The Geist Half Marathon has been on my list for a few years and I finally made the trek over to Indianapolis for this one. I came into this race with very modest goals. The Cap City Half was only two weeks ago and I really struggled with my recovery from that one. My goal was to run around 1:55, have some fun, and call it a day.
I'm pretty amazed at how organized this race is considering it's only five years old. The parking situation worried me, but it there was plenty of parking at the local high school. Buses were taking runners to the start line but I just walked. It was only a mile and good for a warm-up. My race bib was for Corral A as I had qualified for preferred seeding. One problem. I had qualified for Corral C. I was in Corral A with only about 30 other people who looked very, very fast. Hilarious.
We started out by making our way across the lake before starting our trek around. I started much like I did at Cap City with two 8 minute miles. Unlike Cap City, I really felt like crap. I was able to slow down by the time we made it to mile 3. And then I actually walked for a little ways. It wasn't painful, but my legs felt dead and just heavy. I tried stretching out some but it really wasn't until mile 6 until I felt good again. Not much to report. The course itself was gorgeous with great views of the lake and plenty of shade along the way. It was one of the hillier courses I've done this year. There were lots of rolling hills throughout the entire race. I just didn't feel great because of that dead feeling. Again, there were no major goals for this race but that doesn't mean I didn't want to have fun.
Despite the crappy feeling, I was still hitting my splits! I was at 58 minutes at the half way mark and finally starting to enjoy myself. Mile 7 included the steepest climb of the race which seemed to go on forever. My one complaint is that they should actually reverse the course so the runners have shade during the second half. It started getting warmer about 8 miles in and there was no shade. On a positive note, the volunteers at this race were some of the best I've seen at any race. From the police officers blocking traffic to the volunteers at the water stops this was first class all the way.
I hit the 10 mile mark at about 1:27 and felt decent. The sun was really beating down on us at this point. I don't have too much to say about the final 5k. I was really just trying to hang in there. More ups and downs before we hit the final downhill and made our way across the lake (gorgeous) to the Geist Marina for the finish. I finished strong in 1:54.21. The finish line area was really pretty cool. I wish I would have felt like sticking around but I really didn't. Just found a quiet area to stretch, grabbed water and a banana, and found my way to the shuttle buses to head back to the high school (point-to-point course). It wasn't hot until well into the second half of the race but I felt drained. I actually didn't feel good for a few hours after the race which was great with the drive back to Dayton. This race is very well organized and scenic. I would recommend it to anyone.
My next half marathon isn't scheduled until late July as I'll make my way to Portland, Maine for the Old Port Half Marathon. Between now and then I'll be running some 5ks.
Showing posts with label Indiana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indiana. Show all posts
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Sunday, June 12, 2011
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.
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
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.
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| The greatest sign a half marathoner will see. |
Final time- 1:56.06
Next race: Dorothy Lane Market Dash- Centerville, OH
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Seymour Mini Marathon
This was a big event for me because I'm still trying to get over this IT band problem. I only ran around 8 miles in the five days leading up to this event, so training had obviously slowed down. This gave me a chance to see how the healing was going.
The price of this half was by far the cheapest I've seen. $20 plus ten canned goods (the race was for the local food pantry) got you in the race! The race is in its second year and is only about 160 people strong, though up from 80 last year, so it's growing. I also forgot how much I love race day packet pick-up! Parking was a breeze at the local church. It's times like this that I love the small races. The large races are fun with the expo and crowds, but these smaller races have a charm all their own.
Let's get to the race. I had to stretch a lot longer than is the norm for me since this injury hasn't healed completely. I did wear an IT band strap and used some Icy Hot, too. We lined up for the start and before I knew it, we're off!
Miles 1-3- I knew that these could be the most important miles in this race. Would the injury be an issue or not? There was some mild pain but nothing bad. The first mile had plenty of curves as we made our way through town. We made our way into the country, and more straightaways, over the next two miles. My realistic goal for this race was 2:30 since I figured I'd have to take an occasional walk break if the injury became too nagging. It was hard to figure what I was running because there were no clocks on the course and I never wear a watch. I asked someone at mile 3 and she said we were at 29:37. Usually I would try to be around 27:15, but I was very happy with 10 minute miles for this first race back.
Miles 4-6- A nice long straightaway for most of this stretch. I started taking water at each aid station, which was located every two miles. The course was nothing special. Pretty much what I expected from a smaller town. What I loved was the lack of hills on this course. We turned down a little country road about five and a half miles in and hit the mile 6 aid station right before heading back toward town.
Miles 7-9- We finally hit the few hills on the course, but they were actually a nice change of pace. Nothing major, just the rolling variety. The steep climb down the last hill right at mile 7 was a little unpleasant because it was hard to not fly down the hill. We started making our way back to town by running the same country road from earlier. It actually seemed shorter on the way back. At this point I knew I was going to finish this thing and in a much better time than expected. I wasn't even feeling any pain from the IT band, but my legs were feeling heavy due to the lack of training. I started sprinkling in a few one minute walk breaks around mile 9.
Miles 10-12- More country roads until mile 11 when we hit town again. I took a few short walk breaks but still felt pretty good. We hit some different roads in town and winded around quite a bit since a true out and back would have been short of 13.1 miles. There weren't many people outside even though it was gorgeous out. Not much in the way of spectators, but the ones I did see were very enthusiastic and thanked the runners for supporting the town. Around the 12 mile mark I really started feeling like crap. I was getting pretty dehydrated even though I stopped for water at each stop. My one complaint was that there was no Gatorade along the course. But with only one mile left, I toughed it out.
Mile 13-end- I ran very easy over the last mile since I was feeling pretty dehydrated. There really wasn't anyone around me at this point and I just ran easily. No reason to try to improve my time by a few seconds because I knew my time would be slow anyway. Finally hit Stadium Dr. by the high school and finished at the church in 2:09. Got my medal and headed straight for the Gatorade, which I promptly destroyed.
Thoughts- The was a very well managed race for such a small race. I was pleasantly surprised with the goodies we received from a $20 race fee; a classy medal, tech tee, water bottle, and lunch cooler. I've received less at races that cost two to three times more than this one. Each mile was marked and aid stations were plentiful. It's about a two hour drive from Dayton, but it was very well worth it. I see this event growing exponentially in the coming years and wouldn't be surprised if it rivals events like the State to State Half Marathon in size. The most pleasant surprise is that I was able to run most of the course and my IT band is not giving me any problems the morning after the race. I've got a three week break until my next race and am looking to get back into race shape soon.
Next race: Lou Cox 5k- Dayton, OH
The price of this half was by far the cheapest I've seen. $20 plus ten canned goods (the race was for the local food pantry) got you in the race! The race is in its second year and is only about 160 people strong, though up from 80 last year, so it's growing. I also forgot how much I love race day packet pick-up! Parking was a breeze at the local church. It's times like this that I love the small races. The large races are fun with the expo and crowds, but these smaller races have a charm all their own.
Let's get to the race. I had to stretch a lot longer than is the norm for me since this injury hasn't healed completely. I did wear an IT band strap and used some Icy Hot, too. We lined up for the start and before I knew it, we're off!
Miles 1-3- I knew that these could be the most important miles in this race. Would the injury be an issue or not? There was some mild pain but nothing bad. The first mile had plenty of curves as we made our way through town. We made our way into the country, and more straightaways, over the next two miles. My realistic goal for this race was 2:30 since I figured I'd have to take an occasional walk break if the injury became too nagging. It was hard to figure what I was running because there were no clocks on the course and I never wear a watch. I asked someone at mile 3 and she said we were at 29:37. Usually I would try to be around 27:15, but I was very happy with 10 minute miles for this first race back.
Miles 4-6- A nice long straightaway for most of this stretch. I started taking water at each aid station, which was located every two miles. The course was nothing special. Pretty much what I expected from a smaller town. What I loved was the lack of hills on this course. We turned down a little country road about five and a half miles in and hit the mile 6 aid station right before heading back toward town.
Miles 7-9- We finally hit the few hills on the course, but they were actually a nice change of pace. Nothing major, just the rolling variety. The steep climb down the last hill right at mile 7 was a little unpleasant because it was hard to not fly down the hill. We started making our way back to town by running the same country road from earlier. It actually seemed shorter on the way back. At this point I knew I was going to finish this thing and in a much better time than expected. I wasn't even feeling any pain from the IT band, but my legs were feeling heavy due to the lack of training. I started sprinkling in a few one minute walk breaks around mile 9.
Miles 10-12- More country roads until mile 11 when we hit town again. I took a few short walk breaks but still felt pretty good. We hit some different roads in town and winded around quite a bit since a true out and back would have been short of 13.1 miles. There weren't many people outside even though it was gorgeous out. Not much in the way of spectators, but the ones I did see were very enthusiastic and thanked the runners for supporting the town. Around the 12 mile mark I really started feeling like crap. I was getting pretty dehydrated even though I stopped for water at each stop. My one complaint was that there was no Gatorade along the course. But with only one mile left, I toughed it out.
Mile 13-end- I ran very easy over the last mile since I was feeling pretty dehydrated. There really wasn't anyone around me at this point and I just ran easily. No reason to try to improve my time by a few seconds because I knew my time would be slow anyway. Finally hit Stadium Dr. by the high school and finished at the church in 2:09. Got my medal and headed straight for the Gatorade, which I promptly destroyed.
Thoughts- The was a very well managed race for such a small race. I was pleasantly surprised with the goodies we received from a $20 race fee; a classy medal, tech tee, water bottle, and lunch cooler. I've received less at races that cost two to three times more than this one. Each mile was marked and aid stations were plentiful. It's about a two hour drive from Dayton, but it was very well worth it. I see this event growing exponentially in the coming years and wouldn't be surprised if it rivals events like the State to State Half Marathon in size. The most pleasant surprise is that I was able to run most of the course and my IT band is not giving me any problems the morning after the race. I've got a three week break until my next race and am looking to get back into race shape soon.
Next race: Lou Cox 5k- Dayton, OH
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