Yesterday’s race was my 7th consecutive year running this event but the first running the half (I had done the full the previous 6 years). It was a crisp fall day with the temps in the upper (ok, mid) 30’s at the start. I was amped because I LOVE running in this sort of weather!!
I lined up with the 3:30 pace group (for the full) with my intent to drop back slowly and settle in somewhere between the 4:15 and 4:30 group. When the gun went off we started at a nice clip but my legs weren’t really happy with me. I decided the best plan was to hit the UP volume button on the iPod and not think about it. I hit the first few water stops a bit faster than expected and I kept telling myself to slow down (which is tough since I’m pretty slow in the first place). I hit the 5k mark faster than expected as well as the 5 mile mark. By 10k I knew I needed to try to slow down or I’d have issues later. The problem was I couldn’t slow! My first issue happened at the 7.5 mile mark and I wanted to quit. Fortunately I realized it was just a bad patch and a quick downhill helped!! I hit the 15k mark faster than any 15k time in 3 years and it was only then when I lost focus and had to slow a little! By mile 12 I actually was contemplating running the entire marathon but realized I needed to get home to be at the party I was hosting for Frontrunner. I hit the 13 mile mark then increased the pace for the last tenth passing 4 or 5 people in the process. My time (just over 2:17) was my 2nd fastest official half ever and I felt great!!
The post race was really fun cheering everyone at the 22.5 mile mark of the marathon. Seeing all the marathoners nearing their goal was great. Thanks to the Columbus Marathon staff for changing the course and putting my place on it! Fun, fun fun! Too bad I’ll be running the full next year (I think) and I won’t get to see all the people running by my house!
Next week, week 8 in the 7 half marathons in 9 week stretch. Las Cruces, NM! No grandiose goals in this one. I just want to take it easy and have fun!!
Until next time!!
I lined up with the 3:30 pace group (for the full) with my intent to drop back slowly and settle in somewhere between the 4:15 and 4:30 group. When the gun went off we started at a nice clip but my legs weren’t really happy with me. I decided the best plan was to hit the UP volume button on the iPod and not think about it. I hit the first few water stops a bit faster than expected and I kept telling myself to slow down (which is tough since I’m pretty slow in the first place). I hit the 5k mark faster than expected as well as the 5 mile mark. By 10k I knew I needed to try to slow down or I’d have issues later. The problem was I couldn’t slow! My first issue happened at the 7.5 mile mark and I wanted to quit. Fortunately I realized it was just a bad patch and a quick downhill helped!! I hit the 15k mark faster than any 15k time in 3 years and it was only then when I lost focus and had to slow a little! By mile 12 I actually was contemplating running the entire marathon but realized I needed to get home to be at the party I was hosting for Frontrunner. I hit the 13 mile mark then increased the pace for the last tenth passing 4 or 5 people in the process. My time (just over 2:17) was my 2nd fastest official half ever and I felt great!!
The post race was really fun cheering everyone at the 22.5 mile mark of the marathon. Seeing all the marathoners nearing their goal was great. Thanks to the Columbus Marathon staff for changing the course and putting my place on it! Fun, fun fun! Too bad I’ll be running the full next year (I think) and I won’t get to see all the people running by my house!
Next week, week 8 in the 7 half marathons in 9 week stretch. Las Cruces, NM! No grandiose goals in this one. I just want to take it easy and have fun!!
Until next time!!
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