Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Sub 2 Goal Accomplished

After my 10K PR at Tufts and my faster than expected performance at Army Ten Miler I had a new goal for my half marathon on the calendar. I had hoped to just squeak in this year under 2 hours in a half marathon. But given the new times I thought I might be able to get closer to 1:54. Only a couple weeks removed from the Army Ten Miler I knew my legs weren't super fresh. And I honestly hadn't done any half marathon specific training- still resting on the training from the tri season. I figure I might as well go out and push it.

Race morning was cold and as we were standing there the temperature just kept dropping. It was in the 30s when we started. I had read online the course was flat. Then the pre race announcement said something about rollers. OH MAN come on!? Well it is what it is. Gonna have to try and do it anyway.

It was a smaller race, they offered a half marathon and 15 min after there was a 5K. D signed up for the 5K with his hip being an issue for the last month or so. And a friend was running the 5K too. They both did great D won his age group and our friend came in 3rd. Kinda wish I had been there to see it. I didn't even get to see him get his trophy :-*(.

The course started out with a little climb but there were decent downhills where I could get my feet back under me. The race didn't have a good stay on this side of the road or that side so it was hard to tell where I should be. When in doubt I stuck with facing the traffic.

Miles 1-3 8:29, 8:02,  8:24
I had hoped to stay between 8:30 and 8:45 so I was under pace to start. I hoped I could just hold on.

Miles 4-6 8: 32, 8:37, 8:36
Still holding pace. A bit of zig zagging on the roads with which side should I be on?!

Miles 7-9 8:30, 8:45, 9:12
Miles 7 and 8 were feeling good. The "rollers" hit in mile 8. Somewhere in Mile 9 we hit dirt road. I started thinking OMG it is Quassy again. Dirt and hills. Great! 

Miles 10-13 8:39, 9:03, 9:06, 8:35
Okay get your head on straight for Mile 10. Came out of the dirt road. Finish strong. Then Mile 11 and 12 I hit the "I AM NEVER RUNNING AGAIN" mental block. The "why am I out here?!" There weren't many people around anymore. The woman I was near was walk running. I had that I am not going to do anything for a LONG time feeling. Though I knew I would still be able to get in under 2 hours.

Finish time 1:54:10 Avg Pace 8:42 Overall 172/332 AG Place 26/61. I was so happy to have finished right at the time I had predicted for myself. I didn't just barely finish under 2! It was so cold when we finished we just grabbed some pictures and got out of there. I am hoping next one is a flatter course and can be a 1:50. Haha always come up with a new goal when I reach the goal!


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