I started 2015 the same way I started 2013 and 2014, with the Needham New Year’s 5k! Despite running 3 half marathons, I hadn’t run a 5k without the double jogging stroller all year. I was curious to see what I could do! I’d been focusing on longer distances, but hoped I could buckle down and beat my 5k PR from 2014, which was 28:39 (9:13 pace). My secondary goal was to see if I could come in at sub 9 minute pace. I figured if I can average 10:01 pace for a half marathon, I should be able to manage 9 minute miles for 5k!
Result: I did, but just barely – I squeaked in at 27:49 (8:58 pace). Greg and the boys were watching at mile 2.73 when I was averaging 9:24 pace for mile 3, and my legs felt like lead. I gave him a thumbs down sign, sure I wasn’t going to make it, but his encouragement (and the knowledge that it the finish line was SO close) helped me pick it back up again. I used all my remaining energy into finishing strong. I spotted the clock nearing the 28 minute mark as I approached the finish line, and it was like dumping kerosene on the fire that is my will-power. My last tenth of a mile was 7:25 pace as I tried to beat the clock. (Next time, let’s pace ourselves, shall we?)
Drink champagne and eat waffles: I love running on New Year’s Day because it’s a great way to start out the year. It’s also a test of my life balance skills – I’m determined to still enjoy New Year’s Eve! Last night I stayed up with Greg drinking champagne and watching a movie (November Man), and then we enjoyed our traditional first breakfast of the year – waffles. Not my typical pre-race routine, but this 5k starts at 11 a.m. for a reason! I feel like going to bed early and not drinking before this race would feel like cheating the past and future Kelly’s who have fun on New Year’s eve and now have to compete against someone who isn’t running on champagne and waffles. Not to mention it’d rob Greg and I of a fun night! So go ahead, future Kelly – have a couple drinks and stay up late, this PR was earned the same way 🙂
Hope you had a wonderful start to your year! Wishing you all the best in 2015 🙂
Congratulations, Kelly! That is a fantastic pace. Breaking those minute thresholds is so exciting and motivating. Look at your improvement! It’s awesome to see.
What kind of flour did you use for those waffles? (I have all of Isa Chandra’s books). Do you ever make modifications or do you follow her ingredients/directions exactly? I usually don’t modify because when I do it is usually NOT good and her recipes are very clear and usually work out awesome. Although I sometimes decrease the amount of oil called for or sub in applesauce for half of it (some oil I think is always necessary but maybe not as much ).
Thanks Amanda! It really is amazing watching my running progress. I used to feel frustrated that I started running so late in life and therefore was running close to 11 minute miles when I started, vs. other friends my age who ran in high school or college and were running in the 8s without much effort. Now I realize what a gift it is to see such great improvements in my running over time. My best is yet to come!
For the gingerbread waffles, I actually subbed 1 cup of bran for 1 cup of the all purpose flour. Fiber is such a great regulator of how simple carbs and sugars enter the bloodstream, and I find I don’t feel queasy after eating something sweet if I pair it with a higher fiber item. (Otherwise, I have to stick to one pancake or waffle, and that’s no fun.) I thought they turned out great with the bran and have made them several times that way. Another thing I like to do is top them with the Oh She Glows raspberry chia jam – you have that cookbook too, right? The fiber in the chia is another way to regulate the carb intake.
I also use grapeseed oil instead of canola. I’ve read places that it’s a healthier oil. I should try subbing in applesauce for half – that’s my major qualm with Isa’s cookbooks is that they’re delicious vegan versions of recipes but too heavy on the added oils, sugars and fats!
Otherwise I made the recipe as is…. freshly grated ginger and all 🙂
So funny – I don’t use canola at all. I use grapeseed too! (after talking to Greg, it’s clear we’ve read all the same literature on this nutrition topic. ha). Isa’s grapeseed mayo recipe is awesome and I rarely buy store-bought mayo anymore. It’s very easy to make. We are thinking alike- I just bought raspberry jam because I had a craving – used it on pancakes last night. I’ll try making the oh-she-glows jam.
I find too that if I use buckwheat or chickpea flour, it settles much better for me than all-purpose. I try to stay away from all-purpose if I can make it another way so that is why I was curious if you had luck with this recipe using something else. I buy ginger in bulk – throw an inch or so in my morning smoothie. I’ll be trying these waffles this weekend. Your pic was enticing 🙂
Thanks for the tips!
i’ll go back to work now but here’s the link to Isa’s mayo recipe – I think it might be in her “Isa Does It” book but it’s new since Veganomicon.
http://www.theppk.com/2013/07/homemade-grapeseed-mayonnaise/
Oh cool! There’s a recipe in Oh She Glows, too, which I’ve been meaning to try. I do, kind of, sort of, maybe, just maybe, eat a touch more vegenaise than I should on occasion. I’m trying to avoid using it when hummus, avocado, relish, etc. would do as a healthier condiment in its place… but I swear that stuff is magic on a veggie burger or breakfast sandwich. Sometimes I want to bring it to restaurants and dip french fries into it. That might be awkward.
Great job, and congrats on the PR! That’s fantastic – a perfect way to start off the new year.
Also, thank you so much for the copy of Oh She Glows! I can’t wait to delve in and make one of Angela’s recipes soon (likely this coming week). I’ll be sure to drop you a line with a photo once I do 🙂
It really is a nice way to start out the year 🙂 Looking forward to hearing what you decide to make first! It’s not an easy choice 🙂 Enjoy!