FF Race Team Ambassador Race Re-Caps - Three Weekends Of Racing

Race Team Ambassador Vy Doan recently reflected on her past three weekends of running in three different races...

(Vy and friends after the Charlie Post 15K/5K on January 25, 2020)

Three Weekends of Racing

The last three weekends have been filled with running, friendship, and community. I was initially intimidated by the idea of having a race each Saturday for three weeks but time flies when you’re having fun! Here are my three race recaps:

Week 1 Race: Charleston Half Marathon – January 11, 2020

The Charleston Half Marathon was the graduation race for the Fleet Feet Winter Half Marathon training program. I spent the last ten weeks mentoring participants on the Tuesday track sessions and Saturday long runs. We had a great training session and it is always exciting to get to know new people and watch them improve!

Race day temps were around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is warm for running! Since it was so warm, I decided to experiment with drinking Gatorade at each aid station. I also tried out a Gu about 45 minutes in. Fortunately my stomach seemed to tolerate both well! My strategy for this race was very similar to my last half marathon – easy first three miles, a consistent next seven miles, and a quicker final three miles if I have it in me!

Overall I had a fun race and ended up only a few minutes slower than my Kiawah time, where I did not stop for water or Gatorade. My distance ran was also about a tenth of a mile more than the Kiawah Half Marathon. I pushed myself during this race and felt proud of my results. The next day I gave my legs some much needed relief at the Fleet Feet Recovery party! I definitely felt pampered with the Normatec compression boots, 15 minute massage from Gudrun of The Healing Arts Center, PT assessment from Adam of Joints in Motion, and chiropractic assessment from Sarah of Khouri Chiropractic.

Week 2 Race: Holden Beach Half Marathon – January 18, 2020

The weather at the Holden Beach Half Marathon was significantly cooler than the Charleston Half Marathon, coming in at 36 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill making the ‘feels-like’ temperature 30 degrees. My weather app on my phone told me the low would be 59 degrees Fahrenheit so I packed my favorite Oiselle Mac Roga shorts, a short sleeved Fleet Feet training shirt, a long sleeved Fleet Feet training shirt, and my Nathan hydration vest. Theresa, another mentor at Fleet Feet, told me the hourly would be in the 30s but I chose to pack according to my phone’s weather. I learned during this race to always listen to Theresa and to pack a variety of clothes when traveling out of town for a race. Thankfully Theresa packed an extra pair of gloves and a heat sheet, likely anticipating my stubbornness.

The start of the race wasn’t too crowded and started on time. I was very cold with the wind and the temperatures so I ran with the heat shield for almost two miles. I found new friends which I ran behind for ten miles in hopes they’d keep me warm! They made great conversation partners and I had a nice relaxing run. Once I finished, I grabbed a slice of pizza at the after party and watched two Winter Half Training participants, Lisa and Dolores, hit personal records! Dolores also won an age group award! It was a great race and weekend!

Overall I would definitely travel to Holden Beach for their half marathon next year. The race was well organized and scenic. The expo was also great! Fleet Feet Sports in Wilmington had several tables and displays – my friends and I picked up some last minute Gus, chews, and bought some nice apparel and gear. Race weekend was a perfect getaway with friends – healthy activity, exploring a different area, and shopping!

Week 3 Race: Charlie Post Classic 15K – January 25, 2020

My third week of racing and my legs were starting to get sore. This week marked my first official week of training for my first marathon Memorial Day weekend. Tuesday before the race I treated myself through a massage from Gabby Does Massage. I met Gabby at the Fleet Feet Charleston Marathon/Half Marathon recovery party two years ago and have kept her in my contacts for when I want to treat myself. I scheduled a one hour massage and walked out feeling refreshed!

Race day temperatures were just right for this race. I was worried it would be too warm but was pleasantly surprised. I volunteered at packet pickup for this race the day before so was treated to delicious carbs in the form of Cinnabons from a fellow volunteer, Todd Miller. I didn’t get any race day jitters for this race because I knew no matter my performance, I would get an automatic personal record since I hadn’t completed any official 15Ks yet!

The morning of the race, I had a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and got in a short warm up. I like the convenience of running with a hydration vest so I wore my vest, shorts, and a short sleeved shirt for the roughly 50 degree weather. Although I probably didn’t need fuel for this length race, I packed some purely for a mental treat (Sour Patch watermelon gummies for the win!). I broke the race into three 5Ks to help me stay positive mentally. The first 5K I treated as a warm-up. I listened to my breathing and kept it easy. The second 5K I picked up my pace to reach my overall goal pace. I felt good at this pace and chatted with some runners along the way. The final 5K I picked up my pace as much as I thought I could, knowing I had less than thirty minutes left to run. The last 0.1 I gave it my all and was surprised to be able to pass a few people in the short stretch.

The Charlie Post Classic 15K is a wonderful race that I plan on repeating next year. I enjoyed the 15K distance and wish there were more in the area. There were plenty of aid stations, the race was well organized, and there were plenty of orange slices and bananas at the end. Time for some easy paced running!