Chi Town Half Marathon Race Report
Today I slew a dragon. My dragon was the half marathon.
Understand that my idea of an endurance event is an OLY and, as I turn 70 next month, I’m good with that. My “A” race this year is the OLY Age Group Worlds in September.
I have been remarkably compliant with JOS training, (strictly accountable to my son, Matt) and I follow everyone’s posts daily. My intermediate training goal was the Chi Town Half, an opportunity for redemption after the fiasco of my first Half attempt in 2013 when, undertrained, I limped to the finish line of the Chicago Half in 2:39:07.
Recently, the various calculators suggested that I was capable of a sub-two hour Half, given the miracle of work, working. It was a great day for racing with starting temperatures in the mid 30’s, light winds and bright sunshine. I’m happy to report that I crossed the finish line in 1:59:27 with Matt at my side, whipping me for the last half mile. Finishing first in my age group (out of 8) was an added bonus.
Lessons learned:
1. The core routine has been key in allowing me to maintain form, especially in longer runs.
2. I credit the Myrtle exercises for helping to keep me injury free this season, a huge win for me.
3. One session with a running coach in 2014 transformed my pathetic mechanics and quickly shaved 30 seconds per mile off my time, an improvement that I have been able to build on.
Thanks, EN. Good luck to everyone in the coming season.
Comments
Congratulations. What a great feeling to go sub- 2hrs! Your experience helps motivate me to get out there and run my 3 x 1 mile zone 4 long run.
Good luck with summer training and in September!