Payton Jordan Race Recap

It's been a busy past few weeks for me, with 2 trips to California for racing. The travel was fruitful, as I ran nearly a 1 minute PR in the 10k last month and then dropped 30 seconds off my 5k time at Payton Jordan. You can't complain about a PR, but my 5k did leave something to be desired. Here's how things went down:

I got a bad start - usually I'm quick off the line, but this time I was a step back of everyone and found myself running out in Lane 2, working my way back to the front of the big group. It's been a few years since I've run a competitive 5k and it was a bit of a rude awakening to find myself fighting crowds and pushy elbows. Good practice for championship racing, but a tough start to the race.

The pace was fast-slow-fast, and again, I found myself out of my element. A creature of habit, I'm good at running the exact pace I'm supposed to, like a metronome. But races aren't always run with even splits, especially championship races, so while our 73-80-73 first 1200 threw me for a loop, in hindsight I know it was good practice for future big meets.

We came through the mile in 5:01, right where I wanted to be, but it sure didn't feel comfortable. 8 laps in and we were at 10:02, and I remember thinking "Man the 10k felt so much easier!" Yep, the 5k is a grind! I tried to get comfortable with the discomfort and stay positive. My face reveals how I was really feeling:

Pain face mid 5k with my high school teammate, Chelsea Reilly - go DHS!

I moved up in the field in the last mile, into 4th, but when I tried to dig, I didn't have much left. I got tangled up in some traffic with 600 to go and I unfortunately let this have an impact my race. I got outkicked in the last 100 meters but still finished a respectable 5th, in a PR of 15:42. You can't be disappointed with a 30-second PR, but I'd be lying if I said I was satisfied. I'm eager to get in another 5k at the end of this month and correct some of the mistakes I made at Payton Jordan.

But before my next 5k (which will be at the Adrian Martinez Classic on June 4!), I'm racing a 1500! Yep, you read that right - this distance gal is dropping down to the short stuff on Saturday at the New Balance Boston Twilight Meet. Let's see what kind of wheels this 10k girl has :)

Runner Recipes - Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas from Katie Dicamillo

The first edition of Runner Recipes comes from Rhode Island fastie and expert chef Katie Dicamillo. Katie hails from Long Island, where she made Footlocker Nationals as a high school senior. A top recruit out of high school, she choose Providence College for her collegiate running career. Under the tutelage of coach Ray Treacy, Katie had great success at PC, with multiple NCAA Championship appearances in the 5k, 10k, and XC. After graduating, she joined New Balance Boston and made an immediate splash as a post-collegian, running 32:31 at Stanford Invite 10k in 2012 to secure her spot on the starting line at the Olympic Trials, where she finished 21st.

But Katie knew her future would be in the marathon. She was supposed to debut at NYC in 2012, but after the race was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy, she changed gears and instead ran Philadelphia Marathon, running 2:38:50 for 3rd. In 2013 she finally got her chance at NYC, where she was the 2nd American in 2:40:03 in a competitive field. Katie's most recent marathon was her fastest, despite brutally hot conditions - she was a stellar 6th at the USA Marathon Championships in March, running 2:37:59. She also owns a half marathon PR of 1:13:09. 

Katie at the 2012 Olympic Trials, 10,000 meters

Outside of running, Katie is a personal chef for a number of Providence families. She expertly prepares healthy, nutritious meals for the families she cooks for, and she's shared one of her favorites below. Read on for one of her post-workout go-to dinners.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:
1 large zucchini, cut in 1/2 inch cubes
1 yellow summer squash, cut in 1/2 inch cubes
1 Tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
1 red onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tablespoon cumin powder
1/2 Tablespoon dried oregano
1/4 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 handful fresh cilantro, minced
1 15 oz can chopped tomatoes, no salt added
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
1/4 cup of cream cheese or sour cream
1 15 oz can black beans, low sodium - drained and lightly rinsed
1 cooked sweet potato in 1/2 inch cubes
Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 small package of washed baby spinach
1 cup cheddar or monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 package of your favorite medium size tortillas - corn or flour
1 package of your favorite enchilada sauce such as Frontera Red Chili Enchilada Sauce or Katie's homemade recipe** (see below)
Avocado and lime (optional)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat a large skillet on medium high heat. Once the skillet heats up, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and chopped onion. Cook for 2 minutes or until onion is softened and translucent. Add zucchini and yellow squash. Cook for another 5 minutes or until zucchini and squash are slightly softened and browned. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more (be careful not to burn the garlic!). Add cumin, salt and pepper, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Distribute evenly and cook for 1 more minute or until cumin is fragrant. Add apple cider vinegar and the chopped tomatoes with juice. Bring to a slight boil and turn heat to a low simmer for 10 minutes. Add cream cheese or sour cream and cook till fully combined.
Turn off heat and add black beans, sweet potato, baby spinach, chicken and cilantro. Toss to combine, spinach will wilt. Prepare a glass or ceramic baking sheet by drizzling a thin layer of enchilada sauce on bottom of baking pan to prevent tortilla from sticking. Fill each tortilla with about 1/2 to 1 cup of filling (depending on the size of the tortillas); roll up and place seam side down on pan. Place each wrap tightly next to the other.
When done filling the tortillas, pour the remaining enchilada sauce on top of each wrapped tortilla making sure to spread evenly. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Cover pan tightly with tinfoil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until you see the sauce bubble. Remove tinfoil, bake for another 5 minutes to brown top. Allow to slightly cool before eating, about 5 minutes. Serve with avocado slices and lime and enjoy!

Katie's Enchilada Sauce Recipe
2 Cups of water or low sodium chicken stock
1 8 oz can tomato paste
1/2 Teaspoon cumin
1/2 Teaspoon oregano
1/2 Teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
1 Teaspoon garlic powder
1 Teaspoon onion powder
1/2 Tsp salt

In a medium sauce pan, add stock and tomato paste. Heat low to medium heat till paste and stock combine. Add spices and bring to a boil. Once at a boil, turn heat down and simmer for 15 minutes. If needed, add more stock or water to thin out sauce.

Thanks Katie for sharing your delicious dinner recipe! You can cheer Katie on at the USA 25k Road Championships this coming Saturday, and eventually at the Marathon Olympic Trials in February 2016!