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FLRC Newsletter - May 2004 |
| Skunk Report | |
I've been meaning to write my own race report all week, but it just kept slipping, then I saw Jeffrey's and I certainly want to oblige his request that I put on out there. So here it is: This was my first half-marathon, my longest race to date, and probably my longest run ever. I have been running pretty regularly since February, and got a couple really good weeks in since the middle of March. I had long training runs of 1:40 and 2 hours, so I felt prepared to at least complete the race. My goal was to make in under two hours, or around a 9 min/mi pace. I had a hard time deciding what to have for breakfast before the race, and ended up with a bagel, half a Clif bar, two cups of coffee and a lot of water. I always have a hard time figuring out what to eat before a race, so I'm going to pay careful attention to my meals before runs to try and figure out what works best. I think I should have skipped the cream cheese on the bagel, and maybe some of the coffee.
The first mile was pretty tough for me, and I have no idea why, I warmed up for about 10 minutes, stretched and ran with a co-worker so I had some conversation. I struggled to turn over a 9:16 mile. But after that I felt pretty good, and turned over some good times in next two miles, then lost track of the mileage markers. I was pretty comfortable on the way out, the wind didn't seem strong, although the snow melting on my glasses was a pain. At the half way point my left leg started to hurt, just my hip and calf, both of which I had stretched (I thought), but I have had problems with the calf and hip before. After the halfway point, things started to get tough, now we were heading into the wind for the most part, and it either had picked up, or we just weren't sheltered from it. I picked up the mile markers at 7, 8 and 9 and saw that I was right on pace so that was encouraging. But the climb up Turkey Hill Rd. was a real challenge, and now both legs were getting tired and achy, and I was getting pretty cold. The section on Stevenson Rd. was brutal, my hands were bright red and the wind really seemed to take my breath. Once I got onto Game Farm Rd, the trees offered some shelter, and I felt like I could pick up my pace on the run-in, especially since it was mostly downhill to finish. I passed a couple of people, but once I got into the wind again, it became difficult. Before the race I thought the downhill section on Rt. 366 and Tower Rd would be the best, I planned to pick up some time and cruise into the finish. I was way off the mark on that one, it was tough, my legs were really tired, and I couldn't increase my pace much at all. It was great to see and hear the encouragement of all the folks at the finish, especially Diane and my fiancee who braved the cold. In the end I finished in 1 hour 56 minutes, an 8:55 pace, so I'm really happy with the performance, given the weather. I felt like I had more energy to give, and what held me back was the pain in my legs, usually its the other way around, I run out of cardiovascular strength before leg strength.
I have to say, one of the best things about running such a distance, is that I feel entitled to eat whatever I want afterward, so I had a big dinner and huge brownie for dessert, didn't feel the least bit bad about it!
I also want to commend the race organization folks, John and crew did a great job. Everything in Barton was well organized, the starts were right on time, race marshals braved the cold and provided encouragement at each turn. From my perspective everything went smoothly and was a great deal of fun. I certainly would run this one again next year, and will try other half-marathons or longer distances.
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