13.1 Miles!

I ran my race at my pace and I finished in my goal time. I ran each mile as it's own event. I call it equal opportunity racing - each mile deserves a change to prove itself better than the last. My overall average pace was an 8 minute 41 second per mile pace.

I planned to Gu at mile 6 or 7, and so I did just after mile 6. I felt good and ran well until about mile 11. Then my legs started to get tight. I didn't bring my second Gu gel as I planned. It wouldn't fit into my pocket where the other one was, so I left it behind. I drank water at every station, but only a few sips from each cup. At one station I took a Gatoraid. It didn't sit well in my belly. I never drink that stuff, so I don't know why I tried it now.

I didn't see the 12 mile marker and the next thing I saw was the trail moving back towards the Lansing Center. Up a short hill and I was back on Michigan Ave (right where the race started). A few more turns and I see mile marker 13. Only 1 tenth of a mile to go. I felt strong even as my calves and quads were tight.

As I crossed the finish line I see my time. I planned to finish under 2 hours. I did it, 1 hour 53 minutes. I feel successful.

I finished overall at 434 of 1216. Age Group - 43 / 63

My BT Race Report Below:

Race info: Capital City River Run
Entry by:
spacer JHagerman

Capital City River Run
2008-09-28
Lansing, Michigan
United States
Impression 5 Science Center
Sunny

Run - Half Marathon
Total Time = 1h 53m 36s
Overall Rank = 434/1216
Age Group = 25-29
Age Group Rank = 43/63


Pre-race routine:
Routine? I attempted to follow a training plan, but I didn't get my weekly times in.

Event warmup:
No warm up as I figured I'd have 13 miles to warm up.


Run

Comments:
I ran well. I slowed down after the 11 mile mark as my running partner stopped to stretch. I still pushed, but probably not as hard as I could have. However, I was very satisfied with my run performance.


What would you do differently?:
I would attempt to follow the training plan more strictly. I'm not sure I would have finished a whole lot faster, but I think I would feel better near the end of the race.


Post race

Warm down:
A brief walk through the food area! I drank a TON after the race!


What limited your ability to perform faster:
My legs were getting really tight at the 12 mile mark, but that's when the most people were present to cheer us on.


Event comments:
I should have taken an extra Gu with me as I planned. I decided no to take it last minute as I didn't have an extra pocket. I would have taken it at mile 10 or 11 and maybe wouldn't have felt so crampy.