I ran my fifth half-marathon on Sunday. On one hand, I was sort of blase about the whole thing before it began. I wasn't nervous like I had been in the past, and didn't go into full panic mode when I got lost on the way to the race. (I had left in plenty of time, so actually wasn't concerned I'd be late.) I didn't want to run the opposite direction of the START line. I was confident. On the other hand, I've done FIVE half-marathons?!? me?!?
For the last few weeks, I've been in a good zone. I've been running steadily and have had sections where I've been going faster than ever before. I had a good feeling about this race.
Indeed, I started out pretty strong, but resisted the urge to push too hard. The first couple miles were pretty smooth and the bands and other entertainment were fun. At the 5k mark, though, we hit some "dead air" for a race that is supposed to be all about the rocking and the rolling. The fourth mile was really long.
Around mile 5, though, the course wrapped around itself such that those of us on the way "out" could see those super-speedy runners on their way back "in." Watching the elites approach the finish was awe-inspiring. Fortunately, we had a good mile or so of this sort of view, so I got to see a bunch of fast runners. Buoyed by their strength, I felt fast, too. Imagine my surprise that the sixth mile seemed to go on forever. Thankfully, though, I noticed that I was making pretty good time.
A good portion of the course after mile 7 was through neighborhood sections, so the entertainment ended up being more sparse than I would have expected until around mile 10. In fact, I think there were two bands within about a quarter mile of each other right at mile 10, which was in a way distracting because I could hear them both simultaneously. I wished the first band would have come earlier in the race to spread out the motivation a bit.
Although I had first wondered why so many runners would wear headphones during an event that was supposed to be about on-course entertainment, I realize now why they did.
The last few miles were again packed with noise: cheers, music, and a bell-ringing guy.
Overall, I was pretty happy with the race. Sure, I would have loved to have more bands spread out. But I understand that with so much residential area as part of the course, the residents are already pretty tolerant. Most of the run was flat. I wouldn't call the route "scenic" in the traditional sense, but there were definitely some interesting things to look at. In terms of organization, there was plenty of parking, the port-a-potty I used was clean, and the volunteers were fabulous. There was enough water, Cytomax, and Gu to go around.
For the majority of the race, I thought I was on pace for a PR. Unfortunately, although I felt like I was going pretty fast towards the end, I wasn't. Sure, my legs were moving and my fists were pumping, but I wasn't propelling forward with as much juice as during the start. My end time turned out significantly faster than the last two half-marathons I've run, but slower than my PR at the Tiarathon.
I am satisfied with my performance, though, because I kept moving. Plus, my body is adjusting to doing these crazy things and is no longer deathly sore afterward. I popped on my beloved Moji knee wrap, but otherwise didn't do anything special to combat any stiffness. (Well, okay, I did yoga yesterday.)
I feel pretty good. I especially feel pretty good for someone who has done five of these things this year!
Comments (1)
you were awesome. your calm energy was amazing at the start. i'm thinking that we had the added excitement of all of us Shredheads together to amp up our adrenaline at the Tiarathon which is why we had such great times then and now we are settling into a comfortable groove of knowing what we must do and just doing it. now we muct find a way to push us, inspire us, kick us in the butt a little. this was a fun run.
Posted by Laura Scarborough
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October 6, 2010 9:32 PM
Posted on October 6, 2010 21:32