I’ll cut to the chase: with Jesse’s pacing help, I set a new 10K PR at the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. My official result was 50:49; according to my Strava, I ran 6.4 miles during that time and made it under 50 minutes. Either way, I’ll take it!

Before the race, Jesse agreed to pace me (at his slow marathon pace, mind you) around 8 minute miles. I wanted to run the 10K around 50 minutes, but I didn’t know if I could do it. Jesse was a fabulous pacer, putting up with my slightly surly attitude while maintaining an even 8:0x pace, and he paced me a bit faster at the beginning (unbeknownst to me) to take advantage of the first slightly downhill mile. Most of the race was completely flat.

A disclaimer: every time I’ve ran a 5K or 10K it’s been under less-than-opportune circumstances. I’ve ran 11 miles and drank a few too many beers the day before these shorter distance races. This was the first time when I felt good and normal going into a 10K.

Here are our splits:

I placed in the top 6% of women ages 25-29. This speed is hopeful for February’s half marathon, where I’m looking to break 1:55.

We spent the rest of Thanksgiving hanging out with family and friends and eating and drinking. Next stop: North Face!