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FLRC Newsletter - May 2005 |
| More on Runner's World Half Marathon and 5K | |
Bob gave a good description of the Runner's World Half in Allentown, PA. I would definitely recommend it as a scenic and classy race. The long-sleeve Coolmax shirt in the race packet was a plus. There was definitely some talent at the race, with the lead man running 1:08 and leading lady finishing in 1:21.
I enjoyed the evening prior to the race with Andri and the IUTC kids at O'Hara's; they are a great group and I hear many of the set some PRs in their 5K. The weather was pretty similar to the Skunk, although we escaped the rain during the race. We did enjoy a scenic course and several bands, although many more were scheduled and had to cancel due to the weather. Our race bibs included our names in large print so the large amount of spectators could cheer us on, which I thought was a nice touch.
For the past 12 weeks since we registered, I trained pretty hard using the workout schedule supplied by Runner's World editor Bart Yasso. I felt at times that the mileage was a little high, but made the effort to follow the plan, at least until I had some hamtring issues in the last four weeks. I was ready to give the half another try, as each of my three previous attempts at this distance has given me a 1:42:xx, and my goal was to get something different this time.
Bob and I ran together for the first 6 miles, which seemed to be a lot of downhill grades and cement roads. I was maintaining a good pace, but I thought my quads were feeling a little beat up, and was happy to reach the cinder path part of the course. I also started having some stomach problems, and found myself on an emotional roller coaster trying to maintain the efforts to stay on pace. With the sudden ups and downs (luckily no Turkey Hill), I felt it was hard to get an even pace, I felt awkward and sporadic bursts of energy. The last 3 or 4 miles was a gradual climb back to the stadium, and I was struggling to stay focused, especially after seeing the 12-mile clock and knowing I was not going to reach my goal. I ran 1:42:xx once again, this one being my slowest one yet. I was a bit disappointed, but felt I did pretty well under the conditions; as Coach Hoebecke says, "don't force it, it will come." I learned a few new lessons about what not to eat before a race, and the importance of refueling during one.
I am tempted to try another one soon, although I think I'll relax and enjoy some down time for a while.
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