CDA 1/2 Marathon
Wow. That is all I can really think of to say about this race.
Wow. Weather was pretty nasty. Been windy/cold/rainy for last 3 days, but today was only wind/cold. With wind chill it was probably in high 30's or low 40's. Section of course along lakefront was brutal. Wind was all onshore. Starting at Riverstone and running towards the lake was dead into wind which was mitigated a bit by slight downhill in sections. Portion of run is along IMCDA run course so gets me fired up for race one month from now!
Goal was to stick to a plan. 3 miles at 8:00 then pick it up to HMP at 7:25 and see what happens. I sat in car until about 10 minutes before gun went off at 7:30 just to try and stay warm. Jogged from car to race start and stood around for about 5 minutes, but still got chilled.
What I really wanted was to be under 1:40! Never even been in the 1:40's so I figured it was pretty high bar! Previous PR at this distance/race was 1:51!
Gun went off and away we go. Hit first mile a little fast and rolled it back a bit to 8:00 or so. Legs still felt tight/cold at mile 3 when I rolled it up to around 7:15 for a mile then settled in. Saw lots of people I knew, which is always cool especially since I am now technically a visitor to CDA. Hit the turn around and saw last mile was around 7:49! Dang it, need to focus. I have a hard time with "feel" and need to look at watch to see how hard I am going. Friend of mine went out hard at start and I figured I would see him later in the race. He does this all the time...especially at IM. Last year he was walking at mile 2 of marathon. Always a reminder to me on what to NOT do.
Reeled off several miles in the 7:20-7:30 range on 2nd half and took in 2 powerbar gels. Took a bit of water or HEED at 4 of the aid stations. Nothing more than a mouthful really, if that. Legs were starting to hurt a bit at 11 miles and right achilles was reminding me that it had been sore!
Hit the 12 mile market at about 1:30 and thought HOLY CR--, I could actually be under 1:40. Race is a bit longer than 13.1 by about 2/10 so I was worried. Friend I mentioned earlier was in view now and I was slowly reeling him in. Got withing viewing distance of finish line (have to run past it and loop back) and kicked it up another notch. Running under 7:00 pace now and getting close to buddy but he is working hard as well! Wind was at back for last 2.5 miles but slight uphill in sections so probably negated it.
200 yards left and I am seeing sub 1:40 in range but going to have to work. Running on fumes now with only 200 calories ingested and nothing more than english muffin with peanut butter for breakfast and some gatorade. Running through parking lot at Riverstong towards Main Street and make one final left turn for finish.......
Clock time = 1:39:48!! I was 1 second behind my buddy and he could not believe it. Another 10 yds and I pass him. For sure a negative split and PR by almost 12 minutes! Great confidence builder going into IMCDA. Run is coming along!
Wow....WORKWORKS!!!
Comments
HUGE. JUST HUGE Bryan. That is freaking crazy to pr by 12 minutes in a half mary. Great job and really shows you've been working. Good luck at IM.
Bryan - Feels great, huh? That must have been a jaw-dropping feeling when you realised what your time was. Now you have a whole new vista of possibility opening up to you for racing.
Oh, and shouldn't you give props to your SHOES as well?
@Al
How could I forget....K-Swiss K-ONA in the German Flag color up! At 9 oz with just a touch of medial support they are a great distance shoe but light enough for tempo work!
Yea baby!
Strong work Ogle. I hear ya on the weather. It was still storming some when I drove through after Onionman. Hopefully you wont get repeat weather for IM like last year!!