Carmel Half Marathon

This was a fantastic race for an inaugural event!  I almost didn't sign up for this one simply because it was the first year for the Carmel Marathon.  But once I saw how much hype they were throwing into this race, I decided it would be worth a shot since there aren't many half marathons in the Midwest in June and because of the short drive to Carmel.  Besides a few minor issues (most of which I've seen at more established races) the city did a great job with this event.  The weather cooperating was also a nice surprise.  It was mid-70s and overcast at the start and the sun didn't come out too often during my race.

I arrived on Friday afternoon and went straight to packet pick up at the Monon Community Center.  This was a breeze to get to and there were no problems here.  The expo left a bit to be desired considering the amount of hype this event had going for it.  I was happy to see two local running stores represented with a good amount of merchandise.  After purchasing some new running shorts and some Sport Beans (for the next morning) I headed to my hotel.

Race morning was a breeze.  I showed up around 5:30 and had plenty of time to walk to the start (parking was about a half mile from the start), go to bag check and stretch out.  And I even saw some friends from back home who were running the marathon!  Small world. Lining up for the start was a bit of a cluster as the marathon and half marathon started at the same time.  Thankfully, they had clearly marked pace signs and most people were good about lining up where they should.  I lined up near the 9 minute pace section and felt good as we started out.  I've started wearing a watch to the races, plus they had timing mats at every 5k, so these split times are pretty accurate.

Miles 1-3:  I knew I went out a little faster than I had planned.  The first mile went very quickly and I was at about 8:50 for the first mile.  A little fast, but the first few miles were basically straightaways.  Not having to constantly turn can really improve your time.  I was at 17:40 for the second mile and holding on to around an 8:50 pace.  At this point I decided to try my best for even splits for the rest of the race.  The first 5k clocked in at 27:05 and I was holding steady.

Miles 4-6: We split off from the marathoners soon after the third mile, but I never felt alone on this course.  There were always four or five other runners around me, which is nice compared to those lonely training runs.  We started going through some nice, scenic areas of Carmel.  The hill during mile 4 caught a lot of us off guard.  The rest of the course was very, very flat.  I kept up my pace and hit mile 6 in 51:48.  

Miles 7-9: I've mentioned in a previous post that these are the important miles for me.  I either listen to my iPod and watch the miles click off, or I feel each and every step.  This was the first time since my injury issue in April that I've really felt like myself.  Plus this was a really cool part of the course!  We went on to the Monon trail right when the sun was peaking through the clouds.  The shade was very much needed here and the course was very scenic I can't remember the exact splits for these miles, but I know they were still close to 8:50-9:00 each.

Miles 10-12: .  My split for the first 10 miles was 1:29.06.  Not bad considering I usually try to hit that in 1:30.  I also realized that a PR was out of the question due to the humidity and the potential sunlight during the last 5k.   But that wouldn't stop me from posting a very good time.  We started to head back to the finish area through the Carmel Arts District.  This was another cool area of the course and the spectators were very nice through the final miles.  At mile 12 I was at 1:47 and change.

The greatest sign a half marathoner will see.

Final mile:  We hit a wicked little hill during this last mile, but the downhill to the finish was worth it.  For a small city, there sure were some awesome spectators during this final push.  I especially liked the sign one was holding that said, "You are all making me feel lazy!"  Awesome. 

Final time- 1:56.06

I am thrilled with this time, especially considering having to scratch out of the Glass City Half Marathon less than two months ago.  This was the finishing touch on my Spring 2011 race schedule, so it's on to some summer 5ks.  My next half marathon won't be until the Little Miami on August 21st.  I can use the break considering I've completed five half marathons this year.   The Carmel Half was a terrific event and I will seriously considering coming back next year.  The organization was top notch!

Next race: Dorothy Lane Market Dash- Centerville, OH