Chicago Spring Half Marathon Race Report
I know no one is going to feel sorry for me, but I have been very frustrated with the fact that I have had the same VDOT since last May. Zero gain in a year got to my head a little, but about half way through the OS I stopped making excusses like maybe I hit my limit and I'm not meant to be faster, or my injury held me back, etc and instead found a running club to train with.
Well, I think I have done a total of 6 workouts with them, but running with fast dudes got me out of my rut and paid off.
Even though I didn't hit my goal time, I'm proud to report that my vdot finally went up and jumped from 60.8 to 62.6, but I'm rounding up to 63 
.
It was a great day for me and as usually good to see Jim Hansen and is family out there as well.
Here is the full race report with pictures this time since Theresa and Abigail made it out.
http://ironmancona.blogspot.com/201...-half.html
It was definitely a cool experience leading a race from start to finish with close to 3000 people behind me. As usual, I'm glad to share as much as people want to know about the race or anything else.
Thanks for reading.
Comments
AWESOME job, Matt. Great report, too.
I fully understand your disappointment (which I see as the rigorous self-analysis which helps you do so well) with your performance in light of the high standards you set for yourself, but I hope you are secretly basking in the warm glow you well deserve for your wire-to-wire win, whatever the time. While I've never led an entire race, I've spent a fair amount of time leading my AG on the run. I am always more scared and feeling like I'm working harder in that situation than when I'm trying to catch someone. And, yes, looking back is viewed by those behind as a sign of weakness, or at least self-doubt.
What a confidence builder for your summer training.
Never, EVER look back. Nope, don't do it. It's an invitation for a race "fight"--and certainly an effort to surge from behind. Kids even do it in the pool--makes me nutz. From high in the stands I have seen many a race lost to looking back. Likely the same cost on the roads. That's a mantra I would repeat and never lose sight of. Nice work on that--and all around! Congrats, Matt. Talent aside, the win couldn't happen to a nicer guy!
PS--Getting Theresa's cheering reports make it even better!
Al and Linda, I didn't really realize it until your comments, but I was actually very uncomfortable being up front the whole time. There was more than once that I actually wanted someone to run behind for a little while. I was pretty nervous about getting caught thought and just kept pushing, but at the same time it was so hard to push when there was no one in front of me.
I'm used to starting out slow and slowly letting people come back to me (i.e. the EN way). There is a certain amount of control and comfort I have have when I can see exactly how far in front someone is and that I am closing the gap. Having no idea where second place was definitely messed with my head a little.
I'm glad I only looked back once and didn't see anyone, but I know I let up because of it and that is a big reason I did not meet my goal. Definitely learned to never look back!!!
The other "game" I'm starting to be exposed to is the interactions between other runners in the front of the race, especially on out-and-back sections. It is interesting on how some people ignore you completely, some pick up the pace for a few seconds to look strong, and others are friendly and give words of encouragement...at the end of the day you can tell they are not happy you are there. Very different the experience from being in the pack.
Al, yes, I definitely am enjoying the fact that I won, but like you said there are ALWAYS ways to improve and if I don't learn from my mistakes I may not ever have the chance to experience winning again.
Great job, Matt! I can't imagine what it would be like to lead all the way.
If anyone has earned 1st place, you have. I guarantee I'll be glad to see you at the front of the pack at High Cliff and I'll certainly be cheering you on. (If you haven't already finished when I get off the bike?)
John
I actually managed to pull off a EN Gang Sign - I guess I wasn't running hard enough at that point as I usually don't get it right
Matt.... So glad to see the report. We heard about it at ToC but I didn't kknow time or details. Awesome to see you making improvements. I really feel your desire and hard work are truely giving you your gains. Many tell the fast people "must be lucky to just be gifted to go that fast". Although that may play into it a little I think in your case just plain hard a$$ work is getting it done.
VERY NICE JOB!!