Hilly Half Mary Pacing Question
I plan to race a half mary in 1 week - my 2nd in a two week span. The one last week was on the flattish side, at least by my northeast standards. The one next week is very much the opposite. Total climbing is close to 900 ft with generally rolling hills. The kicker is at mile 12 where there is a net vertical gain of close to 250 feet. This is tough alone, but because of the placement in the race, makes it extra challenging. I ran this race 2 years ago and it was like hitting a wall. I am in better shape now but am not looking for a half mary PR, however would like to PR my time from 2 years ago and run well.
I've had very good success at using the EN half mary pacing strategy over the last year, which is running the first 3 miles a bit slower, the middle 7 steady, and ramping up the last 3 with all I've got. I managed to set a PR last week using this strategy (1:35). However, on this particular course, this would be impossible because of that beast of a hill at mile 12. But, I think I can shave at least 5 mins off of my time from 2 years ago.
Any advice out there as to how to pace a race like this one?
Here is my garmin file for the course 2 years ago when I raced it. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/246881374