Nailing the 15k Distance
Hot Chocolate 15k Pace Strategy
Nailing the 15k Distance
Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Hot Chocolate Philly 15k as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
It's finally here! I've been waiting to run a Hot Chocolate race for a few years and am so excited I'll be completing my first 15k with them this weekend! Initially, my plan had been to use this as more of a fun run but working with my coach has really motivated me to push my limits any chance I get. I'm also WAY more recovered from my marathon than I was expecting to be.
Because the race has "k" in the distance, in my head, I've just been comparing the race more to a 5k or 10k and hadn't put a lot of thought into a specific strategy for race day. As it's gotten closer though, I'm realizing it really should be treated more like a 10-miler or even a half marathon. It's long enough that I definitely can't redline the whole race but also short enough that I'm hoping I can run significantly faster than my previous half marathon.
Past Performances
To put a race strategy together my first step is to review recent race stats to get an idea of what I think I'll be able to manage. For the Hot Chocolate Philly 15k I looked at my 3 most recent races; the Rock 'n' Roll DC Marathon, my Turkey Trot 5k, and the Rock 'n' Roll Philly half.
I plugged the results into this handy pace calculator to get a general idea of where my pace might fall. Judging from those 3 races, it looks like I should be aiming between 1:07 and 1:20. Since the 1:07-1:10 range is based on my half marathon/5k pace, I think that's probably a more accurate prediction than the full marathon.
Similar to my half marathon strategy, my plan is going to be to give myself a short window to gain speed early in the race, then break the race into smaller chunks where I'll try to pick up the pace along the way. Then it's just a matter of looking over the actual course itself.
Course Review
Another plus for me going into this race is that I've run several races in Philly including a few that follow the same route. It will be virtually flat so I won't have to worry about elevation. As far as nutrition and hydration, the course is stocked with Nuun (my favorite) as well as Honey Stinger gels and other sweets.
I think I'm going to save the sweets for the finish line but I may take a Honey Stinger just to be safe. I'll definitely be taking in some Nuun based on how I'm feeling. There's one every 2ish miles so there are plenty of opportunities to rehydrate.
15k Start
As with all of my races, I'll run a quick mile to warm-up ahead of time, something that I only started doing this past fall. It's such a simple detail but makes it so much easier to get into a quick rhythm as soon as the actual race begins. Once we're off, my goal for the first mile or so is to mimic my last half-marathon and hold a 7:20-7:30 pace.
Middle Miles
After 1-1.5 miles, the goal will be to slowly start speeding up. The race is an out and back so my first goal will be to hold a 7:20 pace or a few seconds under. Then after the turnaround at around mile 5.5, I'll be pushing to inch closer to 7:15. If everything goes according to plan, this pace will be tough but manageable.
Final 5k
Then, for the final 5k, I'm hoping to get under 7:15 and hold it there. I'm sure my lungs and legs will be burning a bit but I also know I've put in plenty of tough training sessions over the winter. The last mile will be the real test of willpower to see what I can muster for that final dash.
The Finish
If everything goes according to plan, hopefully, I'll be coming in with room to spare under the 1:10:00 mark. Regardless of how the actual race goes, what I'm honestly most excited about is the finish.
First, there's the swag! For the Hot Chocolate race series, instead of the traditional race t-shirt, you actually get a nice running sweatshirt that I'm pumped for. And they have a pretty sweet medal that looks like a legit chocolate bar.
If the chocolate medal wasn't enough, the REAL chocolate will definitely sell you. In case it wasn't clear from my I RUN ON BEER name, I run for the rewards. I'll definitely be enjoying some post-race brews later in the day but I can't wait to fill up on chocolate at the finish line festival.
After crossing the finish line, every runner gets a giant mug that's got a big cup of hot chocolate, a separate cup of melted chocolate fondue, and a plethora of snacks for dipping. I'm looking forward to eating my way into a solid food coma after the race.
So that's my strategy, stay tuned next week for a report on how everything goes!