Half Marathon Race Report

 RACE REPORT November 24, 2011

Well good evening all. I know you have all been sitting around your computer screens in facebook waiting to hear my official race results. J (Just Kidding).

 

A little background on why I feel today was a huge success in my mind. As you all know I ran my first 5K in 00:48:32 in May of 2011. I was glad I did it, but I was thoroughly unimpressed with my time. So, I stopped running and told myself that running was not going to be my sport.  I bought a nice bike instead, around July 1, 2011 and trained for about 8 weeks. Then attempted the Savannah Century ride (100 miles). I took away lots of information from the ride, but did not complete and only ended up going 80 of the 100 miles. I got hooked on biking, but quickly realized that I wanted to participate in Triathlons, and hopefully someday compete in at least the Ironman 70.3 distance. So what did I have to do? Your right, I had to pick up a good pair of running shoes and start running again. So Monday, September 19, I started running again. On October 19, 2011 with training going well I committed to the Atlanta Half Marathon to be held today November 24, 2011. I participated in the Atlanta Thankgiving Half Marathon and it was my first half marathon ever.

 

Days like today makes the last 11 month journey worth while. With the support of a group of maniacs by my side providing mental support, a quality education, and sometimes a kick in the ass on how to succeed I took the trip down Half Marathon lane and I would be remiss if I didn’t personally thank Paul Corley, Bill McArthur, Jillian O’Malley, Dan Benentendi, and last but not least Andrew Miceli. Also, giving me perspective both from a family aspect and being a seasoned marathon runner was my cousin Brian Culich he has spent more time in the last month on facebook making sure I didn’t blow-up today then I can ever thank him for.

 

Now for the race. I had been doing about 11:00 minute and some change miles for my long distances, so what did my maniac friends say to Paul (my running partner for the day) and I? They said go big or go home. They suggested that Paul and I switch from our original thoughts of running in a 2 hour 30 minute pace group to dropping it down to the 2 hour 15 minute pace group. So being young (lol) and impressionable I succumbed to the peer pressure and signed up for the 2 hour 15 minute pace group. Doesn’t sound like much does it? Think again. All I can say is “damn". 

 

I got to the event around 5:30 this morning, and sat in the car trying to keep warm as it was a brisk 40 degrees outside. Race time was at 7:30am for the first corral “A". Due to my time I was moved from corral “E" to corral “C". Yikes!!!  So, my estimated start time would be 7:40am. Paul and I find each other in the corral, and we lineup side-by-side. The first two groups are started and then we get moved up into position and the race begins. WOOT!!! The pace is little slow at first, while we maneuver around some people who probably should have not been in that group, and finally find some elbow room. Paul, and I are running together, and Paul lets me know about a mile in that he has a cramp in his leg. He toughs it out over the next seven miles, we kept a good pace most of the time being in front of the 2:18 pace group leader, but ultimately on a tough hill climb I lose Paul on the road during an ascent. I slowed down a bit to wait for him, but I could not see him. Knowing that Paul, who has been a monster supporter of my efforts, would want me to keep going I did just that. I climbed various hills over the course some “rollers" ya right, others pretty tough climbs especially those around mile 10-12. I had a good rhythm and was on a pace to succeed in hitting the 2:15 time. The last few sets of hills proved to be a tough go for me. My pace slowed to an 11:14 pace per mile, and it was slowly taking my chances for a 2:15 finish away. I continued to climb the hills the best I could, and crested the final hill. At the op was a gorgeous sight, the final downhill run toward the finish line. I mustard up what reserves I had left and ran as fast as my current leg status would allow.

 

Finish Time

Bib

FName

LName

City

State

Div

Age

Sex

ChipTime

Overall

SexPl

DivPl

AgeGrade

15491

JAY

COMBS

ALPHARETTA

GA

MEN -- 45 THROUGH 49

48

M

2:18:24

5703

3259

397

47.6%

 

So, as I said in the beginning, today was a success. Thank you to all who have helped me along the way, and I look forward to you being in my corner for future events.

you are more than welcome!  congrats again, great race, bask in the glow.  i will give you a couple of days before i hit you over the head with the publix marathon course preview.  i'll give you a hint... at one point it winds through the "druid hills" neighborhood :)

 lmao Bill. I was already thinking about the race this morning, and what I need to do to prep for it. My goal for next years Atlanta Half is under 2:00. 

Once again, you flatter me!

Wow, what a 1st year post-op its been for you thus far. Congrats on finishing you first half marathon, in a good time might I add

I hope you will feel ready in September for the Augusta 70.3 so you can tackle that course with me and Paul.

Take this day to bask in your accomplishment!

You have to ensure that your long-term goals are realistic. If you have decided to run your first full marathon, you do not need to run the full marathon on the first training session. Providing your body with the right food and liquid is the most important component to your health.

 Thanks Frank for the input. I have a great group of people surrounding me on this adventure, both here in the forum, and personally. Iknow that their guidance will be instrumental in making my furst full marathon an achievable reality.

By the way, the first full marathon is March 18, 2012. Run training begins soon.

Jay