Race Results for Little Patuxent River Race 2023

Compare this years results with last year

TRAINING – I was experiencing symptoms of overreaching and under-recovery the week before I began to taper, so I really focused on recovery the weeks prior to the race.

I am training for the DC Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, so this is not my primary race that I was training for. I have been slowly increasing my mileage each month. I included more trail runs in the month prior to the race.

PRE RACE – I ate sweet potato the night before, but clearly did not eat enough, as while in bed I already felt hungry. I ate a half a bagel two hours before the race.

FUEL/ NUTRITION – I have lots of room for improvement here. I often do not eat enough. I eat lots of salads and often do not have enough carbs. I did not really increase my Carb intake prior to race, which I think may be helpful.

HYDRATION – I made an extra effort to increase my fluids the week prior to the race. I drank SKRATCH in addition to water. This is an area I am actively working on, and still have lots of room to improve.

RACE DAY – I know you are not suppose to try new things on race day, but I knew I needed more fuel so I ate half a Blueberry Bagel at about 7AM. (In past I only had half a luna bar in the morning of a race, but I may change this.) Luckily, I was okay and I did not have any stomach upset.

MILE 1 – Felt great, Noticed HR was not too high, had a lot more in me, but was careful not too go out to fast, as the incline in next miles is hard.

MILE 2 – The incline in Mile 2 is less drastic, so did not slow me down. Stopped/walked for 25 seconds at the water station

MILE 3 – I walked up the first big hill for 02:29 minutes.

MILE 4 – My Pace appears to be all of the place. The data shows I walked for about 10 seconds, but I do not recall that. Maybe I was going down hill, or maneuvering around ice or branches? I am not sure.

MILE 5 – This was another hard mile. I walked up another hill that I had forgotten existed. Then stopped at the water station again. I really needed that water and gatorade.

MILE 6 – This was a great mile. I was feeling better after the drink, and new I was in last stretch, and was able to give it what I got!

MILE 6.5 – I was losing energy, but wasn’t winded, and my legs were okay. I think may be did not fuel well, but even though I was so close, I walked for a 51 seconds before finishing off strong.

POST RACE – I felt a bit lightheaded, so I held on to the rail as I walked past the Finish Line. I felt better, after I downed a bottle of water. Would have been nice if they had snacks, but they only have a food truck for purchasing food, so I waited until we got to the car.

It was not long before my sneezing, and itching began. I have Exercize- Induced Rhinitis (only in winter), and this race always makes me react. It only happens with longer distances, and higher effort, which lately has usually been after races. Its not fun, but I don’t regret running, and wont stop because of it. Two days later, and its all in the past.

RACE REVIEW – I have run this race multiple times, and have run other events by RIPIT Events. I enjoy the races, but there are some things I do not like.

I think its a great race for locals, but not a destination race. For me its the first race of the year, and enjoy doing it each year.