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Friday Five: August Free Friday!

August 14, 2014 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC68 Comments

Happy Friday, yโ€™all! Per usual, Iโ€™m linking up with Mar and Cynthia and this week we are going crazy with an August Free Friday! That’s right – post what ya like ๐Ÿ™‚ I decided to focus on the 20k I’m running this weekend. You can read our linkup rules here. Please note that if you donโ€™t play nicely, we will delete your link. Have a great weekend!

FRIDAY FIVE

Five things about the Leesburg 20k:

  1. First 20k race. Yep, new distance = instant PR! Woot woot! I’m kind of excited because it’s basically a half marathon but not quite a half marathon (a 20k = 12.4 miles, FYI). I’m using this race as a reality check before my goal half marathon next month. 
  2. First time racing in Leesburg, VA. Leesburg is just under an hour from my house — and because it’s a bit far, Julie and I are actually sharing a cheap hotel room so we can sleep in later race morning. I mean, come on, a girl’s gotta get her rest, right? ๐Ÿ™‚ 
  3. A goal for the race: If everything aligns on race morning (and given the predictions of heat and humidity, this probably won’t be the case), I’d like to run this race in 1:54. 
  4. B goal for the race: 1:58. If this is my time, it means that my sub 2 goal is really in sight and I just have to kick it into gear on race day. 
  5. C goal for the race: Finish smiling. This always belongs on the list. Honestly, I haven’t really done the math to calculate these goals and how realistic they are, but I know they are ambitious and I still have a month until the half. So, I think the most realistic scenario is hitting somewhere between my B and C goal. I’m going to try and run 9:30 pace for the first six miles and then drop pace the second half of the race. We’ll see how this goes! 

Have you ever run a 20k? Any advice for me? 


Comments

  1. Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! says

    August 14, 2014 at 11:08 pm

    A 20K sounds so fun! I’ve never done that distance, it would feel cool to end before 13.1!
    Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! recently posted…Blue Nectar Yoga Studio – Falls Church, VAMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 10:25 am

      i’m looking forward to this new distance!

      Reply
  2. Haley @ running with diapers says

    August 15, 2014 at 12:51 am

    I have never done a 20k before. It definitely sounds like a good distance to attempt. I usually get to the 12 mile marker of my half marathons and start to loose steam. so I’m curious how I’d do with a 20k. Good Luck either way mama!!! I’m sure you’ll do great!
    Haley @ running with diapers recently posted…Five Things I’m loving This Friday FiveMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:10 am

      haha, i’m curious too ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  3. John @ run. geek. run(disney) says

    August 15, 2014 at 2:10 am

    I’ve looked at this race. I’ve heard it is BEAUTIFUL. You’ve got this!
    John @ run. geek. run(disney) recently posted…This Summer I Will… Friday Five UpdatedMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:16 am

      i’m pretty excited for it, john! thanks for the encouragement ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • John @ run. geek. run(disney) says

        August 15, 2014 at 11:43 am

        I actually considered this race, but I knew I wouldn’t be long run ready. Have a great time.
        John @ run. geek. run(disney) recently posted…This Summer I Will… Friday Five UpdatedMy Profile

        Reply
  4. Kristen says

    August 15, 2014 at 2:30 am

    I’ve never run a 20K but it sounds awesome – it’s an instant PR like you said! Good luck with the race and hopefully it’s not too humid!
    Kristen recently posted…Friday Five: The Five Future Things Iโ€™m Excited About!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:42 am

      the weather today is perfect, so i’m hoping it’s just like this on race day!

      Reply
  5. M @ readeatwriterun.com says

    August 15, 2014 at 5:01 am

    I don’t think I’ve done a 20k – I love automatic PRs though, so maybe one day I will. Looks like you’ll have some good weather this weekend, hope it’s a great race!
    M @ readeatwriterun.com recently posted…Friday Five – Free Friday Randomness!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:55 am

      thanks M – I hope so too ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  6. Steph says

    August 15, 2014 at 6:11 am

    I’ve run the leesburg 20k a few times. It’s a pretty course! It has some hills (unless they have changed it) and August humidity my friends found hard (it didn’t affect me). Have fun and you will do great!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 16, 2014 at 12:29 am

      thank you for the encouragement! i’m excited!

      Reply
  7. Jennifer says

    August 15, 2014 at 6:57 am

    My first 20K too – see you there!!
    Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Race Registration Savings TipsMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 11:59 am

      woooooo! see you sunday! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  8. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    August 15, 2014 at 7:41 am

    Woot woo, you’ll have an instant PR!!! I ran this race in 2004 (1:57:01), so it will be my second 20K. The weather will definitely determine how I want to run this race.

    Can’t wait to see you and Julie!
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…The Friends I’ve Made On The Running TrailsMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 12:00 pm

      i can’t wait for the meetup! yay yay yay!! my goal will be to keep you in my line of sight ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  9. Christine says

    August 15, 2014 at 7:42 am

    Never raced a 20k, but sounds like a perfect test race. Looks like you get perfect racing weather!! Good luck!!
    Christine recently posted…Friday FavoritesMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 16, 2014 at 12:29 am

      i sure hope so! thanks ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  10. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    August 15, 2014 at 7:44 am

    Can’t wait to run in Leesburg this weekend! See you there!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five โ€“ August 20thMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 12:06 pm

      see you bright and early at 7am! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  11. Christine @ We Run Disney says

    August 15, 2014 at 7:58 am

    Hope you have a great race. Gotta love the new distance for an instant PR! ๐Ÿ™‚
    Christine @ We Run Disney recently posted…A preview of Ireland in photosMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 12:09 pm

      thanks christine! i’m pretty excited!!

      Reply
  12. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    August 15, 2014 at 8:00 am

    Really smart to have 3 goals that your happy with. It is supposed to be a great race. I decided not to do it-I’ve been fighting off a little soreness in my shin again. Enjoy the race looking forward to reading about it
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Friday 5 Cool things from RunnerboxMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 12:15 pm

      we’ll miss you tonight but rest up! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • cdredden@gmail.com says

        August 15, 2014 at 12:15 pm

        and by tonight i mean sunday!

        Reply
  13. April at RTGWS says

    August 15, 2014 at 8:07 am

    I’ve never seen a 20k in my area but I think it’s a great pre-race for a half marathon. Great set of goals, I hope you have an awesome race!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 12:16 pm

      thanks april! i’m excited for my insta-PR!

      Reply
  14. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    August 15, 2014 at 8:57 am

    Courtney, I’ve never run a 20K, but we have one coming up and I’d love to do it. I think the distance will be a great tune-up for your half next month; looking forward to hearing all about it! ;)As usual, thanks for the awesome link-up!
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…5 Reasons Why You Should Run ShirtlessMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 12:17 pm

      thanks tara! i’m excited about the race!

      Reply
  15. Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says

    August 15, 2014 at 9:03 am

    I’ve never run a 20K, but the half-marathon is my favorite distance; I’ve run 13 of them (gotta get another one under my belt so that I can change that unlucky number). I’m with you on staying in a hotel room; I wouldn’t want to drive an hour before a race! Good luck on the Leesburg 20K!
    Marnie @ SuperSmartMama recently posted…Friday Five: Colorado!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 12:26 pm

      yeah, the drive would be a bummer, so i’m glad i’m staying over ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  16. Chaitali says

    August 15, 2014 at 9:10 am

    Yay for instant PRs! And I love your C goal ๐Ÿ™‚ You’re right that one should always be in there.
    Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – my weekendMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 12:27 pm

      instant PR for the WIN!

      Reply
  17. kristin says

    August 15, 2014 at 9:13 am

    i’ve never run a 20k, but would like to. good luck!
    kristin recently posted…LANDED: GENEVAMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 12:28 pm

      thanks!

      Reply
  18. Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says

    August 15, 2014 at 9:47 am

    Great idea to run a 20K as warm-up to a half marathon! I’m excited for you and can’t wait to read the recap.
    Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Five Reasons I Love Morning RunsMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 15, 2014 at 4:46 pm

      thanks so much jennifer! i’m excited to run!

      Reply
  19. Bethany says

    August 15, 2014 at 9:53 am

    I’ve never done a 20k, but I did a 25k. I broke it in to 5k segments. Just mentally check off each 5k, you only have 4 to do! I like goal C: finish smiling!!!!
    Bethany recently posted…Friday FiveMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 16, 2014 at 12:43 am

      that’s a great tip! thanks!

      Reply
  20. Mar @Mar on the Run says

    August 15, 2014 at 10:01 am

    Don’t psych yourself out. Youll do great! Wish I could commit to this but just coming back from vaca! Good luck ๐Ÿ™‚
    Mar @Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: I Heart Vacation!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 16, 2014 at 12:40 am

      you will def need some rest to readjust yourself to the real world ๐Ÿ™‚ thanks for the kind words, friend!

      Reply
  21. Rebecca Jo says

    August 15, 2014 at 10:39 am

    Finishing with a smile is always a good goal!
    Rebecca Jo recently posted…Friday Five: Mistakes I’ve madeMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 16, 2014 at 8:58 pm

      it’s my #1 goal ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  22. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    August 15, 2014 at 10:42 am

    Always fun to do a new distance – and you gotta love the instant PR! Have fun!!
    Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Friday Five: Things that Make Me SmileMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 16, 2014 at 9:10 pm

      thanks michelle! i’m hoping it’s gonna be awesome ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  23. Samanths @ Food Fitness Family Friends says

    August 15, 2014 at 10:47 am

    Good luck! I hope you hit your goal. I am also chasing the sub 2 goal but focusing on my marathon. I hope everything goes well for you on race day!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 16, 2014 at 9:35 pm

      happy marathon training!

      Reply
  24. Chelle @ Blogs Like a Girl says

    August 15, 2014 at 11:16 am

    I’m from Leesburg! Its an awesome place, you’ll enjoy it. Where’s the race at?
    Chelle @ Blogs Like a Girl recently posted…Friday Five: Five Things That Happened This WeekMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 16, 2014 at 9:44 pm

      i think mostly on the w&od!

      Reply
  25. Des @ Finding the Skinny Geek Within says

    August 15, 2014 at 11:46 am

    Good luck and hope you reach your goals with the race!
    Des @ Finding the Skinny Geek Within recently posted…Friday FiveMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 16, 2014 at 10:01 pm

      thank you!

      Reply
  26. Lauren says

    August 15, 2014 at 11:55 am

    I’ve never done a 20K before, but it seems like it would be a really fun distance. I have done a 15K and loved that! You are going to do GREAT this weekend!! Good luck! And very very smart on doing the hotel room thing. That’s definitely what I would do!
    Lauren recently posted…A week of workouts, the happiest race pics on the planet, and a big life change.My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 16, 2014 at 10:05 pm

      as i sit in the hotel room knowing i don’t have to wake up insanely early, i’m SO happy we did this ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  27. C.e. says

    August 15, 2014 at 1:03 pm

    It’s a great goal, and it will make you even more confident for your upcoming half-marathon ~
    C.e. recently posted…50k Training Forced Pause and Chocolate Poppinโ€™ BluesMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 16, 2014 at 10:07 pm

      yeah, that is DEF the plan ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  28. Heather Runs Thirteen Point One says

    August 15, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    Great goals! I’ve never run a 20K before, but would love to eventually. I do enjoy a new race distance (like you said, instant PR!). Good luck – I’m sure you’ll do great ๐Ÿ™‚
    Heather Runs Thirteen Point One recently posted…friday five: free fridayMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 16, 2014 at 10:12 pm

      thank you – i’m interested to see how this will feel compared to a half marathon!

      Reply
  29. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    August 15, 2014 at 2:17 pm

    Good luck on your 20k. I have never heard of that race distance. You should have great weather!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 18, 2014 at 10:11 am

      the weather was actually way more humid than i would’ve liked but a great race.

      Reply
  30. Molly @alsoranagain says

    August 15, 2014 at 2:18 pm

    Good luck! You set realistic and achievable goals. I have a good feeling you’re going to do really well this weekend.

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      August 18, 2014 at 10:20 am

      thanks molly!

      Reply
  31. Michelle @ SFTS says

    August 15, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    Finish smiling = my new #1 goal for my 10K coming up next month! As runners we put so much pressure on ourselves with pace/times/hydration/and on and on. I need to be mindful of the fact that I do this because it’s fun and I love to run!!! Good luck on your race!! ๐Ÿ™‚
    Michelle @ SFTS recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Things To Do In Pittsburgh This Month!My Profile

    Reply
  32. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    August 15, 2014 at 4:04 pm

    I’m running too!! Wasn’t planning on it, it was a total last minute decisions. I didn’t have anyone to run my 18 miles with, so decided to do this. I’ll be getting there early to do 3 miles before and then will do 3 miles after! See you there!!

    Reply
  33. Larisa @0to26point2 says

    August 15, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    Looks like a really fun 20k. Good luck on your goals for the race. Have good one!

    Reply
  34. AMP runs says

    August 16, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    Wow a 20k! You’re going to rock it! Sounds like a great race ๐Ÿ™‚
    AMP runs recently posted…Friday Five: Hill Work in South LouisianaMy Profile

    Reply
  35. Coco says

    August 17, 2014 at 12:54 pm

    I hope the race went well! I never would have guessed you’d have such relatively nice weather mid-August!
    Coco recently posted…The Parable Of The SowerMy Profile

    Reply
  36. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    August 17, 2014 at 7:47 pm

    Love how you set A, B, and C goals. I always do that too.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…How Not to Complete a Long RunMy Profile

    Reply

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