Half Marathon Execution - setting goal pace?
Finishing up Nov Int OS. I have a Half Marathon scheduled for the end of week 20 on March 20th. My question is about execution. I posted in NOV OS group, but thought I would post here as well.
Some history: ran my first open HM on Oct 17, 1:52:31 for a vdot of 39. Week 8 5k test vdot of 40, week 14 5k test vdot of 42. I have been extending my Sunday runs for the past 4 weeks as per the HM hack. Then I ran a 10k race, Hyannis on Feb 27 without changing training schedule; terrible execution on my part, tons of runner traffic for me, pretty disappointed. Vdot of 40. My week 18 runs felt horrible after the race, struggled to hit my numbers. Then, last Sunday and this week's runs felt really good.
I am not an experienced distance racer. How should I execute the race? I will use the EN protocol for the race, adding time to the first three miles, and ramping up to race pace, but what pace? What should I use as my goal pace? Vdot of 42 or 40? This is not a priority race for me, but I want to do well and learn something. I would even consider pushing it, even if I blow up.
Thanks, John
Comments
Of course proper pacing up to mile 9 is critical. Go out too fast and you might be history.
I'm also doing the Bedford Half. Maybe we will cross paths.
Henry
Yes, the drive isnt too bad for me, maybe an hour and a half. PM me if you guys want to meet up before the race.