Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Women's Running Series Half Marathon Recap 2013

This will be a short and sweet race recap.  A little over due.  Sorry.

I was a week into my nasty cold, bronchitis, strep throat, whatever I had which lasted another week after this race.  I tried out a six miler on Saturday to see how I would feel and I actually felt better running than just lying on my couch or bed doing nothing.  Needless to say, I decided to do the race.  I gave up on any goals and just wanted to run it comfortably. 

Final time - 1:42:46, 9th place a/g   

Split
Time
Distance
Avg Pace
Summary 1:42:46.4      13.31 7:43
1 4:06.5 0.50 8:13
2 3:55.4 0.50 7:51
3 3:48.6 0.50 7:37
4 3:42.9 0.50 7:26
5 3:46.3 0.50 7:33
6 3:48.1 0.50 7:36
7 3:43.9 0.50 7:28
8 3:42.6 0.50 7:25
9 3:48.3 0.50 7:37
10 3:47.4 0.50 7:35
11 3:49.1 0.50 7:38
12 3:56.9 0.50 7:54
13 3:46.3 0.50 7:33
14 3:52.4 0.50 7:45
15 3:55.4 0.50 7:51
16 4:01.5 0.50 8:03
17 4:00.6 0.50 8:01
18 3:49.9 0.50 7:40
19 3:57.6 0.50 7:55
20 3:46.9 0.50 7:34
21 3:53.2 0.50 7:46
22 4:01.6 0.50 8:03
23 3:49.5 0.50 7:39
24 3:51.0 0.50 7:42
25 3:53.9 0.50 7:48
26 3:52.0 0.50 7:44
27 2:18.6 0.31 7:25

I started off with the 1:45 group so that I could force myself to just take it easy the first few miles and not get caught up in the excitement.  Plus, it was a great day for running, about 70* with overcast.  This never happens for this race.  It's usually mid to upper 80's with a fully exposed sun blaring down. 

My heart rate stayed very even, fluctuating slightly between 180 and 185. 

I think part of my success was due to falling to peer pressure and trying the new Beet Juice craze.  I ordered a few bottles and mixed 8 oz every morning with about 4 - 6 oz of Green Goodness for 3 days prior to the race and on race day.  I've read a lot about drinking Beet Juice and know a lot of people in my tri group that drink it and all have great things to say about it.  There are a few ways to take it:
  • Before a race as I did -  8 oz (solo or mixed with someone else to mask the taste) 3 days prior to the race and on race day
  • 4 oz daily to improve training and overall performance.  I am doing this now and plan to switch to the above plan before Charleston Marathon in January. 
  • Combine the two options above
I had a bagel with PB about 2 hours before the race and one gel about 20 minutes before race start.  I had 3 more gels (mile 3.5, 6.7, and 10.25).  I drank water at every stop and Gatorade once between 3.5 and 6.7 and 2 more times between 6.7 and 10.25.

My stomach felt fine during the race, but I made sure to stick close to a bathroom for the next couple of hours.

Not my best half marathon time, but my best time at this race.  I was able to finish the race with a decent time for me so I am happy. 

Anyone else done this race (this year or year's before)?  What are your thoughts on how "challenging" it is?

  


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