Disney 1/2 Marathon

carls10 · January 11, 2011 3:45PM

First for the numbers: Chip time 1:44:13 (Current vDot 45 based on 10K)

Mile 1: 8:37

Mile 2: 8:14

Mile 3: 7:44

Mile 4: 7:42

Mile 5: 7:40

Mile 6: 7:53

Mile 7: 7:44

Mile 8: 7:42

Mile 9: 7:46

Mile 10: 8:15

Mile 11: 8:00

Mile 12: 8:07

Mile 13: 7:29

The numbers show a 4 minute improvement over last years 1/2 mary, almost 1 year ago. 1:44:13, (avg pace 7:54) this year and 1:48:33 last year. Still not up to my PR, but let's face it that was a few years ago. I am most proud of my pacing and that I finished strong (mile 13 was my fastest of the day). Based on my training, I knew that a 7:39 (my HM pace based on vDot) would be tough to hold. I went out more conservatively than recommended on purpose as I really wanted to pace this race well and finish strong. I knew at mile 9/10 that the last miles were going to be tough despite being conservative early. Mile 10-13, it was time to put my head down and get it done. Quads got destroyed in the race. Like I said, I was prepared for it hurt and got through it. For me, that was very important. My running has been suffering in the past few years and I am building back now. I never thought that my last mile could be my fastest.

The challenges included:

1. Running nearly the entire race in the dark, race start is 5:35AM and sunrise is 7:20AM, that was different. The distractions on the course helped, running through the parks was neat.

2. My garmin screen got messed up at mile 3 and I couldn't tell my pace without messing with the watch quite a bit (going to be emailing Garmin in a few, I really think it is defective).

3. This is a flat course, however there are a few on/off ramps and overpasses the course is on and I was not prepared. I wouldn't call them hills, more inclines but at mile 10, I was having a rough time on them.

Overall, I am pleased. Ready to get back on my bike and finish the OS strong.