Fort Steilacoom 15K

You know you are getting into better shape when you can run a longer race at a pace faster than your previously shorter race. That was exactly what I was able to accomplish during this race. I would have never thought that 4 weeks would really help me to run sub 7 minute miles more comfortably...but it did. I guess it pays to train smart and to train keeping speed in mind. I was able to run this 15K in 1:04:19 with an average pace of 6:51 (two seconds per mile average faster than my 10K time). The most amazing thing about this race was how good I felt. I must admit that at the beginning I was a little distraught to see so many woman ahead of me. There were about 8-9 women running ahead but I decided right from the beginning to just run the race I was prepared for and not worry about what was ahead of me. I stuck to my plan of running 6:50 miles. For the most part I was able to maintain that pace. There were more hills this time around and so some of my miles spiked above 7 minutes but I was able to make it up with some faster miles. I think my first mile was 6:26. My first mile is always fast. It turns out that a couple of the girls ahead of me were running the 15 mile race. They must have been running 6 minute miles...WOW!!! I heard they were training for some championship. Oh to be that fast. After the turn around point I realized I was number 2 woman and that really made me happy. Then I became number 3 woman after this older lady passed me before the hills. She must have been in her late 40's. Good for her!! I was able to maintain my pace and ended up finishing 3rd woman overall. Still not sure what my age group place is....but it is either first or second. These small races are definitely good for my confidence. With only 8 weeks of solid training I am happy where I am at. I know that I have lots of time to keeping improving. Now on to more training before my 20 K in 3 weeks. My goal for the next race is to continue to run a 6:50 pace comfortably!!!