It was great to be able to run such a great local event after having an incredibly busy summer on the road as well as to run a race on September 11th. The Seepersauds are an incredible down to earth family and it has been such a pleasure to know them and to run their race.
http://www.irunforhalfmarathon.com/
Weather for the race was mild in the 60's and rainy. This is decent weather but I knew that I would have to stay on-top of hydration and salts as the forecast was going to have temps get near 70. The race course is a quad out and back with 6.5 out and back twice. This would be beneficial to 1) Know the course well, 2) Help receive aid easily throughout 3) Help build some mental toughness of seeing the same scenery.
The race went out well from the start. I hit the first mile in 5:22 and knew that I had to settle-in and get into marathon pace. I proceeded to run a very controlled and comfortable 5:50 average through the first 6.5 miles. The first 6.5 of the course climb gradually to the top of the course at the turn-around. Throughout the first quarter of the race, there are some long and short and steep climbs that can tax the legs. Going through the hills, my slowest mile was 6 minutes on the dot. Looking back at the pace, it was probably too aggressive given the course design. I was on pace for 2:31/2:32 (giving a potential slowing in the closing miles). Once I hit the turn-around, I began to relax and continue to ratchet the pace.
Let me also talk about the pacers: Having Jack and Kat out there on the support bikes was incredible. They kept me going an honest pace and helped to motivate me throughout! Thank you to both of you.
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| Running for the second 13.1 (Photo Credit: Brent Rice) |
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