New Half Marathon PR
Today was our local half marathon around the lake. It's a small rural event hosted by the area running club that's just a lot of fun because of all the familiar faces. I knew going into the race this morning that I had a chance for a great run.
Weather: Perfect. Overcast, cool, low humidity.
Sleep/Hydration/Fuel: All good. No intestinal issues before, during or after the race.
Familiarity with the route: Trained on the hilly course many times.
Training cycle: The last 13-mile run before my marathon Oct. 5. Lots of miles under my belt.
Injuries: None - ankle has been strong and pain free.
So, with the stars perfectly aligned, I finished the half in 2:06:09 - for a 9:37 pace. Last year, it took me 2:32 to finish the same course! The body is truly amazing in its ability to adapt to the demands that we place upon it.
Now, it will be interesting to see what kind of a pace I can maintain for the full marathon in two weeks.
Cassie
Weather: Perfect. Overcast, cool, low humidity.
Sleep/Hydration/Fuel: All good. No intestinal issues before, during or after the race.
Familiarity with the route: Trained on the hilly course many times.
Training cycle: The last 13-mile run before my marathon Oct. 5. Lots of miles under my belt.
Injuries: None - ankle has been strong and pain free.
So, with the stars perfectly aligned, I finished the half in 2:06:09 - for a 9:37 pace. Last year, it took me 2:32 to finish the same course! The body is truly amazing in its ability to adapt to the demands that we place upon it.
Now, it will be interesting to see what kind of a pace I can maintain for the full marathon in two weeks.
Cassie
"Hard things take time to do. Impossible things take a little longer."
Linn, that 8:46 BQ pace is looking more attainable than I ever imagined. I'll just have to keep reassessing when I can realistically set it as a goal. Depending on how my training progresses in the next year, I may use my fall 2009 marathon as my first attempt to qualify. We'll see.
Cassie
Cassie
"Hard things take time to do. Impossible things take a little longer."
Brian,
I think that last tune-up race is always the hardest. It's the one where you push yourself beyond your limits without the promise of a finish line at the end. With that 12 behind you, you're ready for the half! Enjoy the taper and the joy of finishing.
When I go into a race, I'm constantly reassessing my goals up or down depending upon weather, sleep, injury, etc. I was expecting to run this one at a 10:15 pace, but everything fell into place for a faster finish.
Good luck with your race.
Cassie
I think that last tune-up race is always the hardest. It's the one where you push yourself beyond your limits without the promise of a finish line at the end. With that 12 behind you, you're ready for the half! Enjoy the taper and the joy of finishing.
When I go into a race, I'm constantly reassessing my goals up or down depending upon weather, sleep, injury, etc. I was expecting to run this one at a 10:15 pace, but everything fell into place for a faster finish.
Good luck with your race.
Cassie
"Hard things take time to do. Impossible things take a little longer."
Way to go Cassie. Real nice time! It seems like it all lined up nicely for you but don't think that it won't again. Things seem to line up nicely when you are prepared for the event. Great job!
Scott
Link to my running journal
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1303681
4 full's - 14 halves - 2 goofy's and one Mt. Washington!
Link to my running journal
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1303681
4 full's - 14 halves - 2 goofy's and one Mt. Washington!