I am way behind on this blog! The Corridor Classic was last week and I have a race coming up this Sunday. Rather than give you a double dose at once, I wanted to give my thoughts on this race. The big news is this was half marathon number 30 for me! It's hard to imagine that my first one was in September 2009. Before that, the half was simply a goal that I was too scared to try. Funny how things change so quickly.
This was my third time running this race, though the course is different every year due to the construction in Dayton. University of Dayton Arena was the location the two years I previously ran (2010, 2012), but we had a brand new start at the Moraine Recreation Complex. This seemed, to me, like a better location. Easy to get to, plenty of parking, more indoor space, and a better post-race area were the highlights of the new location.
Having ran the Akron Marathon only two weeks prior, my only goal for this race was to keep my sub-2:00 streak alive. The course looked pretty flat and I wanted to use the run as training for my last two races of the year. As it was a training run, there's not much to report.
We started out at 9:00 and I kicked in with my usual nine minute pace. Nothing fancy. The course wound through a bit of Moraine, over I-75 and back around to the Great Miami River bike path. We had roughly nine miles of bike path in this one. It was dull at times but definitely resembled my normal training runs. The path is at least wide enough to accommodate the runners without much congestion. I held steady for the first four miles or so, but then some minor GI issues started in and didn't stop until well after the race. I simply slowed down and tried to keep on pace for a sub-2:00.
We continued south on the bike path to the turnaround just past the seven mile marker. I was holding steady but getting a little worried that I wouldn't come in under 2:00. The GI issues were not getting any better. My time at the 10 minute mark was just over 1:30, well behind my normal pace. We finally made our way off the bike path shy of mile 11 and made our way back to the rec center. I was able to speed up some and hit the 12 mile marker in 1:49 and change, meaning that I could finally relax. The final mile was on road back to the original start. I came in at a respectable 1:58:16 and 212/580 overall. Certainly not my best effort, but not bad considering the recent full marathon and stomach issues throughout the race. My sub-2:00 streak continues at twenty-two straight.
Next race: Buckeye Half Marathon- Peninsula, OH
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Akron Marathon
My big race for the year took place in Akron this past Saturday. It was my first full marathon since the 2011 Columbus Marathon. I chose it due to the proximity to home and because it is often rated alongside Columbus as being one of the best organized races in the state. My training has been very hit-or-miss throughout the summer, but I hit on most of my long runs. The real challenge was training for the hills of Akron while living in pancake flat Northwest Ohio.
I arrived in Akron a couple days before the race and hit the expo on Friday morning. This was a piece of cake as the convention center was easy to get to and the expo itself was very well organized. One of the extra perks to this race is the swag. Marathoners get a very cool Brooks running jacket, a year subscription to Running Times magazine, cool free samples (love the Emergen-C mix), a finisher towel, and amazing finisher medal. I especially like getting the jacket as my closet is full of race shirts. After the expo, I simply relaxed for the rest of the day, contemplating the pain that awaited me on Saturday.
Getting to the parking areas for a race this size can be a pain, but if you simply plan ahead it can be a piece of cake. I arrived about an hour and a half early and found a parking garage one block from the start and one block from the finish. It pays to plan! That also gave me some time to read my book in the car, stretch out, and make my way to the start. Here are a few pics of the finish area before the race:
I forgot about the energy before a full marathon. It's amazing. Loud music, an energetic crowd, fireworks, and me just wanting to start the dang thing. The experience is unlike any other, but it's really hard to enjoy it when you are embarking on a 26.2 mile journey. We started at 7:00 on the dot. Here are my thoughts throughout the race:
Miles 1-5: I wanted to start out nice and easy during the first ten miles or so. Everything started well as I was in the 10:00 range during the early miles. We made our way through downtown, then back the way we came heading south. There were a few gradual hills but nothing major. I didn't do much maneuvering as I had lined up at the exact right place at the start. Not much to report here.
Miles 6-10: We head east for a mile and then back north around mile 7. This led into the University of Akron campus, which was a nice little section of this race. Some students were actually out and about to cheer us on. I sped up a bit and was hitting anywhere from 9:00-9:30 per mile during this stretch. We headed back to the downtown area at mile 9 and then north again at mile 10.
Miles 11-15: Here's where I had no choice but to abandon my plan and, thus, screwed up my race. We started heading back south right after mile 11 and hit a couple of wicked downhills. The second of which went on for about 3/4 mile straight down. I had two choices: fly down this thing or hold back. Either way, my quads would be destroyed. I tried to hold back but I had two miles clocking in at 8:53 and 8:40. It was WAY too early for that to happen and I knew it would screw me up later in the race. My hope was that I could hold out as long as possible. At least I was greeted with an amazing running environment soon after. We ran through some gorgeous parks on the Towpath trail starting at mile 13 and would remain on their for over 5 miles. It was a nice, scenic part of the race and the shade was very welcomed. Honestly, you could still see people's breath at certain points on the course. My half time was 2:00:34. Well on pace for a PR. I held steady during this section and was averaging 9:17 per mile.
Miles 16-20: We kept on the Towpath during most of this stretch. Everyone knew the hills would start around mile 17. After looking at the elevation chart, I see now that miles 15-20 are actually one long, slow climb that you don't really notice at first. Mix that with the MEGA hill at mile 18 and you have a recipe for crapping out. That is, unfortunately, what happened to me. I began to feel like crap around mile 20 and hit the 20.7 mile marker in 3:15:50. I knew, with how I was feeling at this point, a PR was no longer in the cards. Seriously, it was like flipping a switch.
Miles 21-26.2: We ran through some residential areas and I really enjoyed how many people came out to cheer us on. It wasn't the same as Columbus but still pretty special. I was simply trying to hold on by taking water and Gatorade at every stop and taking plenty of walk breaks. I was also beating myself up until mile 23 or so. A PR was never a given but I absolutely hate the fact that I crapped out like this at Akron. Finally, I decided that I'm finishing my third marathon and should simply be proud of that fact and enjoy the last three miles. Thankfully, I did. We made our way back downtown for the final few miles and the amazing finish inside the Akron Aeros minor league ballpark. My final time was 4:23:57. I was actually surprised, considering how I felt the final 10k, that I was only ten minutes off from my Columbus time. That's really not too bad since this was a much tougher course.
Despite my feeling through part of this race, I really enjoyed the overall experience. This was a well organized marathon and, dare I say, slightly better than Columbus. The ease of getting around and the fact that the course wasn't completely congested were pluses. I'm really hoping this is the last time I do a full marathon but, let's face it, I'm already thinking of what I could do on a flat course.
Next race: Dayton River Corridor Classic Half Marathon- Dayton, OH
I arrived in Akron a couple days before the race and hit the expo on Friday morning. This was a piece of cake as the convention center was easy to get to and the expo itself was very well organized. One of the extra perks to this race is the swag. Marathoners get a very cool Brooks running jacket, a year subscription to Running Times magazine, cool free samples (love the Emergen-C mix), a finisher towel, and amazing finisher medal. I especially like getting the jacket as my closet is full of race shirts. After the expo, I simply relaxed for the rest of the day, contemplating the pain that awaited me on Saturday.
Getting to the parking areas for a race this size can be a pain, but if you simply plan ahead it can be a piece of cake. I arrived about an hour and a half early and found a parking garage one block from the start and one block from the finish. It pays to plan! That also gave me some time to read my book in the car, stretch out, and make my way to the start. Here are a few pics of the finish area before the race:
I forgot about the energy before a full marathon. It's amazing. Loud music, an energetic crowd, fireworks, and me just wanting to start the dang thing. The experience is unlike any other, but it's really hard to enjoy it when you are embarking on a 26.2 mile journey. We started at 7:00 on the dot. Here are my thoughts throughout the race:
Miles 1-5: I wanted to start out nice and easy during the first ten miles or so. Everything started well as I was in the 10:00 range during the early miles. We made our way through downtown, then back the way we came heading south. There were a few gradual hills but nothing major. I didn't do much maneuvering as I had lined up at the exact right place at the start. Not much to report here.
Miles 6-10: We head east for a mile and then back north around mile 7. This led into the University of Akron campus, which was a nice little section of this race. Some students were actually out and about to cheer us on. I sped up a bit and was hitting anywhere from 9:00-9:30 per mile during this stretch. We headed back to the downtown area at mile 9 and then north again at mile 10.
Miles 11-15: Here's where I had no choice but to abandon my plan and, thus, screwed up my race. We started heading back south right after mile 11 and hit a couple of wicked downhills. The second of which went on for about 3/4 mile straight down. I had two choices: fly down this thing or hold back. Either way, my quads would be destroyed. I tried to hold back but I had two miles clocking in at 8:53 and 8:40. It was WAY too early for that to happen and I knew it would screw me up later in the race. My hope was that I could hold out as long as possible. At least I was greeted with an amazing running environment soon after. We ran through some gorgeous parks on the Towpath trail starting at mile 13 and would remain on their for over 5 miles. It was a nice, scenic part of the race and the shade was very welcomed. Honestly, you could still see people's breath at certain points on the course. My half time was 2:00:34. Well on pace for a PR. I held steady during this section and was averaging 9:17 per mile.
Miles 16-20: We kept on the Towpath during most of this stretch. Everyone knew the hills would start around mile 17. After looking at the elevation chart, I see now that miles 15-20 are actually one long, slow climb that you don't really notice at first. Mix that with the MEGA hill at mile 18 and you have a recipe for crapping out. That is, unfortunately, what happened to me. I began to feel like crap around mile 20 and hit the 20.7 mile marker in 3:15:50. I knew, with how I was feeling at this point, a PR was no longer in the cards. Seriously, it was like flipping a switch.
Miles 21-26.2: We ran through some residential areas and I really enjoyed how many people came out to cheer us on. It wasn't the same as Columbus but still pretty special. I was simply trying to hold on by taking water and Gatorade at every stop and taking plenty of walk breaks. I was also beating myself up until mile 23 or so. A PR was never a given but I absolutely hate the fact that I crapped out like this at Akron. Finally, I decided that I'm finishing my third marathon and should simply be proud of that fact and enjoy the last three miles. Thankfully, I did. We made our way back downtown for the final few miles and the amazing finish inside the Akron Aeros minor league ballpark. My final time was 4:23:57. I was actually surprised, considering how I felt the final 10k, that I was only ten minutes off from my Columbus time. That's really not too bad since this was a much tougher course.
Despite my feeling through part of this race, I really enjoyed the overall experience. This was a well organized marathon and, dare I say, slightly better than Columbus. The ease of getting around and the fact that the course wasn't completely congested were pluses. I'm really hoping this is the last time I do a full marathon but, let's face it, I'm already thinking of what I could do on a flat course.
Next race: Dayton River Corridor Classic Half Marathon- Dayton, OH
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Soaring Eagle Runs Boy Scout Half Marathon
I made my way to Bowling Green this past weekend for my final test race prior to the Akron Marathon later this month. The Soaring Eagle Runs Boy Scout Half Marathon had three things going for it: 1. It was timed perfectly for me with it taking place one month prior to Akron. 2. It's a close race at about an hour drive from my place. 3. It's cheap! I think it was around $30 for this low-key race.
The race started and ended at the Wood County Fairgrounds, so there was ample parking. Packet pickup was a breeze, too. I've mentioned before that I really like these low-key races. There's no worrying around about parking issues and whatnot.
My goal for this race was simply to run a nice, easy pace and break 2:00 as a warm-up for Akron. We started out by heading west out of Bowling Green and made our way around on country roads. There wasn't much to report scenery-wise, other than flat ground and farmland. Lots of farmland. My pace was right where I wanted it to be as I hit 9:17, 18:26, and 27:39 for my first three miles. I kept around 9:07 per mile for the next five miles as we continued down some long stretches on our way back towards town.
Once we hit town, I sped up just a bit to where I was breaking 9:00. The humidity rose well past what I was expecting (we had a storm the night before) and I was feeling the miles, despite the easy-going pace. We wound around town into some nice residential areas. There were a few people out and about to cheer on the runners which was appreciated. My ten mile split was around 1:30. Again, this is right where I wanted to be. I sped up a little more for the final 5k of the race. Nothing crazy, mind you, more like the pace I would run about five miles in at any other half. We made our way back to the fairgrounds for a lap around the horse track to the finish line. Final time- 1:56:47
I felt great after this race. I FINALLY executed my plan to take the race easy, avoiding trying to go for a PR so close to the marathon as I've made that mistake before (Dayton River Corridor Classic Half Marathon prior to the Sphinx Run Fest Marathon in 2010 and the Air Force Half Marathon prior to the Columbus Marathon in 2011). The best part of all this...I have only one more long run prior to Akron! That alone is worth celebrating.
Next race: Akron Marathon- Akron, OH
The race started and ended at the Wood County Fairgrounds, so there was ample parking. Packet pickup was a breeze, too. I've mentioned before that I really like these low-key races. There's no worrying around about parking issues and whatnot.
My goal for this race was simply to run a nice, easy pace and break 2:00 as a warm-up for Akron. We started out by heading west out of Bowling Green and made our way around on country roads. There wasn't much to report scenery-wise, other than flat ground and farmland. Lots of farmland. My pace was right where I wanted it to be as I hit 9:17, 18:26, and 27:39 for my first three miles. I kept around 9:07 per mile for the next five miles as we continued down some long stretches on our way back towards town.
Once we hit town, I sped up just a bit to where I was breaking 9:00. The humidity rose well past what I was expecting (we had a storm the night before) and I was feeling the miles, despite the easy-going pace. We wound around town into some nice residential areas. There were a few people out and about to cheer on the runners which was appreciated. My ten mile split was around 1:30. Again, this is right where I wanted to be. I sped up a little more for the final 5k of the race. Nothing crazy, mind you, more like the pace I would run about five miles in at any other half. We made our way back to the fairgrounds for a lap around the horse track to the finish line. Final time- 1:56:47
I felt great after this race. I FINALLY executed my plan to take the race easy, avoiding trying to go for a PR so close to the marathon as I've made that mistake before (Dayton River Corridor Classic Half Marathon prior to the Sphinx Run Fest Marathon in 2010 and the Air Force Half Marathon prior to the Columbus Marathon in 2011). The best part of all this...I have only one more long run prior to Akron! That alone is worth celebrating.
Next race: Akron Marathon- Akron, OH
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Scioto Miles 10 Miler
This weekend was a fun little race in Columbus, the Scioto Miles 10 Miler. I put this one on my list because I wanted one last chance to actually race prior to the Akron Marathon. My half at the end of August will simply be for maintenance. The goal for this one was to simply beat my time at the Hoover Hustle 10 Miler back in April and, possibly, break 1:20.
This one had an early start of 7:00, which I love. But they had to bus us to the start because of the course being a point-to-point, so I had to be at Genoa Park/COSI in downtown Columbus by around 5:45. Not as much love for that. This was only my second point-to-point course involving busing the runners. The other time was the 2010 Spirit of Columbus Half Marathon, which was ran on just about the identical course. True story.
Anyway, we were bused to Griggs Reservoir on Riverside Drive and I burned time by walking around and stretching out. It was actually pretty cool out for an early August race. We started out by heading north for about a mile and a half through the park. Not much to report, other than the pavement was VERY uneven to the point where it got annoying. I clocked a slow 9:15 for the first mile and quickly picked it up and got to the second mile, as we started to head south on Riverside, in 17:53. I don't have too many splits after that, but I definitely ran negative splits throughout the race. The first half had a slight incline. Not much to talk about scenery-wise. Just road, trees, businesses, and houses. Nothing much.
One of my few splits I did notice was at the seven mile mark as I was at about 57 minutes and change, so I was definitely ahead of my pace for half marathons. A sub-1:20 didn't look to be in the books as the course was slightly long. My watch measured it at 10.18 miles. Not too bad, but enough to keep me from a sub-1:20. Still, I was making good time as we were heading towards a mostly downhill finish.
After going over I-670, we headed onto a bike path for the finish. I went strong during the last two miles and passed about ten people during this stretch. We were right next to the Scioto River during the final stretch to Genoa Park/COSI and I crossed the finish line in a strong 1:20:52. Not a sub-1:20, but I'm very happy with this time. I never felt bad during this run, despite going hard the entire time. And check out the medal!
I have about four weeks off from racing before my next half. Like I mentioned before, that one will be a simple maintenance run during my final preparations for Akron. I'm hoping to get in an 18 miler this weekend, then a 20 miler. It's getting too real.
Next race: Soaring Eagles Boy Scout Half Marathon- Bowling Green, OH
This one had an early start of 7:00, which I love. But they had to bus us to the start because of the course being a point-to-point, so I had to be at Genoa Park/COSI in downtown Columbus by around 5:45. Not as much love for that. This was only my second point-to-point course involving busing the runners. The other time was the 2010 Spirit of Columbus Half Marathon, which was ran on just about the identical course. True story.
Anyway, we were bused to Griggs Reservoir on Riverside Drive and I burned time by walking around and stretching out. It was actually pretty cool out for an early August race. We started out by heading north for about a mile and a half through the park. Not much to report, other than the pavement was VERY uneven to the point where it got annoying. I clocked a slow 9:15 for the first mile and quickly picked it up and got to the second mile, as we started to head south on Riverside, in 17:53. I don't have too many splits after that, but I definitely ran negative splits throughout the race. The first half had a slight incline. Not much to talk about scenery-wise. Just road, trees, businesses, and houses. Nothing much.
One of my few splits I did notice was at the seven mile mark as I was at about 57 minutes and change, so I was definitely ahead of my pace for half marathons. A sub-1:20 didn't look to be in the books as the course was slightly long. My watch measured it at 10.18 miles. Not too bad, but enough to keep me from a sub-1:20. Still, I was making good time as we were heading towards a mostly downhill finish.
After going over I-670, we headed onto a bike path for the finish. I went strong during the last two miles and passed about ten people during this stretch. We were right next to the Scioto River during the final stretch to Genoa Park/COSI and I crossed the finish line in a strong 1:20:52. Not a sub-1:20, but I'm very happy with this time. I never felt bad during this run, despite going hard the entire time. And check out the medal!
Next race: Soaring Eagles Boy Scout Half Marathon- Bowling Green, OH
Friday, July 26, 2013
Presque Isle Half Marathon
State number ten is in the books. Last weekend was the Presque Isle Half Marathon in Erie, Pennsylvania. I really wanted a mid-July half marathon but there was nothing to choose from in Ohio. With Erie being just under three hours, it was a pretty easy decision.
I can't say enough about this nice, low-key race. It's held at beautiful Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie. The organization was top-notch for such an easy-going and inexpensive half marathon. The best part? Cooling off with a quick swim after the race. Seriously, I was not nearly as sore the next day as I usually am after a half.
The day started early as I arrived at 5:45 for the 6:45 start. Ridiculously early. But I loved the early start, especially since it got very warm and humid later in the day. The parking was a breeze thanks to the race organizers, who did a wonderful job considering there were around 400 more runners than last year. That's a big increase for a race this size. The limitations to parking out on Presque Isle certainly made it more challenging. Kudos to the Erie Running Club.
We started off right on time with our first of two long straightaways. Presque Isle is a long peninsula, so we ran up one side, made a half loop around the tip, and came back the other way. It's basically an out and back as the scenery does not change much. There are very few views of the water as trees line both sides of the road during most of the race (yay shade!). The first few miles clicked off pretty quickly. I started off at my conservative pace, hitting 8:57, 8:45, 8:47 for the first three miles. The race really stayed at that pace for me throughout, which was exactly what I was looking for. Just a nice, easy race with a quick finish, if possible.
There's obviously not much to report on the scenery. Road, trees, occasional water. That's pretty much it. The course was never congested, but I was also never alone for any long stretches. It was pretty much a simple race by runners for runners. We came near the turnaround point and I hit the seven mile mark in 1:03 and change. Again, right where I needed to be. The sun started to come out, but the tree-lined road kept things comfortable. The second half went by very quickly and I was able to kick it in during the last three miles to come in at 1:49:55. I wasn't expecting a sub-1:50 so I'm very pleased with this time.
Training for the Akron Marathon is going well and I'm actually ahead of my goal. We've got almost two months exactly until the big day. Only two more (training) races left to go until Sep. 28.
Next race: Scioto Miles 10 Miler- Columbus, OH
I can't say enough about this nice, low-key race. It's held at beautiful Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie. The organization was top-notch for such an easy-going and inexpensive half marathon. The best part? Cooling off with a quick swim after the race. Seriously, I was not nearly as sore the next day as I usually am after a half.
The day started early as I arrived at 5:45 for the 6:45 start. Ridiculously early. But I loved the early start, especially since it got very warm and humid later in the day. The parking was a breeze thanks to the race organizers, who did a wonderful job considering there were around 400 more runners than last year. That's a big increase for a race this size. The limitations to parking out on Presque Isle certainly made it more challenging. Kudos to the Erie Running Club.
We started off right on time with our first of two long straightaways. Presque Isle is a long peninsula, so we ran up one side, made a half loop around the tip, and came back the other way. It's basically an out and back as the scenery does not change much. There are very few views of the water as trees line both sides of the road during most of the race (yay shade!). The first few miles clicked off pretty quickly. I started off at my conservative pace, hitting 8:57, 8:45, 8:47 for the first three miles. The race really stayed at that pace for me throughout, which was exactly what I was looking for. Just a nice, easy race with a quick finish, if possible.
There's obviously not much to report on the scenery. Road, trees, occasional water. That's pretty much it. The course was never congested, but I was also never alone for any long stretches. It was pretty much a simple race by runners for runners. We came near the turnaround point and I hit the seven mile mark in 1:03 and change. Again, right where I needed to be. The sun started to come out, but the tree-lined road kept things comfortable. The second half went by very quickly and I was able to kick it in during the last three miles to come in at 1:49:55. I wasn't expecting a sub-1:50 so I'm very pleased with this time.
Training for the Akron Marathon is going well and I'm actually ahead of my goal. We've got almost two months exactly until the big day. Only two more (training) races left to go until Sep. 28.
Next race: Scioto Miles 10 Miler- Columbus, OH
Monday, July 15, 2013
Flirt with Dirt 5k
If you can't tell by the race name, this past weekend's event was set to be a trail run. Unfortunately, monsoon season hit NW Ohio last week and most of the race course at Riverbend Park in Findlay was flooded. I'm not talking a small amount of water. It looked to be knee to waist deep in some spots. But the race organizers did a wonderful job in marking out a new course on paved trails throughout the park. They did this on Thursday and Friday for a Saturday race AND sent runners an email explaining the situation. Kudos!
I was prepared for a trail run, as I haven't done one since living in Dayton, and was a bit disappointed. But, to be honest, I hadn't really planned on racing so much as just getting a good hard run in the books. With a half marathon next weekend, it certainly wasn't the time to race.
We started out on a paved trail and I took off at a conservative pace. I was pretty surprised that the lead pack also took off slowly. Last year's times from this race were extremely fast, especially for a trail run. The temperature was good, but the humidity became a problem later. The first mile went by fast as the last half of the first mile was on an equestrian trail. I clocked in at 7:02. Pretty well right where I wanted to be. But the second mile felt horrible. We made our way back to a paved trail for a short loop around the starting area. I really started feeling the humidity and slowed down some. Oddly enough, there wasn't really anyone around me. I knew I was behind the lead pack and the second pack was somewhere behind me. I guess I was stuck in no man's land. The second mile clocked in at 14:22, so I knew I had definitely slowed down. Mile 3 was not much better, though a battle with another runner helped me along. We came back by running the same portion from the first mile and the equestrian trail felt excellent after paved trails. True trail running, for whatever reason, gives me a little extra boost. I battled back and forth with another runner and finally left him with a quarter mile to go, surged ahead, and clocked in at 21:52 (though my watch showed 21:45). Not a bad time considering the humidity was getting to me. It was good enough for 15/265 overall and third in my age group.
This is the last (of only two!) 5ks for this year that I have scheduled. Maybe I'll get another later in the fall, but this shows how much I prefer the longer distances nowadays. There's not much time to rest from this one, however, as I knock off state number ten next week!
Next race: Presque Isle Half Marathon- Erie, PA
I was prepared for a trail run, as I haven't done one since living in Dayton, and was a bit disappointed. But, to be honest, I hadn't really planned on racing so much as just getting a good hard run in the books. With a half marathon next weekend, it certainly wasn't the time to race.
We started out on a paved trail and I took off at a conservative pace. I was pretty surprised that the lead pack also took off slowly. Last year's times from this race were extremely fast, especially for a trail run. The temperature was good, but the humidity became a problem later. The first mile went by fast as the last half of the first mile was on an equestrian trail. I clocked in at 7:02. Pretty well right where I wanted to be. But the second mile felt horrible. We made our way back to a paved trail for a short loop around the starting area. I really started feeling the humidity and slowed down some. Oddly enough, there wasn't really anyone around me. I knew I was behind the lead pack and the second pack was somewhere behind me. I guess I was stuck in no man's land. The second mile clocked in at 14:22, so I knew I had definitely slowed down. Mile 3 was not much better, though a battle with another runner helped me along. We came back by running the same portion from the first mile and the equestrian trail felt excellent after paved trails. True trail running, for whatever reason, gives me a little extra boost. I battled back and forth with another runner and finally left him with a quarter mile to go, surged ahead, and clocked in at 21:52 (though my watch showed 21:45). Not a bad time considering the humidity was getting to me. It was good enough for 15/265 overall and third in my age group.
This is the last (of only two!) 5ks for this year that I have scheduled. Maybe I'll get another later in the fall, but this shows how much I prefer the longer distances nowadays. There's not much time to rest from this one, however, as I knock off state number ten next week!
Next race: Presque Isle Half Marathon- Erie, PA
Monday, June 17, 2013
Park 2 Park Half Marathon
We have had some amazingly mild weather for an Ohio summer. I went out for a 15 miler right after work last Friday and did not overheat. Pretty amazing for June and it's making it much easier to train for the Akron Marathon. My thinking is that I'll run a half marathon each month during the build up (with a ten miler added in during August), so I added this small race in Sheffield, OH, just west of Cleveland. It's a small race, with just over 100 runners, held at French Creek Reservation. The course runs to another park, which I can't remember the name of, and back. I was pretty psyched to get in a June half marathon.
But this is what awaited us on race morning.
Cats and dogs. Downpour. Delightful. Thankfully, it stopped by the time we made it to the start line, but I would have rather had a light rain because the humidity rose like crazy late in the race.
We started off at 7:00 by making a small loop around the parking area (?) and then headed out via a crushed limestone trail. The temps were perfect early on and I started out way too fast with a 7:25, 8:20, and 8:15 for the first three miles. Now, I think the first mile was short, but this was still too fast for me. The trails were surprisingly difficult in places with some hills. The course was also pretty scenic with some nice bridges over streams and such. I got into a battle with a few other runners that lasted a good 3-4 miles. I finally passed them right after the turnaround point and started building a nice lead on them (they looked like they were in my age group). It was an enjoyable first half and I clocked in at 57 minutes for the first seven miles. Not bad at all!
Then the wheels came off. The humidity was rising exponentially and I was feeling the effects of those fast early miles. I took a gel and water at mile 8 and stretched out some. I stole some glances behind me during the long straightaways and did not see anyone coming. And there was nobody in front of me. I decided I was probably safe to take the rest of the race easy and had a pretty good idea that I was currently third in my age group. I sprinkled in some hard running with a few walk breaks for the rest of the race. Splits were kind of hit-or-miss, but I was at 1:19 at the ten mile mark. Still a very good time.
I just enjoyed the gorgeous sites during the last 3.1 miles and finally made my way back to the parking area for a finishing lap there. It's pretty obvious that the last mile was short because I clocked in at just over six minutes for that mile. No. Way. Crossed the finish line in 1:44:54 which is a very good time for me, though I'm guessing 1:47-1:48 is a more accurate time.
The biggest thing is that I was indeed third in my age group! This is the first time I've placed in a half marathon. You can tell that I was excited about my two medal day.
Goofball.
The postrace spread was pretty good for such a small race. Plenty of fruit and water. It was certainly refreshing. I also got the chance to meet fellow blogger Jess, from the Run Jess Run blog! Check out her journey to run 13 half marathons in 2013. What a great goal. We chatted about this race and our future races for the year. Best of luck, Jess!
Then it was off to a terrific restaurant, the Harry Buffalo, for an amazing lunch.
Yes, that sandwich is buffalo chicken topped with mac and cheese. It should be illegal but, thankfully, it is not.
My focus has shifted to the full marathon in September and I'm off to a great start. A 15 miler followed by a good half marathon effort the next week gives me a lot of confidence. It looks like I'll take another break from racing until mid-July.
Next race: Flirt with Dirt 5k- Findlay, OH
But this is what awaited us on race morning.
We started off at 7:00 by making a small loop around the parking area (?) and then headed out via a crushed limestone trail. The temps were perfect early on and I started out way too fast with a 7:25, 8:20, and 8:15 for the first three miles. Now, I think the first mile was short, but this was still too fast for me. The trails were surprisingly difficult in places with some hills. The course was also pretty scenic with some nice bridges over streams and such. I got into a battle with a few other runners that lasted a good 3-4 miles. I finally passed them right after the turnaround point and started building a nice lead on them (they looked like they were in my age group). It was an enjoyable first half and I clocked in at 57 minutes for the first seven miles. Not bad at all!
Then the wheels came off. The humidity was rising exponentially and I was feeling the effects of those fast early miles. I took a gel and water at mile 8 and stretched out some. I stole some glances behind me during the long straightaways and did not see anyone coming. And there was nobody in front of me. I decided I was probably safe to take the rest of the race easy and had a pretty good idea that I was currently third in my age group. I sprinkled in some hard running with a few walk breaks for the rest of the race. Splits were kind of hit-or-miss, but I was at 1:19 at the ten mile mark. Still a very good time.
I just enjoyed the gorgeous sites during the last 3.1 miles and finally made my way back to the parking area for a finishing lap there. It's pretty obvious that the last mile was short because I clocked in at just over six minutes for that mile. No. Way. Crossed the finish line in 1:44:54 which is a very good time for me, though I'm guessing 1:47-1:48 is a more accurate time.
The biggest thing is that I was indeed third in my age group! This is the first time I've placed in a half marathon. You can tell that I was excited about my two medal day.
The postrace spread was pretty good for such a small race. Plenty of fruit and water. It was certainly refreshing. I also got the chance to meet fellow blogger Jess, from the Run Jess Run blog! Check out her journey to run 13 half marathons in 2013. What a great goal. We chatted about this race and our future races for the year. Best of luck, Jess!
Then it was off to a terrific restaurant, the Harry Buffalo, for an amazing lunch.
My focus has shifted to the full marathon in September and I'm off to a great start. A 15 miler followed by a good half marathon effort the next week gives me a lot of confidence. It looks like I'll take another break from racing until mid-July.
Next race: Flirt with Dirt 5k- Findlay, OH
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