Leprechaun Run Race Recap:
I haven’t run the Leprechaun Run in a couple of years. Last time I raced, there was only an option to run 5 miles. Since then, the Leprechaun Run has added a seven miler as well. I decided to run the Leprechaun Run seven miler because it was a fun distance. The race goes along the Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River. Despite being 15 minutes away, it’s been nearly a year since I raced in Philadelphia.
The Leprechaun Run race started promptly at 7:30 am. The start time for the Leprechaun Run was perfect because I could get back to work in NJ on time. At the time, I felt like it was too early, but it all worked out. Truthfully I had no idea what to expect in 7 miles. After running a few 5ks and four milers around 6:30 pace, I figured somewhere around 6:50.
Before the Leprechaun Run, I ran about a 2-mile warmup. I got to the start at 7:25. There were a short speech and dedication to Special Olympics. I always appreciate the Leprechaun Run because the proceeds go directly to Special Olympics. We got going around 7:35.
The Leprechaun Run five and seven milers both went off together; the seven milers just went further. Around .1 into the race, I realized I forgot to start my watch. I started it, but it meant all of my miles were off. It was fine and no big deal. I ran the first mile of the Leprechaun Run with my husband, and we hit it in 6:39.
During the second mile of the Leprechaun Run, I started to find my rhythm. I ran the race almost all alone. Most of the race was without event. The Leprechaun Run felt like a time trial with myself. Since I’ve been running hard 5ks alone, it was no different. I hit the second mile around 6:35 and I was pleasantly surprised. I felt good.
As we went by mile 2.5 of the Leprechaun Run, I noticed the only female in front of me turned. She was doing the five miles, which meant I was in first place for the Leprechaun Run 7 miler. I was pleasantly surprised. I hit mile 3 in 6:34 and felt great. I knew I hadn’t taken it out too fast and felt relaxed; it was just a matter of counting down the miles.
We turned around at 3.5 and headed back to the start of the Leprechaun Run. I saw my good friend Pat (who took the photo), who is the race director for many unique and local races.
I like a good out and back course because I feel like I excel in an out and back course.
I hit mile 4 of the Leprechaun Run in 6:34. I told myself, “it’s only a 5k left”. Because that’s all I’ve been running recently. When we hit the 2.5 mile/5 miles turn around, we began to cross paths with other runners.
I ran mile 5 of the Leprechaun Run in 6:30 and felt good. I couldn’t believe I was running at nearly the same pace as the weekend before.
I found myself weaving around other races for the last 2 miles. It was no big deal. I ran a 6:28 and 6:28n for the final couple of miles of the Leprechaun Run. I crossed in 45:51 and I was pleased with that.
Leprechaun Run Thoughts:
I’m pleased and excited about the Leprechaun Run. I wasn’t expecting to run 6:33 pace for 7 miles but truthfully I had no idea what to expect. It’s been hard not to compare myself to previous fitness levels, but I know the fitness will come back.
I’m looking forward to getting more races under my belt and getting faster again.
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Questions for you:
Have you ever run a 7-mile race? It’s like a 10k with a bonus round. Have you run the Leprechaun Run?
Do you prefer loop courses, point to point, or out and back?
I did one a long time ago and I remember liking it better than 10K – maybe it was the novelty of it and maybe it was that I didn’t feel like I had to run as fast as a 10K – LOL
Great post!
I gave u a shoutout
Never done that distance, but would like to – although I suck at 10ks so it would probably be a disaster. You really do run an out-and-back well! I never considered my course-design proclivities, but it’s an interesting topic. Now I think I need to do some research and see what I race best!
Loved running in Philly when I was there last time.
Are you running Shamrock this year Steve?
No, I haven’t done Shamrock in a few years. Never a fan of the wind. I shifted to One City and Richmond for my fulls. You running it?