Like I said in the last post just lost some motivation this week. But the good thing is the workouts that I did get in were quality and I will probably feel fresher for the Turkey Trot as a result. But need to keep the lack of motivation at bay post Thanksgiving as it will be time to start building a bigger base, no more track workouts for awhile (It's the midwest) moving on to fartleks and a good strong mileage base to get ready for Boston. Still have some strength training on tap for today, but have some work work to catch up on first then relaxing and start over again tomorrow.
November 16th Through the 22nd-43 miles
Monday-No Running (86 push ups, 95 sit ups, 18 squats, 45 tricep curls)
Tuesday-7.5 miles with track
Wednesday- No Running (100 push ups)
Thursday-7 miles with tempo
Friday-6.5 miles easy, 8:48 pace
Saturday-10 miles trail, 8:15 pace (120 push ups, 108 sit ups, 25 squats, 6 hip exercises, 10*2 second reps on each)
Sunday- 12 miles 7:16 pace (120 sit ups, 28 squats, and 6 hip exercises, 10*2 second reps on each)
Key Workouts:
Track:
easy warm up and cool down+
1600 warm up at 7:41.24
1200- 4:30.42 (176 bpm) (rest 2:34.53)
800- 2:59.47 (178) (2:00.20)
400- 87.22 (176) (1:31.15)
400- 84.41 (178) (1:57.62)
800- 2:51.55 (182) 2:30.97
1200- 4:21.78 (184)
Tempo:
5 miles aiming for under 34
6:47.56 (170)
6:48.37 (179)
6:46.86 (180)
6:46.06 (181)
6:46.55 (182)
33:55 total
Catching Up
I probably went a little overboard last week and I am paying for it this week with lack of motivation, seasonal blues, and a sinus infection. Not happy, but I'll get back on the horse. I think the mileage was probably fine but I ran a little too hard Sunday, just got caught up in the run and did a little too much around the house.
November 9th through the 15th- 65 Miles
Monday- 7 miles easy with Daisy- 9 minute pace (55 push ups, 48 sit ups)
Tuesday- 6.5 miles with track
Wednesday- 7 miles easy 8:30 pace (63 push ups, 69 sit ups)
Thursday-7.5 miles easy with Daisy 8:40 pace, (72 push ups, 75 sit ups, 45 tricep curls), 60 minutes yoga
Friday-9.5 miles with tempo with CV (80 push ups, 85 sit ups, 45 tricep curls)
Saturday-16.5 miles easy at Bills Badass 50k Fatass Run
Sunday- 11.75 miles 7:16 pace
Key Workouts:
Track:
easy warm up and cool down +
warm up mile 7:36.80 (148 bpm)
4*100 strides
1600-5:51.10 (181 bpm) (Rest 3:42)
1200-4:23.18 (183 bpm) (2:30)
800-2:51.47 (183 bpm) (2:13.38)
400-84.95 (175 bpm) (1:32.97)
400-79.95 (178 bpm)
Tempo:
6 miles aiming for under 42
7:01.83 (162 bpm)
6:59.45 (171 bpm)
6:55.70 (173 bpm)
6:55.30 (175 bpm)
6:56.43 (177 bpm)
6:46.55 (178 bpm)
41:35.3 total
November 9th through the 15th- 65 Miles
Monday- 7 miles easy with Daisy- 9 minute pace (55 push ups, 48 sit ups)
Tuesday- 6.5 miles with track
Wednesday- 7 miles easy 8:30 pace (63 push ups, 69 sit ups)
Thursday-7.5 miles easy with Daisy 8:40 pace, (72 push ups, 75 sit ups, 45 tricep curls), 60 minutes yoga
Friday-9.5 miles with tempo with CV (80 push ups, 85 sit ups, 45 tricep curls)
Saturday-16.5 miles easy at Bills Badass 50k Fatass Run
Sunday- 11.75 miles 7:16 pace
Key Workouts:
Track:
easy warm up and cool down +
warm up mile 7:36.80 (148 bpm)
4*100 strides
1600-5:51.10 (181 bpm) (Rest 3:42)
1200-4:23.18 (183 bpm) (2:30)
800-2:51.47 (183 bpm) (2:13.38)
400-84.95 (175 bpm) (1:32.97)
400-79.95 (178 bpm)
Tempo:
6 miles aiming for under 42
7:01.83 (162 bpm)
6:59.45 (171 bpm)
6:55.70 (173 bpm)
6:55.30 (175 bpm)
6:56.43 (177 bpm)
6:46.55 (178 bpm)
41:35.3 total
Back into the swing of things
I was planning on easing back into mileage slowly but with two medium long distance runs on the weekend I am almost back into the 60s. It feels good to get back into the groove so easily after feeling so run down before Columbus. Focusing on keeping the easy days pretty easy right now and that seems to help.
59.5 miles for the week
Monday-7.45 miles 9 min pace
Tuesday- 7.97 miles with track (32 push ups, 35 sit ups)
Wednesday- 7.82 miles 8:43 pace (46 push ups, 37 sit ups)
Thursday- 7.43 miles with tempo (50 push ups, 39 sit ups)
Friday-5.13 miles 8:50 pace
Saturday- 13.36 miles trails easy 11:08 pace
Sunday- 10ish miles at 7:35 pace (Garmin froze but seems to have corrected itself post run, let's hope that was just a fluke)
Key workouts:
Tuesday Track:
6*800 with 2:30 rests
3:03.52 (2:31.35) (174 bpm)
3:01.73 (2:26.72) (179 bpm)
2:59.18 (2:33.47) (182 bpm)
2:57.93 (2:22.77) (182 bpm)
2:57.08 (2:32.72) (184 bpm)
2:55.88
This workout took me over 2300 miles for the year which is more than I ran all of last year, fun little milestone.
Thursday Tempo:
Aiming for 6 miles, first mile at 7:30, next five in 35 aiming for over 7 the first two miles and under 7 the last 3.
Factoring in the 20-30 MPH the first mile and last 2.5 miles I am going to say this was the best I could expect. It was really more of a race the last two miles than a tempo effort into the wind.
7:38.19 (Heart rate 150 bpm)
7:09.01 (171 bpm)
6:57.71 (172 bpm)
6:57.08 (178 bpm)
7:03.01 (184 bpm)
7:01.21 (187 bpm)
Sunday 10 miler:
Ran with some SERC buddies in Hudson before helping out at a cross country race. Nice quick run even if I wasn't feeling it initially (too much wine Saturday night) it was a great morning with friends. Aiming for 10 miles under 8 minute pace and ended up averaging 7:35 pace.
59.5 miles for the week
Monday-7.45 miles 9 min pace
Tuesday- 7.97 miles with track (32 push ups, 35 sit ups)
Wednesday- 7.82 miles 8:43 pace (46 push ups, 37 sit ups)
Thursday- 7.43 miles with tempo (50 push ups, 39 sit ups)
Friday-5.13 miles 8:50 pace
Saturday- 13.36 miles trails easy 11:08 pace
Sunday- 10ish miles at 7:35 pace (Garmin froze but seems to have corrected itself post run, let's hope that was just a fluke)
Key workouts:
Tuesday Track:
6*800 with 2:30 rests
3:03.52 (2:31.35) (174 bpm)
3:01.73 (2:26.72) (179 bpm)
2:59.18 (2:33.47) (182 bpm)
2:57.93 (2:22.77) (182 bpm)
2:57.08 (2:32.72) (184 bpm)
2:55.88
This workout took me over 2300 miles for the year which is more than I ran all of last year, fun little milestone.
Thursday Tempo:
Aiming for 6 miles, first mile at 7:30, next five in 35 aiming for over 7 the first two miles and under 7 the last 3.
Factoring in the 20-30 MPH the first mile and last 2.5 miles I am going to say this was the best I could expect. It was really more of a race the last two miles than a tempo effort into the wind.
7:38.19 (Heart rate 150 bpm)
7:09.01 (171 bpm)
6:57.71 (172 bpm)
6:57.08 (178 bpm)
7:03.01 (184 bpm)
7:01.21 (187 bpm)
Sunday 10 miler:
Ran with some SERC buddies in Hudson before helping out at a cross country race. Nice quick run even if I wasn't feeling it initially (too much wine Saturday night) it was a great morning with friends. Aiming for 10 miles under 8 minute pace and ended up averaging 7:35 pace.
Marathon Predictor Calculators
In the lead up and aftermath of racing a marathon I have been contemplating predictor calculators and why they seem to be off for so many when it comes to the marathon.
A few of my friends insisted I was ready for 3:03 or even sub 3 before Columbus, but in the end I went for 3:05 and obviously that is about where I was. I chose that goal because of my half time at Buckeye Half. In the past my 10k equivalent predictor rate for the marathon was always around 4.78 to 4.83. A comparative 10k time to my 1:26:52 would be around 39 minutes and the ratio for that to my actual marathon time is 4.76. I figured best case scenario would have been just under 3:05 or a 4.75 ratio given my training was more consistent than in the past. But I also know that pacing screwed up a few of my key runs so I didn't want to be too optimistic.
I am wondering what ratio's others have and if you typically set your marathon goals based on your current shorter race performances and if any of the available calculators have been accurate for you.
I find it interesting that all of my races this year except the marathon lined up pretty well in the Daniels VO2 range, but my marathon obviously is not in that same range.
Some tools I have found useful for setting goals and getting an idea of my racing potential:
The old fashioned/simple approach: Half marathon*2 plus 10-12 minutes
Daniels VDOT Calculator: http://www.runbayou.com/jackd.htm
McMillan Running Calculator: http://www.mcmillanrunning.com/mcmillanrunningcalculator.htm
Race Time Predictor: http://www.runningforfitness.org/calc/rp.php?metres=5000&hr=0&min=22&sec=30&age=32&gender=M&Submit=Calculate
Predicting a Marathon Time: http://mysite.verizon.net/jim2wr/id70.html
The last link is one I have found intriguing. It bases the predictors on how much mileage you run. I have set up a spreadsheet to track my own personal 10k predictors and actual results along with my mileage. It seems like this time it was pretty accurate. I averaged 62 miles a week for the past 22 weeks or so and my rate ended up being 4.76 (4.78 if you based it off Perfect 10) (Note I just use the McMillan Running Calculator to get an "equivalent" 10k time for my races since I didn't run a 10k this year)
I think I still have a lot to learn about marathoning and I am excited to get faster. But it certainly is intimidating thinking about how fast I am going to need to be in these shorter distance races to achieve my ultimate marathon goals, especially if I need to do even better than most of these calculators suggest!
So my big question for myself is am I limiting myself by setting what appears to be conservative marathon goals according to all these calculators (and personal experience of others) or am I running my best marathons possible by setting a realistic goal. It seems based on my past experience that in order for those online calculators to be more accurate I am going to have to get my mileage up above 80 mpw, a tall order for those of us that aren't cranking out our easy mileage at a good clip.
Feel free to chime in on my rambling here, I am interested in others experience with calculators/goals etc. It's pretty much the down season now, so a great time to consider goals for next year!
*Edited to Add*
For an example case and since it is my blog here are some equivalent 10k times from my races leading up to Columbus and the resulting ratio
Johnnycake 5 Mile- 10k McMillan equivalent and ratio to Columbus Time 39:35/4.70
Perfect 10 Mile- 10k McMillan Equivalent and ratio to Columbus Time 38:52/4.78
Buckeye Half Marathon- 10k McMillan Equivalent and ratio to Columbus Time 39:02/4.76
A few of my friends insisted I was ready for 3:03 or even sub 3 before Columbus, but in the end I went for 3:05 and obviously that is about where I was. I chose that goal because of my half time at Buckeye Half. In the past my 10k equivalent predictor rate for the marathon was always around 4.78 to 4.83. A comparative 10k time to my 1:26:52 would be around 39 minutes and the ratio for that to my actual marathon time is 4.76. I figured best case scenario would have been just under 3:05 or a 4.75 ratio given my training was more consistent than in the past. But I also know that pacing screwed up a few of my key runs so I didn't want to be too optimistic.
I am wondering what ratio's others have and if you typically set your marathon goals based on your current shorter race performances and if any of the available calculators have been accurate for you.
I find it interesting that all of my races this year except the marathon lined up pretty well in the Daniels VO2 range, but my marathon obviously is not in that same range.
Some tools I have found useful for setting goals and getting an idea of my racing potential:
The old fashioned/simple approach: Half marathon*2 plus 10-12 minutes
Daniels VDOT Calculator: http://www.runbayou.com/jackd.htm
McMillan Running Calculator: http://www.mcmillanrunning.com/mcmillanrunningcalculator.htm
Race Time Predictor: http://www.runningforfitness.org/calc/rp.php?metres=5000&hr=0&min=22&sec=30&age=32&gender=M&Submit=Calculate
Predicting a Marathon Time: http://mysite.verizon.net/jim2wr/id70.html
The last link is one I have found intriguing. It bases the predictors on how much mileage you run. I have set up a spreadsheet to track my own personal 10k predictors and actual results along with my mileage. It seems like this time it was pretty accurate. I averaged 62 miles a week for the past 22 weeks or so and my rate ended up being 4.76 (4.78 if you based it off Perfect 10) (Note I just use the McMillan Running Calculator to get an "equivalent" 10k time for my races since I didn't run a 10k this year)
I think I still have a lot to learn about marathoning and I am excited to get faster. But it certainly is intimidating thinking about how fast I am going to need to be in these shorter distance races to achieve my ultimate marathon goals, especially if I need to do even better than most of these calculators suggest!
So my big question for myself is am I limiting myself by setting what appears to be conservative marathon goals according to all these calculators (and personal experience of others) or am I running my best marathons possible by setting a realistic goal. It seems based on my past experience that in order for those online calculators to be more accurate I am going to have to get my mileage up above 80 mpw, a tall order for those of us that aren't cranking out our easy mileage at a good clip.
Feel free to chime in on my rambling here, I am interested in others experience with calculators/goals etc. It's pretty much the down season now, so a great time to consider goals for next year!
*Edited to Add*
For an example case and since it is my blog here are some equivalent 10k times from my races leading up to Columbus and the resulting ratio
Johnnycake 5 Mile- 10k McMillan equivalent and ratio to Columbus Time 39:35/4.70
Perfect 10 Mile- 10k McMillan Equivalent and ratio to Columbus Time 38:52/4.78
Buckeye Half Marathon- 10k McMillan Equivalent and ratio to Columbus Time 39:02/4.76
On the Mend
My legs were pretty thrashed after the marathon so the past two weeks have been focused on recovery. Probably another week of light mileage before I ramp it up slightly for the turkey trot and then onto marathon base building for Boston.
While my legs are slowly healing I am wiped out today. Too many late nights and early mornings last week. I am ready for some mental relaxation this week as well as physical.
Monday October 19th Through October 25th- 9 miles
Monday-Walked 2 miles
Tuesday-Jogged 1 mile and walked 2 miles
Wednesday-Massage
Thursday-Vinyasa Yoga
Friday-Rest
Saturday-2 miles slow (calfs were very angry)
Sunday-6 miles slow (shins were very angry)
Monday October 26th through November 1st-32 miles
Monday-6 miles easy
Tuesday-8 miles with a track workout (8*400 and 1600 at end, all under 1:30 and mile in 6:15)
28 pushups and 23 situps
Wednesday-Rest (29 pushups and 29 situps)
Thursday-5 mile "tempo" 7:50 pace
Friday-6.5 miles easy
Saturday-6.5 easy on trails
Sunday-Rest
Halloween Photos Below
Work Pumpkin Carving Contest
Relaxing at the Smith's Bring Your Own Pumpkin Party
Halloween Trail Run
Halloween at The Edwards (Wolverine and Guitar Hero Casey Lynch)
My mini pumpkin and Daisy with pumpkin guts
While my legs are slowly healing I am wiped out today. Too many late nights and early mornings last week. I am ready for some mental relaxation this week as well as physical.
Monday October 19th Through October 25th- 9 miles
Monday-Walked 2 miles
Tuesday-Jogged 1 mile and walked 2 miles
Wednesday-Massage
Thursday-Vinyasa Yoga
Friday-Rest
Saturday-2 miles slow (calfs were very angry)
Sunday-6 miles slow (shins were very angry)
Monday October 26th through November 1st-32 miles
Monday-6 miles easy
Tuesday-8 miles with a track workout (8*400 and 1600 at end, all under 1:30 and mile in 6:15)
28 pushups and 23 situps
Wednesday-Rest (29 pushups and 29 situps)
Thursday-5 mile "tempo" 7:50 pace
Friday-6.5 miles easy
Saturday-6.5 easy on trails
Sunday-Rest
Halloween Photos Below
Work Pumpkin Carving Contest
Relaxing at the Smith's Bring Your Own Pumpkin Party
Halloween Trail Run
Halloween at The Edwards (Wolverine and Guitar Hero Casey Lynch)
My mini pumpkin and Daisy with pumpkin guts
Splitty Details
Usually I think that the 5k, 10k splits from a race give the best picture of how things are going since each mile can be so different, but Columbus was a case where that doesn't really give the whole picture.
Splits the race took (segment pace):
10k- 44:04 (7:06)
Half Marathon- 1:32:58 (7:06)
20 mile- 2:22:07 (7:07)
Finish- 3:05:57 (7:04)
What this doesn't show you is my cocky attempt to take that last 10k down to 6:54 pace which resulted in a bit slower pace the last few miles and my slowest mile of the day at 24 miles. (Granted mile 23 had been downhill with the wind and 24 was slightly up and into the wind) What can I say I felt really good and thought I was going to be able to hold sub 7s at that point and eek in under 3:05. The effort was there but just came up a bit shy.
I am a bit intrigued by the heart rate information. I make no claims at understanding what my heart rate should be at, but this seemed low considering I averaged about the same pacing at Akron (I thought it was high at Akron given the pace). I am wondering if the cool weather contributed to the low heart rate. Or perhaps the fact that for the most part I kept my mouth shut kept it lower than usual.
For my friend Brian's take on our race check out his blog.
It was fun for me to read and experience the race from his perspective.
Splits the race took (segment pace):
10k- 44:04 (7:06)
Half Marathon- 1:32:58 (7:06)
20 mile- 2:22:07 (7:07)
Finish- 3:05:57 (7:04)
What this doesn't show you is my cocky attempt to take that last 10k down to 6:54 pace which resulted in a bit slower pace the last few miles and my slowest mile of the day at 24 miles. (Granted mile 23 had been downhill with the wind and 24 was slightly up and into the wind) What can I say I felt really good and thought I was going to be able to hold sub 7s at that point and eek in under 3:05. The effort was there but just came up a bit shy.
I am a bit intrigued by the heart rate information. I make no claims at understanding what my heart rate should be at, but this seemed low considering I averaged about the same pacing at Akron (I thought it was high at Akron given the pace). I am wondering if the cool weather contributed to the low heart rate. Or perhaps the fact that for the most part I kept my mouth shut kept it lower than usual.
| Mile | Time | Garmin Distance | Average Heart Rate |
| 1 | 0:07:19 | 1.04 | 156 |
| 2 | 0:07:04 | 0.99 | 162 |
| 3 | 0:07:10 | 1.01 | 160 |
| 4 | 0:07:01 | 1.01 | 168 |
| 5 | 0:06:59 | 1 | 167 |
| 6 | 0:06:59 | 1.01 | 165 |
| 7 | 0:07:09 | 1.02 | 165 |
| 8 | 0:07:04 | 1.01 | 162 |
| 9 | 0:06:56 | 1 | 160 |
| 10 | 0:07:07 | 1 | 160 |
| 11 | 0:07:05 | 1.01 | 160 |
| 12 | 0:07:12 | 1.02 | 163 |
| 13 | 0:07:03 | 0.99 | 162 |
| 13.1 | 0:00:45 | 0.11 | 166 |
| 14 | 0:06:20 | 0.89 | 162 |
| 15 | 0:07:04 | 1.01 | 163 |
| 16 | 0:07:07 | 1.02 | 163 |
| 17 | 0:07:05 | 1.02 | 163 |
| 18 | 0:07:08 | 1.02 | 167 |
| 19 | 0:07:15 | 1.01 | 168 |
| 20 | 0:07:06 | 1.01 | 168 |
| 21 | 0:06:55 | 1.01 | 169 |
| 22 | 0:06:54 | 1 | 169 |
| 23 | 0:06:50 | 1.02 | 169 |
| 24 | 0:07:20 | 1.01 | 168 |
| 25 | 0:07:17 | 1.02 | 168 |
| 26 | 0:07:09 | 1 | 170 |
| 26.2 | 0:01:26 | 0.24 | 173 |
For my friend Brian's take on our race check out his blog.
It was fun for me to read and experience the race from his perspective.
Brief Columbus Race Report
Hopefully I will have time to sit down and do this properly but I am hoping I can at least capture the emotions I had and the short gist of things here before I head to the track for what promises to be an entertaining attempt to jog.
Sunday morning I woke up at 4:20 before the alarm clock. Had a reasonable amount of sleep and headed straight for the coffee maker and the fridge to fuel and caffeinate. pretty much all business until my parents dropped me off at my friends hotel near the start. Then we got a little silly as the girls prepared to go race. It was just the right amount of goofy and got me pumped up to start.
We headed to the start and I started to worry about timing so I opted to give the girls high fives and get started on my warm up. Turned out to be a good idea. Got my gear bag onto the truck then tried to wade through the insane crowds towards what I assumed was the start before freaking and going to the side and having to jump the fence with Brian Stern and AJ B.
It was great to have some local friends in the coral with me. But there was no way to get in a proper warm up. We were stuck. I kept my warm clothes on until about 2 minutes before the start. Stripping and noting that some jerk had peed right in front of me. I would not have been happy to run through that with my very minimal shoes. Yuck!
My buddy Brian W found me and before we knew it the race had started.
I stayed with Brian through about mile 21. Most of the early miles it was hard to tell how the day would go. It was pretty cold and I couldn't get a good feel of my running legs. They were a bit numb and a bit awkward feeling. Energy was good, right calf was sore, and my shins were not happy about not having a proper warm up. But we settled into our pace and I hoped everything would warm and loosen up.
Shortly after mile 12 and my first gel I started to feel my legs come back to life. Huge relief and I was starting to get optimistic that things were going to go well late in the race.
Hit the half about 25 seconds behind anticipated goal time. Pretty much perfect. We joined a pair of guys who were going for sub 3:10. It was windy so I tucked behind the boys to draft for awhile which was helping me to stay peppy.
We were still just coasting and by about mile 18 I finally saw the first girl coming back to me. I hadn't seen any women since long before the half turned off, so I was getting excited to race. Around mile 19 or 20 I started to pick it up a bit as we closed on the gal in red. At mile 21 Brian let me know that I was looking good and I realized I was losing my partner in crime. It was very selfless of him to help me, but I needed to keep running my race.
My energy levels were great and I was ready to race the last 10k. I started passing people left and right. I had visions of running a slew of 6:54s and getting back the 60 seconds or so I was behind the goal at 20. That lasted for 3 miles and then I just ran out of a little steam. The last 4 miles were a hair slower, but I was only passed by one guy in the last 10k and was still passing many runners, including at least 5 more women. I was completely content knowing I would come in under 3:10 no matter what.
I pushed as hard as I could to the finish, high fiving my parents at about 25.5 and smiling like a fool and putting the hammer all the way down as I hit the 26 mile marker into the finish. Running a 1 second positive split.
3:05:57. Good enough for 12th female and 4th in my age group.
I am so stoked!
That's the short of it, I remember lots more details so hopefully I will have time to get them down but didn't want to leave anyone hanging on at least the minimum details.
Sunday morning I woke up at 4:20 before the alarm clock. Had a reasonable amount of sleep and headed straight for the coffee maker and the fridge to fuel and caffeinate. pretty much all business until my parents dropped me off at my friends hotel near the start. Then we got a little silly as the girls prepared to go race. It was just the right amount of goofy and got me pumped up to start.
We headed to the start and I started to worry about timing so I opted to give the girls high fives and get started on my warm up. Turned out to be a good idea. Got my gear bag onto the truck then tried to wade through the insane crowds towards what I assumed was the start before freaking and going to the side and having to jump the fence with Brian Stern and AJ B.
It was great to have some local friends in the coral with me. But there was no way to get in a proper warm up. We were stuck. I kept my warm clothes on until about 2 minutes before the start. Stripping and noting that some jerk had peed right in front of me. I would not have been happy to run through that with my very minimal shoes. Yuck!
My buddy Brian W found me and before we knew it the race had started.
I stayed with Brian through about mile 21. Most of the early miles it was hard to tell how the day would go. It was pretty cold and I couldn't get a good feel of my running legs. They were a bit numb and a bit awkward feeling. Energy was good, right calf was sore, and my shins were not happy about not having a proper warm up. But we settled into our pace and I hoped everything would warm and loosen up.
Shortly after mile 12 and my first gel I started to feel my legs come back to life. Huge relief and I was starting to get optimistic that things were going to go well late in the race.
Hit the half about 25 seconds behind anticipated goal time. Pretty much perfect. We joined a pair of guys who were going for sub 3:10. It was windy so I tucked behind the boys to draft for awhile which was helping me to stay peppy.
We were still just coasting and by about mile 18 I finally saw the first girl coming back to me. I hadn't seen any women since long before the half turned off, so I was getting excited to race. Around mile 19 or 20 I started to pick it up a bit as we closed on the gal in red. At mile 21 Brian let me know that I was looking good and I realized I was losing my partner in crime. It was very selfless of him to help me, but I needed to keep running my race.
My energy levels were great and I was ready to race the last 10k. I started passing people left and right. I had visions of running a slew of 6:54s and getting back the 60 seconds or so I was behind the goal at 20. That lasted for 3 miles and then I just ran out of a little steam. The last 4 miles were a hair slower, but I was only passed by one guy in the last 10k and was still passing many runners, including at least 5 more women. I was completely content knowing I would come in under 3:10 no matter what.
I pushed as hard as I could to the finish, high fiving my parents at about 25.5 and smiling like a fool and putting the hammer all the way down as I hit the 26 mile marker into the finish. Running a 1 second positive split.
3:05:57. Good enough for 12th female and 4th in my age group.
I am so stoked!
That's the short of it, I remember lots more details so hopefully I will have time to get them down but didn't want to leave anyone hanging on at least the minimum details.
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