I opted to run the Capital City River Run half marathon last Sunday. I figured that it would be a good final tempo run for training towards the Grand Rapids Marathon on Oct 17th. I ran it by the race clock 1 minute slower than last year with a final finish time of 1 hour 38 minutes. I would have liked to be faster than last year, but given that my recent training has been for a full marathon, I'll take that time!
On my way to the race Sunday morning, my truck started leaking gas from somewhere. A half a tank of gas went missing along Michigan Ave. The tank went dry... not my glycogen tank you geeks. I happened to stop just close enough to the race site where I could walk in to PPU. I opted to race, even though I was upset. I could see where the gas leak was from, so I figured that since there was no more gas (thus no more gas leak) that I would have the truck towed home... after the race.
I started off in front of the 7:30 pacer. Initially I thought that I would run as far as I could at a 7:20 pace. That lasted until mile 8. I slowed to a 7:35 pace and held it there for all of mile 8, 9 and into 10. I did take 1 GU at the 8 mile mark and water at every other aid station. I had hoped to have enough 'in the tank' (glycogen now) to finish the last 3 miles real strong. It was at that point that the 7:30 pacer caught up to me.
Now, I'll give it to the pacers for running a specific pace while encouraging runners to give it their best. But I just didn't want to hear all that 'encouragement' I just wanted to finish my race. I couldn't get back in to a good groove. I could hold a 7:15 pace, but when I tried to push into the high 6's my HR jumped up. Funny thing - the 7:30 pacer found himself all alone and started running a 7:00 pace. C'mon!!
I finished with a short final sprint. I felt great! I had a good run and was thankful for a beautiful race morning.
Finally, finished off my morning with a tow truck ride home. Then replaced a minor part on the truck and spent the day with my family.
Totals for the month:
(yes, only 30 minutes of swimming due to a broken rib)
| Bike: | 7h 16m 31s - 106.17 Mi | |||
| Run: | 11h 50m 07s - 80.57 Mi | |||
| Swim: | 30m - 1000 Yd |
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