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
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?
