind of sunny but still cold.  

Once again, packet pickup was a breeze.  I ran into a friend who was also running (but the half marathon, so the 10k loop twice.)  We discussed our layering strategies because I'm always cold, even when I run.  I ended up deciding to wear pretty much the same outfit as last year--a wool base layer, flyout jacket, flyout tights, Balega blister resist (wool) socks, a hat and some trail gaiters I got on clearance at REI a couple days prior to the race.  There was also one water stop, so I also decided to use my hydration vest rather than my bottle.  (Last year I carried a bottle and my hand got cold and the water sloshing got really annoying.)

This year, the sun was definitely working in our favor.  Like I mentioned before, there was the snow storm two days before the race, so there was a day for things to melt so the course would definitely at least be muddy in some parts but also ice was a concern.  On race day, the organizers let us know that there were a couple icy patches but nothing terrible.  I was feeling confident I could do really well with this one since I had put in a full year at OrangeTheory AND I knew this trail wasn't super technical since it didn't change from the previous year.  (Remember this for later.)

After arriving to the race, I met up with some Volee teammates for a picture.  We were a small but mighty group.

My teammate, Andrea, decided to run with me for at least a little bit.  (To be honest, I don't usually run with others so I'm used to doing my own thing and running with others is a little strange.)  We basically kept up with one another for the first half of the race.

This was just after the start!  I had no idea there was a photographer here until after the fact because I was focused on a strong start.  The path was basically gravel with packed snow which was fairly easy to run on with some of my regular trail shoes.

Shortly after Andrea took this picture, we started getting some icy patches.  The cleared part of the trail has a hill on one side, so when it rains or snow melts there are little areas of run off that cross the path.  It was still early enough that these patches were icy and since we were effectively in the woods and right next to a water source, there was really nothing to be done other than penguin walk across and move on.

After you cross the street and go uphill, you turn left and start to hit the actual trails.  It was really interesting just seeing the difference between one side of the hill from the other.  Starting out there was basically little to no snow, but as you made your way around it started to get more dicey.  There was one fallen tree we had to climb over, and more icy patches.  Since there was more ice, they were a little more iffy especially since it was on some of the downhills so there was a little bit of a backup just getting to the path.  Then you really had to be careful going down because it was so slick.  The ONE serious uphill that slows down pretty much everybody (probably including the elites because it's essentially a staircase at a steep angle) was definitely easier compared to last year, but also this year there was the added danger factor of the ice which may have slowed me down slightly.  But at the same time, knowing there were people directly behind me was motivation for me to keep going and since there was no obvious place for me to step to the side I didn't have a good place to take a moment to breathe.

Once I passed that uphill, the trail was pretty easy.  I knew the hardest part had passed.  It was smooth sailing to the finish.

I crossed the finish and stopped my Garmin.  I had no idea how my time compared to the previous year, so after getting my pint glass, snacks and water, while I stood in line for coffee I looked up the previous year's race stats.  This year, my Garmin measured 6.45 miles in 1:24:22, which made for an average pace of 13:05 per mile.  Last year my Garmin measured 6.15 miles in 1:22:17 with an average pace of 13:22.  I still don't know for sure why my Garmin measured the same course differently, but it could be due to some satellite update making it more accurate.  (Unlike road races, there really wasn't any weaving around people since the path is so narrow but even so that would be a LOT of weaving.) At Bird Camp when I did a trail running workshop with Cat Bradley, she basically said a trail race that says it's an exact distance like a road race is a liar.  Essentially since it's not necessarily a set path that's easy to measure like a road race where you can make a simple out and back whereas on a trail going from point A to point B isn't necessarily a straight line it makes a set distance more difficult to achieve.  (Especially when let's face it 5k, 10k, etc. are somewhat arbitrary distances.)  Going into the race knowing this, I'm not surprised it wasn't exactly 10k.

First Medal Monday post I’ve been able to do in awhile! (And of course a reminder of all the race recaps I still need to write 🤦‍♀️) I ran the Little Patuxent River 10k for the second time on Sunday and loved it even more than last year. It was a totally different (and more difficult) experience running it on snow. In some places it was pretty well packed, in others fluffy, and also icy in some parts. It was also more difficult, so despite my training plan calling for 8 miles, I called it quits at the finish with 6.45 miles. All of it was so scenic and I’m so glad I ran it despite being apprehensive about the whole thing. Recap to come soon! (3rd 📸: @bethaleece 4th 📸: @aakordo ) . . #ripitevents #littlepatuxentrivertrail10k #littlepatuxentriver10k #medalmonday #runnersofinstagram #balegaimpi #balegaimpi2019 #impilove #impipride #nuunlife #nuunlove #teamzensah #hshive #sweatpink #sweatpinkambassador #oisellevolée #oiselleteamdmv #trailrunning #trailrunner #runmd #lprr

A post shared by Holly (@thethriftyrunner) on Feb 4, 2019 at 7:35pm PST

Overall, I'd recommend this race, but I personally might be done with it.  I enjoy having the motivation to keep moving after the holidays, but the pint glass was the same two years in a row.  This year I really liked that the shirt was cotton and the design is fun and something I have definitely worn since running this race.  But this is also a race I can do any time because it's close to home for me.  I ended up justifying the $35 registration fee because of the course support, post-race snacks, and the shirt.  It's a good race to give yourself a taste of trail running because it isn't super technical but is still a little difficult.  At this point I've also run a few trail races, so I'm eager to see what else is out there and challenge myself further.

2018 Jingle All the Way 5k Race Recap

The Jingle All the Way (insert race distance here) has been one of my favorite races for a really long time.  I've basically run it with my Dad every year since I started running.  (Check out my recaps for 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013 and 2012.)  It's such a fun race because costumes are encouraged and the premium is always awesome.  Last year they offered a red, white and blue hat with the reindeer logo (which I wore for this year's race) but this year's hat was purple, light blue, black and white with a festive pattern.  I was so excited to bust out all of my festive running gear that I had been stocking up on throughout the year.  (I keep finding all kinds of great Christmas-themed leggings and tops all year.  So much so that I did three holiday themed runs including this one, and I never wore the same outfit twice.)  I basically end up adding onto my outfit every year, tweaking it just a little bit.  There was also the one year where I had lights, but that didn't last because they just don't stand out for a morning race despite being in the shade and the battery packs were heavy and a little annoying.

I think I’m ready as I’ll ever be for tomorrow morning’s 5k! I’ve got all the layers ready to go—wazzie wool base layer, sweatshirt, lux tights, cheap Christmas tights to go over the warm tights, Christmas sweater skirt, Balega blister resist (wool) socks, Goodr sunglasses, a zensah neck gaiter and the hat from last year’s race. Plus a Christmas stocking on my belt (great pocket for my inhaler!), aftershokz, picky bar (caffeinated for before the race), Garmin and little zippered pouch for my id and wet wipe (perfect for portajohns without hand sanitizer!) Oh and all the bells. I counted 21 in total 😬 Not sneaking up on anyone tomorrow! My water bottle is in the fridge ready to go with cherry limeade Nuun since the water stop has been cancelled due to the cold 🥶 Let’s do this!!! . . #garminfitness #oisellevolée #oiselleteamdmv #balegaimpi #balegaimpi2018 #balegabestsocksever #nuunlife #teamzensah #pickybars #itsarunnerthing #leskolayers #sweatpink #sweatpinkambassador #christmasrunning #jinglealltheway5k #pacersrunning #foreveryrun #aftershokz #shokzsquad #rungoodr #goodr

A post shared by The Thrifty Runner (@thethriftyrunner) on Dec 8, 2018 at 7:59pm PST

And this is how it looked after putting on all the layers!  (I also had some bells on my shoes.)

It was a pretty gray day, but could've been worse considering how in previous years we've had all kinds of weather.

The Washington Monument was gorgeous as always!

Leading up to the race, a friend in the Oiselle Volee had messaged me on Facebook and asked if I wanted to run with her.  I was apprehensive at first since it's always a race I do with my Dad so I don't usually meet up with friends, but after the gun goes off we basically go our own speeds and meet up once we've both finished.  I spent the morning texting back and forth my friend and she managed to get there just a couple minutes before the start of the race.  And when I knew she had started heading in my direction, I realized that we had never met up just the two of us.  We had only met a couple times with a mutual friend that was there and we hadn't seen each other in awhile and we were both bundled up.  I suddenly had the realization:  Oh crap.  Will I recognize her?  My Dad and I had seeded ourselves and I let my friend know where to find me, then someone comes through the crowd and she looks up from her phone at me.  Then we kind of do a double take to our phones and realize we found each other in the crowd! Shortly thereafter, the gun went off.  I had told my friend I wanted to get my sub-30 5k and that morning I was feeling good enough that it could be the day.

The first mile was a blur, but by mile 2 I was starting to feel gassed but my friend pressed us on.  Just as we approached the Jefferson Memorial, I needed a walk break.  My stomach was starting to feel a little angry and I needed a moment to let it settle a little bit.  We picked up the pace a little bit until the one hill that I'm well acquainted with from this race and Cherry Blossom.  On elevation maps, it really doesn't look like much. It's a blip.  It's going up 21 feet over 0.2 miles, so it comes to just under a 2% incline on a treadmill.  But after running such a flat course, it felt way harder than it should be.  Then there was that ever so slight downhill to the finish.  I crossed the finish and stopped my Garmin.

30:02.

So.  Freaking.  Close.

We got our mylar blankets, water bottles, and snacks.  I got my medal and after some prodding my friend did too.  (She doesn't usually pick up the medals since she has so many.  But this one was so cute!  The little snowman moves back and forth on a track so it looks like it's running through the snowy city.)  After meeting up with a few others in the Volee, I got a text from my Dad saying he had finished so I said bye to my friends and met with him.  We walked back to the car and stopped at a Panera for coffee and bagels and talked about how our races went.  My Dad was faster than the previous year so he was happy with his time.

30:02!!! (Had to take a couple walk breaks since my heart rate was so high and my tummy was not too happy.) I was paced by a friend in the Volee and totally was reminded why I like running in groups! “Can we walk this little bit right here?” “NOPE!” 😭 🤣 All sub-10 minute miles (9:48, 9:17, 9:32) and despite being *so* close to a sub-30 I’ll take it. . . #oisellevolée #oiselleteamdmv #jinglealltheway5k #runpacers #foreveryrun #teamzensah #rungoodr #goodr #balegaimpi #balegaimpi2018 #balegabestsocksever #nuunlife #hshive #sweatpink #sweatpinkambassador

A post shared by The Thrifty Runner (@thethriftyrunner) on Dec 9, 2018 at 7:50am PST

This should come as no surprise, but I highly recommend this race.  It is always so much fun because so many people dress up and there's festive music playing at the starting area.  It's a great way to end my racing year with a race that isn't serious at all, but on a course that's fast n flat despite that final hill so you have a really great chance at a PR.

2018 Turkey Trot to Benefit LARS

My husband is the one who started our Thanksgiving Turkey Trot tradition right after I started running.  Since then I've been interested in trying little turkey trots especially if they benefit food banks, social service or other non-profit organizations, which is where LARS comes in.  They're a group based in Laurel, MD that helps homeless and low-income citizens of the Prince Georges County portion of the city.  (The city is huge--it encompasses Howard, Prince Georges and part of Anne Arundel counties.)  I heard about this race from a few people in a local running group and was interested because it was in a part of the city I had never run in, and since it was through neighborhoods I probably wouldn't have explored otherwise.  (Generally I stick to trails or familiar neighborhoods since too many turns gets confusing.  Anyways.)

Packet pickup at Jailbreak Brewing was a little bit of a mess.  Apparently some people before us had some issues with the registration process and all of the volunteers at the table had to get involved. When it was our turn to get our packets and shirts, the brewery was super crowded so rather than getting a pint, we went home.  Once we got home I looked through our bags, I realized I received the wrong size shirt.  (This is the first time this has happened, and admittedly I should've checked before I left the brewery but I wanted to get out of there.)  No big deal, I could try to exchange it in the morning.

 

I set out my clothes for the next morning and it was going to be the first cold morning run for me for the season.  I opted for my flyout jacket, flyout tights, a lux funnel neck shirt, an icebreaker knit cap and my Thanksgiving themed Goodr sunglasses.  I was really nervous about being cold, and it was pretty justified, because spoiler alert:  I ended up being really cold.

The next morning, my husband and I arrived at the race at my usual hour early so there would be enough time to go to the bathroom and exchange my shirt.  There was still plenty of parking in the Boys and Girls club lot.  When we got in line to exchange my shirt, a volunteer who was directing everyone to the correct line noticed I just wanted to trade out my shirt.  She approached me, asked what size I needed, walked to the boxes and traded it out for me immediately.  I thanked her profusely because the lines were getting long, and we headed back to the car to drop off the shirt and keep warm for a few minutes before checking out the bathroom situation then went back to the car for a little while longer.

About 5 minutes before the gun was scheduled to go off, we lined up for the start.  I was determined to make this into a fast training run, potentially finally hitting my sub-30 5k.  The course was fairly hilly--there was one pretty much immediately after the first turn, but after that it was mostly smaller, less intimidating hills.  Just before the halfway point the road came to a paved trail and right where the course turned there was a water stop.  If you blinked you would've missed it because it was one person with a cup of water in each hand.  By the time I realized it was the water stop, it wasn't worth turning around so I kept going.  The trail seemed like it would be nice under different circumstances because for the race, it was pretty crowded.  There was another hill going up from the trail into a neighborhood and from there to the finish it was gently going uphill.  (It looked mostly flat as you were running it.)

Once I crossed the finish and stopped my Garmin I looked at my time--30:20.  So close to a sub-30, so initially I was frustrated.  But after getting my medal, catching up with some running friends I hadn't seen for awhile, having some water, post-race snacks, and watching my husband cross the finish I started feeling a little better.  That race was surprisingly hilly.  Finishing in the time that I did was pretty good, and I still had another chance to get my sub-30 in a couple weeks.

Overall, I'm torn about this race.  Packet pickup did not go well and the water stop on the course was bizarre.  But the race benefits a great cause (social services for the underserved in Laurel) and it was really close to home which doesn't happen often.  However with Thanksgiving being one of the biggest running days of the year, I'm willing to keep my options open for 2019.

It feels like this race was forever ago! (Mid-week race’s are weird.) Set a new PR for the 5k of 30:20. Sub-30 I’m coming for you! Next race is the Jingle All the Way 5k on 12/9 by @runpacers . . #medalmonday #medalmonday🏅 #turkeytrot #laureladvocacy #laureladvocacyreferralservices #balegaimpi #balegaimpi2018 #balegabestsocksever #hshive #nuunlife #teamzensah #oiselleteamdmv

A post shared by The Thrifty Runner (@thethriftyrunner) on Nov 26, 2018 at 4:51pm PST

Thrifty Thursday for March

It's starting to seem like winter will NEVER end.  Here it is March 7th, and we're about to have another snow storm.  (Thankfully it's the kind where it's pretty to look at, but won't mess up the roads!)  You might notice a little bit of a theme with this month's finds because I wanted all the warm stuff when I went out thrift shopping.

Thick wool sweater, brand new with tags?  Yes, please!

Prana Lucia Sweater:  Originally $169, paid $15

Another wool sweater, but this one is open front and has all kinds of different stitches!  

Madewell Panelstitch Open Cardigan:  Originally $118, paid $8

This one isn't quite as warm as the wool sweaters, but still super comfy.  I can't wait for it to warm up enough that I can actually wear it. 

White House Black Market Open Front Drape Neck Sweater:  Originally $99, paid $10

Long sleeved workout shirts are a must when layering for outside runs!  

Helly Handsen VTR Core Long Sleeve:  Originally $40, paid $3

I don't usually wear button down shirts, but this was a fun color and the buttons only go halfway down the front so less paranoia about gapping.  (And a stretchy fabric too!)

Marmot Allie Long Sleeve:  Originally $65, paid $6

Wool sweatpants + pockets?  ABSOLUTELY!  I don't usually rush to put clothes into the washing machine when I get home.  When I got my hands on these I couldn't get them into the washer fast enough.  SO comfy and shocked someone would get rid of such amazing pants.

Brooks Joyride Pants:  Originally $95, paid $7

Anyone have any great thrifting finds this month?  Any races coming up?  I'm cowbelling at the 11.5 mile mark for Rock n Roll DC this weekend, then next weekend is Shamrock in VA Beach where I'll be doing the dolphin challenge.  (Which means I'll be running an 8k on Saturday, a half marathon on Sunday.)  I'm so excited since it'll be my first race in that part of Virginia AND it'll be a big weekend with the Oiselle Volee!