Another weekend, another race. I’ve been signing up for races that fit well into my half-marathon training, and I am loving the feeling of being back into my running shoes and the racing environment.
This weekend we were back at one of my favorite Seattle spots – Gasworks Park – for the Seattle’s Best 15k!
This race started earlier than most here do. We were up at 4:45 and out the door by 5:30am to make it to the park in time for packet pickup. Since it was a smaller race, they did packet pickup the morning of the race. Nice to not make two trips, but it made our morning extra early! Getting out the door for races is more complicated now that we’ve got Cullen along for the ride. Lucky us (not really) he likes to wake up at 5am every day, so this was nothing new for him.
I got my number and got ready to run! After a bad half-marathon, followed by a great 5k, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Most of my weekday running and training recently has been shorter stroller runs. Basically I do a lot of 3-4 mile runs at my max stroller pace, and then I hope and pray that those will give me enough fitness for longer solo runs on the weekends. My longest distance running with no breaks prior to the race was 7 miles, so my goal for the 15k was simply to finish without walking.
It was a small race – about 350 people – and I had two other friends running which made it extra fun. I headed to the car to feed Cullen about 30 minutes before the race started, and then right at 7am – we were off!
Unlike the past few races I’ve done recently, I decided to run with my headphones this time. I don’t have an iPod so I just listened to the Beyoncé Pandora station on my phone. I turned it up and zoned out as the course ran through Fremont into Ballard and down one of my favorite trails. I smiled and waved as I passed Casey and Cullen.
- Mile 1: 9:01
- Miles 2: 9:00
- Miles 3: 9:03
- Mile 4: 9:05
One of the reasons I signed up for this race was the awesome course! It started in Gasworks Park at the top of Lake Union, and then looped all the way around the lake on trails and sidewalks that run next to the water. I tried to just keep my pace steady around 9:00 minute miles. I knew I was capable of running faster in those earlier miles, but I didn’t want to end up crashing toward the end.
As we looped the lake, I felt strong. All my favorite songs were coming on at just the right time, and I was happy with how I felt at the halfway point.
- Mile 5: 9:15
- Mile 6: 9:14
As I came around the other side of Lake Union, I was surprised that the course headed into the University area a different way than I had expected. Miles 7 and 8 suddenly turned into what felt like a roller coaster of HILLS. While the uphills burned and slowed me down, it was honestly the downhills that I struggled with the most. They were so steep that I found it hard to run down them, and did more of a skip to the bottom in order to keep running.
- Mile 7: 9:25
- Mile 8 10:17
By the end of the hills I was totally wiped, and I had to really focus to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. My goal was to run the entire race, and I wasn’t going to start walking in the last mile! I gave it what I had left, and ran back into Gasworks to see Casey and Cullen smiling and cheering for me!
- Mile 9: 9:22
- Final 0.3: 3:18
Official Results: 1:27:01 (9:20 pace)
Overall I was really happy with the race. A small part of me wishes I’d been just a bit faster (closer to a 9:00 average), but for where I am in my training I’m really pleased to have just finished well without walking. Looking forward to Rock N Roll Seattle, I think not walking is going to be my biggest challenge. This race gave me a lot of confidence that with a few more weeks of good training, I’ll be ready.
I have a few more smaller races I’m thinking about signing up for in the next few weeks. After taking such a long break from running, finding local races has been a huge boost of motivation for me to keep lacing up and pushing that beast of a stroller a few times each week.
Doing local races has also helped Seattle really feel like home for us. We have moved to so many new cities over the past few years, and because of that I think I feel like an eternal tourist. But having friends both running with me and cheering for me, and racing through the neighborhoods I love, brings me a strong sense of happiness that I had been missing for a while.
It feels great to be back!
66 Comments so far
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Awesome job!! And Cullen is too adorable! I’d run pretty hard to see that face!
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Congrats on your race! Wow, Seattle looks so cool. I hope to visit one day. Good luck on your half marathon training!
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Yay! You’re on a roll! Impressive paces, too…
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great race!! where is your running top from? it is super cute, just like cullen :)
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Colleen C Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 1:08 pm
I would love to know where your top is from too! Congrats on another race!!
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Gina @ Running to the Kitchen Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 1:12 pm
I have the same one, it’s a Champion top and I got mine at Target.
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Liz A Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 4:28 pm
ahh, just what I came here to ask! I’ve been looking for something JUST like that to cover my baby bump (as opposed to huge tee shirts).
nice work Emily!
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Yep, Target! I wore them when pregnant and loved them!
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Yep, Target! Thanks, Gina!
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Target – Champion brand!
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:23 pm
Target!!
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So after your half-marathon post, I started looking for races in my area. Ideally something longer than a 5k but shorter than 13.1 — other than a handful of 10k’s, I’m not finding much in the St. Louis area. Any tips on how to find races?
Oh, and if you figure out a solution to that baby-refusing-to-sleep-past-5am thing, please let me know!
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:23 pm
I just google things like “Seattle running race calendar” and then look for things around my area. I also find out about a lot of them at the local running store!
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Congrats! I love reading your running posts. :)
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Congrats! You kept a great pace! Keep up the hard work and you will kick R’N'R Seattle’s bootay!!
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LOVE this post! You look SOO happy :)
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your times are fantastic, especially for not having the formal training you used to have. i’m proud of you!
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:23 pm
Thanks, Heather!
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You look so happy in that last picture! Way to go!
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That’s awesome! Yay! Cullen is such a cutie pie.
Do you think it helps that the Seattle area isn’t so “takes your breath away” humid and hot? Coming from the midwest myself- I find myself actually seeking more outdoor activities since I’ve moved out here, even camping is more pleasant! Although I could really use some sunshine today. I may never be a runner, but I do enjoy walking and biking much more so out here in the incessantly moist PNW.
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Probably. I love the air out here. I REALLY struggled running back in the midwest a few weeks ago, even though I lived there for most of my life! My body isn’t used to it anymore.
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I absolutely love your running tanks. Where did you get them? Congrats on the great run! I can’t wait to get back to races…
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Target!
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Great job! It takes baby steps before you can run. I don’t usually run with music but I swear there are some days/races that the beat helps me push through and just go!
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Love the pic of Cullen eating your medal!!!
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Congrats and awesome race! It is always so hard to get back into running after a hiatus and you’re so smart to sign up for lots of races to keep you motivated. You’re going to rock RnR Seattle!
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Emily, that is an awesome pace and more impressive that your first half of the race was such a steady 9:00 minute mile.
What is your max stroller pace during your 3-4 mile runs? I’m just curious, not a mom yet, but I know I’ll want to be a running one when that day comes :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Max stroller pace is between 8:30 and 9:00 miles if I am REALLY pushing it. Usually more like 9:00 to 9:30.
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Congrats Emily! Glad to see you’re getting your running groove back :)
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Good job! I ran a half marathon last year that used that same course, the ups and downs you are talking about are BRUTAL so way to stay strong!
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Those hills were so tough!
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Emily, what running shoes do you prefer?
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:20 pm
I wear Saucony Ride!
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Leah Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:42 pm
oooh, thanks!
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That’s awesome! Good job, girl. I do have to say, I have no idea how you run without headphones! I go kind of bonkers without mine, even on a short run of 3-4 miles. But maybe I should take a break from blasting my ears sometimes, is there a reason you don’t usually use them?
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:20 pm
Well during training runs if I have the stroller, I can’t really use them bc then I can’t hear if Cullen is crying. But I loved having them during the race!
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I didn’t realize you were running the Seattle R’n'R! Me too! :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Yep, I’m doing the half! Casey is doing the full. We’ll be there! :)
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Congratulations on such an amazing race! If I can run anything like that when I’m out there for the 8 mile race I’ll be thrilled!!
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Excited to see you!
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Congrats, Emily! Sounds like an awesome race and a great time, especially for your training! I would’ve been freaking out about having a 2 mile gap between my training distance and race distance but you killed it :)
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Awesome job, Emily! Isn’t Gasworks Park the best? Such a beautiful location. I am so happy to hear you are falling in love with this awesome city!! There is no going back from here!
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Love Gasworks!
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awesome job with that run!! that’s a great pace especially considering all those horrible sounding hills!! the picture of Cullen grabbing your medal is a keeper for sure :)
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I’m glad you’re beginning to feel settled. I look forward to that feeling one day!
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Congrats on a good race! Can’t wait to hear about the next one. Race posts always inspire me to go out and run my own.
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I am so glad you had such a good race! I think running a few shorter distance races before a half is a really good motivator. I may have to do that for my next half :)
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Those are great times! Nice work!
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Cullen is a racer already, I see :) Why oh why are there not exclusive stroller races? haha.
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:18 pm
I think I like racing because it’s an excuse to NOT use the stroller!
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Congratulations on a well-executed race!
That photo of you showing Cullen your medal with his feet in the air is so precious!
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Yeay! I love that you are running again! It’s so fun to read about!*
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Congrats on your race! I love the picture of Cullen going after you medal…too precious. Future runner for sure ;)
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Congrats on a great race, Emily!! I did Seattle’s Best 15K last year — the first year it was put on, and it landed on my 24th birthday — and it’s still one of my favorite races EVER! It’s so Seattle. Glad you enjoyed it, and looks like you had some nice sunshine! : )
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Emily Malone Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Oh how fun! WELCOME HOME and happy birthday!
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I love reading about all of your adventures in Seattle! I lived in the Pacific North West for 4 years and it was amazing. I’ve also moved quite a few times for work and school so I get how good it feels when a place starts to feel like home.
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Ahh jealous- we were hoping to add this one to our list but couldn’t get it on the schedule. The Seattle one after Thanksgiving while cold is usually a great 1/2 marathon too :)
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I love those Champion flowy tanks, but my Target doesn’t carry them any longer :( I hope they bring them back soon. Are you running the See Jane Run 5K on July 15th? It looks like a fun run through Gasworks Park :)
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Congrats, and great job!
I am in Seattle for the first time other than airport, and am amazed with the hills. I’ve ran the last two days but I am used to the flat plains of Ks. You runners from Washington are amazing!
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Nice job! Your awesome :)
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Nice work, Emily! My little one is 5 months and I can totally relate to not quite being at the same pace as pre-pregnancy. It will come with time I suppose. I love reading about your journey back to running as I feel like I’m living it with you. Not in a stalker way, of course. ;-)
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Great job!!! It’s so wonderful that you have shared your struggles and triumphs with us as you get back into running post pregnancy! I don’t live in Seattle but hubby’s brother does and we love to visit a few times a year. My goal is to eventually race there too. Btw I love Gasworks park! We had our engagement photos taken there :)
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congratulations! welcome back to your groove :) this race looks AWESOME and makes me long for the PNW.
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Hi Emily- Wondering what kind of teething beads you got? Looking for a good one for my 4 month old baby boy. Thanks!
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Congrats! I was going to do this race but it was a little to much $$$ for me : ( I’m glad the weather was nice!
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[...] confident this time. I felt like my training was finally on the upswing back when I did the 15k last month. But then Cullen and I got sick, and it lasted for almost two weeks. And so I [...]
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