Race Report: Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K

Previous PR: n/a (first double stroller race)
90% Goal: 33:00
50% Goal: 31:30
10% Goal: 30:00
Result: 27:03

Training:
Um, none? I've been running ~25ish mpw for the recent past, but haven't done any sort of actual training. 

Also, I think I've run with the double stroller less than ten times total. lol.


Pre-Race:
Um... nothing of note? MomLife = showing up half an hour before the race to feed littlest one a bottle, change 'em, and then figure out how to use the bathroom myself with two littles and a double stroller that didn't fit through the bathroom door. 

I'd originally expected to have my husband as back-up parental support on-site, but he's been super sick and opted to stay home where it was warm instead of standing out in the cold for 30+ minutes (legit). 

So, today's biggest success was simply abandoning my double stroller and bringing both kiddos into the stall with me... and making it to the start line on time. 

with my squishies 

Race:
I had zero goals for this race on pace or even effort. All I planned on doing was enjoying a run pushing both of my little ones. Kid #2 took a lot longer to conceive than we'd planned/wanted, and, as a result, I don't think we've got more than a few months where my oldest will still fit in the stroller to even have need of a double. This breaks my heart, so I'm just incredibly grateful to have had even one opportunity to share a race with both of my babies. 

I started a few rows behind the start, because having to weave around people (and dogs) when you're pushing a double is even worse (in my mind, at least) than self-seeding too fast because it's so much more dangerous. I had a few struggles off the line, but seeded myself well enough to avoid any issues. 

I've done this race since 2016 (save the year I was on a peg leg, 2017), and recalled it being an uphill out and a downhill back. Uphill with a double stroller is THE WORST because I'm pushing a 40lb older kid, ~20lb younger kid, 10lb carrier/carseat, and a 33lb stroller (that's 100lbs for those of you who "can't math"). 

I didn't even look at my watch for pace at any point during the race, especially because I felt like I was so slow that I didn't want to know.  Turns out, I wasn't slow, but was definitely using a different type of effort than I usually do. I wasn't breathing hard, because I could talk to my kids the whole time, very conversationally. I was, however, definitely exerting myself in other ways. 

When I crossed the finish and saw I was sub-30 (and by a good bit, too), I was absolutely shocked. 

Reflections:

• If I can hit this time with a double stroller on zero taper, with zero training, and not anywhere close to tempo effort, I feel REALLY good about where I could be with a taper, race effort and any sort of training.