4.
Jan 27, 2008 11:33 AM
in response to:
runjr
Re: 1/2 Marathon Trainers, Week of Jan 27th
3M Half Marathon Race Report
Hey all,
Ran my 1st half marathon today, the Austin 3M Half Marathon and Relay. Initial reports state that there was a record crowd of 5200 runners, for the race which is part of the Austin Distance Challenge. The weather cooperated nicely, low to mid 40's at the 7:00 AM start. A little chilly for me, I had three shirts on for the start.
During training, I wanted to breakdown the 13.1 mile distance according to my training runs. I planned to run the race as two 5 mile runs and one 5K run. I hoped to run the two 5 mile segments in 45 minutes each, then hang on and push through the final 3.1 miles as best I could, hoping to finish the race in two hours.
I should mention that the 3M half is billed as a PR race, since it is mostly downhill, running from North Austin south to downtown Austin. Following my plan, the last 3.1 miles is mainly downhill, so I hoped to be able to roll the downhill part and complete my 1st half successfully.
As the race started I spotted a group holding a sign for 2:00 hr pace, so I tried to hang with them for the first few miles. I didn't warmup, instead deciding to save energy for the race and use the early miles as my warmup. Everything went to plan until the 4 mile water stop, this water stop had Gatorade and water, and I chose Gatorade. Bad choice as I soon started feeling bad. I only use water during training and made a mistake, made sure to get water at all other water stops.
Overall, the miles just rolled by, arrived at the relay point, 6.5 mile mark, at around 56 minutes, so far so good. Then we turned onto a street where some spectators shouted that the upcoming hill was the last, well they lied. This was around the 8.5 mile mark and I was beginning to tire a little. Miles 8 - 10 were rolling hills, not bad really, but a bit of a challenge.
I knew that if I got to the 10 mile mark then it was a downhill straightaway to the finish. I must say that mile 12 and 13 seemed to go on and on. My legs were heavy and even though I wanted to pick it up, my legs wouldn't let me. You could see the downtown buildings in the distance so you knew, just a little bit more.
Struggling on to the end, I was able to complete the race according to my plan. My time was 2:01:25, with a chip time of 1:57:29. My quads hurt a little and I won't be climbing any stairs today, but otherwise feel fine.
Thanks everybody for providing inspiration and guidance in helping me sign up for, train and complete my first half marathon.
GG
