Annie Rodenfels Was Supposed to Be the Rabbit. She Stayed in the Race—and Won

Heading into her race on December 4 at Boston University’s indoor track, Annie Rodenfels was nervous. The meet director had hired Rodenfels and her teammate, Abbey Wheeler, to serve as rabbits for a high-level 5,000-meter race. Their job: Set an even pace for the first 15 laps of the 200-meter track, with a goal of going through 3,000 meters in 9:09 before dropping out. Rodenfels, 25, knew she was as fit as she had ever been, but hitting 9:09 for 3,000 meters would require taking almost 10 seconds off her personal best. This was her first pacing job, and it was a guaranteed payday, unlike the rest of the meet, which did not offer prize money. Leading up to the race, her training with the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) High Performance Team was going well, so she and her coach, Irish Olympian Mark Carroll, talked about maybe finishing the race and shaving a little time off her 5,000-meter personal best of 15:35.18. But it would be a game-time decision. “I thought I was going to feel okay through 3K and then run two more laps and die,” Rodenfels told Runner’s World. [View in Browser]( [Runner's World Logo]( [SHOP]( [RW+ EXCLUSIVES]( [SUBSCRIBE]( [Annie Rodenfels Was Supposed to Be the Rabbit. She Stayed in the Race—and Won]( [Annie Rodenfels Was Supposed to Be the Rabbit. She Stayed in the Race—and Won]( Heading into her race on December 4 at Boston University’s indoor track, Annie Rodenfels was nervous. The meet director had hired Rodenfels and her teammate, Abbey Wheeler, to serve as rabbits for a high-level 5,000-meter race. Their job: Set an even pace for the first 15 laps of the 200-meter track, with a goal of going through 3,000 meters in 9:09 before dropping out. Rodenfels, 25, knew she was as fit as she had ever been, but hitting 9:09 for 3,000 meters would require taking almost 10 seconds off her personal best. This was her first pacing job, and it was a guaranteed payday, unlike the rest of the meet, which did not offer prize money. Leading up to the race, her training with the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) High Performance Team was going well, so she and her coach, Irish Olympian Mark Carroll, talked about maybe finishing the race and shaving a little time off her 5,000-meter personal best of 15:35.18. But it would be a game-time decision. “I thought I was going to feel okay through 3K and then run two more laps and die,” Rodenfels told Runner’s World. [Read More]( [Stay Visible With The 10 Best Reflective Running Jackets]( [Stay Visible With The 10 Best Reflective Running Jackets]( Early morning and after-dark runs call for a boost in visibility. [Read More]( [Take On High Mileage in UA’s Flow Velociti SE]( [Take On High Mileage in UA’s Flow Velociti SE]( This outsole-free trainer provides reliable traction and cushioned support. [Read More](   [Hey, Streakers! Join the RW+ Coaches and Olympian Nick Willis for a Virtual Live Event]( [Hey, Streakers! Join the RW+ Coaches and Olympian Nick Willis for a Virtual Live Event]( Our all-star panel will answer your training questions and help you finish the #RWRunStreak strong. [Read More]( [Support Your Backbends With These 10 Expert-Recommended Yoga Wheels]( [Support Your Backbends With These 10 Expert-Recommended Yoga Wheels]( Relieve tension and increase flexibility with these superior wheels. [Read more]( #RWRunStreak Day 18 [Daily Tips for Your Winter Run Streak]( [Daily Tips for Your Winter Run Streak]( Whether it is your first or your 11th run streak, these expert-backed tips will carry you through. [Read More](   RW SHOP The Latest from the Runner's World Collection [Shop Now]( [Shop Now]( [Shop Now]( [RUN 2022 Wall Calendar Up to 40% Off (runs 11/25-11/29)]( Follow Us [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Notice/Notice at Collection]( RunnersWorld.com ©2021 Hearst Magazines, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019