2011 Hyannis Half Marathon Race Report
aka "The Comeback Trail is Full of Lactic Acid"
I was pumped for this race as it is really the first time I'd be able to compare my fitness pre/post accident. Everything else I have done has been a "first time" event leaving me feeling good about my fitness but not so sure about where I stood historically speaking. I was hoping to run 6:20s, with a dream of beating my 1:23:03 time from last year on my mind for sure.
Am on the Boston Marathon hack, so have been suffering through some longer miles and just trying to hang on during the bike workouts. We awoke to low 30s, with light wind and a wintery mix of snow and rain. Would have been perfect if not for the moisture, but as Mike Graffeo noted: everyone has to run it. We did a nice warm up together and then it was to the starting line.
As the gun went off, I took off and fell in with a good group. The first few miles were easy (save for the snow/rain) and I chose to ignore the fact that I was putting in 6:15 miles…it just felt so good (more on that later). Seeing the outlaws and our two angels cheering with pom-pons on the side of the road was awesome. It was about this time that my Boston Buddy, Dave, caught me and we proceeded to put in some good miles. We came though six miles at 6:22 pace, which told me that I was already slowing down.
The remainder of the race was uneventful, as the weather got better and Dave and I continued to push each other. He eased off at the 10 mile mark to save his calf, I pushed on but quickly found I had no gears left. I had managed to run myself into a corner over the previous 10+ miles and was resigned to just hanging on.
I tried to pick up the pace a few times, but there was no juice in my legs. I crossed the line in 1:24:07, just about a minute behind my 2010 time. I am insanely happy with the outcome, but know that had I executed properly over the first 3 miles that I probably would have bettered my 2010 performance. I am grateful for this reminder now (vice at mile 18 in Placid!).
Congrats to everyone who competed…please share your stories. Now it's time for some recovery!!!
Patrick
Comments
Nice job on the come back Coach P. Also take note of the weather conditions as they could have slowed you down some as well.
From your 55 vdot posting on the dashboard. I just put in the numbers and 18' 5k = 56 vdot HIM 6:20, TP 6:15 and IP 5:50. So that 6:15 pace definitely cost you. Its a good thing that you were reminded of the EN Ninja execution ways before LP.
Gordon
It must feel so good to have this result coming off your accident last year. Can't wait to see what the year has in store for you!
Coach P - I'm so glad to hear your successful comeback story. As a fellow member of the EN 2010 Crash Test Dummy Club, I appreciate that it is never obvious during rehab that you will get it all back. Resetting the training meter from a complete halt like you had is harder than just getting going after an annual break. And, until you pound it out on race day, no amount of workout success can convince you the old speed is still there.
Sounds to me like you still know how to pace it; after all, you didn't
Sorry to hijack your thread Coach P - I misread what you said about sharing stories ! Duh - It is moved!
I'm psyched to see what you can do at Boston! I will be cheering you on on that last "little" hill on Beacon St just as the Citgo sign comes fully into view.
Congrats Coach, very impressive. And to think you are only going to get stronger from now until LP. Keep it going !!!
Patrick,
It's amazing the strides (pun intended) you've made since that day we were loading you into the van, bloodied and broken on the side that wet mountain road in CA.
Don't sell yourself short. You're not just hanging on in the bike workouts, you're sitting on an all time high FTP. All while training for Boston as well.
Congrats on a great race. Verry happy for you.
Dave
Congratulations, P!!!! That is truly heartwarming to read. Not only are you back, but you are back with a vengeance! You worked for that in every way shape and form. I'll never forget watching those first few walking steps at Carrie's house. You deserve that great race day pay off.
Congrats on your 1:24. Pacing shmacing....you'll have it fully mastered by LP. Running with a group and a friend is just so enticing and probably made the race doable at all with the fatigue you have been carrying.
XO Carrie
Well done,
Mike