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Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon


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Richmond, Virginia
United States
Precipitation
Total Time = 2h 37m 31s
Overall Rank = 4050/4578
Age Group = 45-49
Age Group Rank = 207/238
Pre-race routine:

got up and had coffee and bagels with judi (queenzipp), it was fun to have someone to hang out with in the morning before the race :)
Event warmup:

the traffic was super heavy so our warmup ending up being jumping out of the car while we were on the exit ramp and walking as quickly as we could to the race start - judi's daughter was running the 8k and we made it there with 30 seconds to spare - phew!

waited in line to use the porta potty's and trying to stay warm - it was cold, chilly and windy! misty rain added a nice touch as well :/

while we were in line kristen (endershadow) found us - we went to the start corals and chatted while we waited for the race start.
Run
  • 2h 37m 31s
  • 13 miles
  • 12m 07s  min/mile
Comments:

my stated goal for this race was 2:36, however - i really thought that based on my recent long runs and pace, i could maybe pull out a 2:30, so in my mind that's what i was shooting for - both goals were pretty aggressive considering i had a stress fracture in may and was released to start running early august

the start of the race was crowded as usual, but i felt like i was still going at a pretty good pace - the first mile was in under 10 min - which for those of you who know me, that's like speedy gonzales speed ;)

i did my typical run the first 12 min and then 3 min run, 2 min walk intervals - which i stuck to throughout the entire race

i felt super strong and was doing great - my 10k split was 1:10:57 - i was ecstatic - i really felt strong and like i was going to be able to keep the pace going

i enjoyed the people the music - great volunteers and lots of spectators cheering the runners on, which always is fun

there was even a homeless guy under a bridge that was 'cheering us on' - lol, not sure what he was saying but i'm going with cheering ;)

between miles 9 and 10 i started getting some cramping in my left calf, i tried to stretch it out during the walk intervals

mile 10 wicked, horibble, disabling cramps in my left foot and calf - i couldn't even walk. i had to sit down on the curb and take my shoe off and try and stretch out my foot - when i realized i was sitting on the curb in the auto traffic lane, i relocated to the other side of the street and sat on someone's front steps

i've never had such painful cramps running, it took me a good 5 - 10 min to stretch it out enough to get going again - for the next mile or so, i went back to my intervals, but the pace was much slower and i had to take mini walk breaks - it was pretty painful

i really had to dig deep to finish up the race - i kept hearing a voice in my head reminding me that i'm stronger than i know

finally around mile 12, the cramps lessened enough that i could maintain the pace a little better and it wasn't as painful

ran accross the finish line and was fairly pleased with the time i saw, given the circumstances

if i had been able to maintain the pace i was on, i would have come in at 2:29:55 and would have been in 177th in my age group

all in all though - considering it was my 2nd 1/2 mary and i improved from a 2:43:21, i'm happy with the race

i'm not sure why i cramped so badly, i suspect it is maybe due to lack of training on hard pavement and/or hills, while the race wasn't super hilly by any stretch, there was a lot more elevation than i'm used to
What would you do differently?:

train more on hard pavement
train more hills
not get leg cramps
Post race
Warm down:

ran accross the finish line, was wrapped in a mylar blanket - thank goodness for that!

wandered around looking for judi - found the food tent and some food

jen (artemis) found me :) she called judi we met up with judi's husband and daughter (miss thing) talked about the race a bit and headed back to judi's

What limited your ability to perform faster:

sever calf and foot cramping

Event comments:

i thought the race was very well organized, the only thing i would have changed was the weather ;)




Last updated: 2009-11-09 12:00 AM
Running
02:37:31 | 13 miles | 12m 07s  min/mile
Age Group: 207/238
Overall: 4050/4578
Performance: Good
Course:
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall:
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5]
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 4

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2009-11-15 9:11 AM

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TinkerBeth
23096
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Liverpool, New York
Subject: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon


2009-11-15 9:22 AM
in reply to: #2514590

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Veteran
271
1001002525
Greensboro,NC
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
HI Beth,
Great race!! You overcame some significant physical issues.

John
2009-11-15 9:38 AM
in reply to: #2514590

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Royal(PITA)
14270
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West Chester, Ohio
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon

You did great in the tough circumstanes.

2009-11-15 12:37 PM
in reply to: #2514612

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Elite
3595
20001000500252525
Quebec, Canada
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
Awesome race Beth in a far from easy race

I hope you will feel good soon and that those cramps will leave you alone!
2009-11-15 1:19 PM
in reply to: #2514590

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Master
1332
100010010010025
Vista, CA
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon

You're a tough one, Tinkerbeth! Nice job and way to stay focused and finish strong. I was thinking of you yesterday and sending good vibes!

 

2009-11-15 3:06 PM
in reply to: #2514590

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Elite
4148
2000200010025
Utah
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
Now there is a wonderful example of fortitude!!!

Don't beat yourself up over it, seems to me I recall you not even being able to run that much just a few months ago.

Nice job sticking it out!!!!  


2009-11-15 3:46 PM
in reply to: #2514590

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Extreme Veteran
396
100100100252525
Eastern Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
Beth,

That's awesome! I'd be pretty really happy taking almost 7 minutes off my 1/2 mary time. If I would have done it after having a cast on my leg a couple months ago I'd be doing backflips (I can't really do backflips but you get the point). Good job!

2009-11-15 4:08 PM
in reply to: #2514905

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TinkerBeth
23096
500050005000500020001000252525
Liverpool, New York
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
reid15 - 2009-11-15 4:46 PM Beth, That's awesome! I'd be pretty really happy taking almost 7 minutes off my 1/2 mary time. If I would have done it after having a cast on my leg a couple months ago I'd be doing backflips (I can't really do backflips but you get the point). Good job!


Thanks Art!  and you're right - I guess I wearing a cast just a few months ago - how soon we forget

2009-11-15 4:36 PM
in reply to: #2514590

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Extreme Veteran
597
500252525
New Joisy
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
To me you are inspiring!  What a great job you did.  To pretty much hit your stated goal with the severe cramping is amazing, and the amount of training time that you had prior to the race puts it in the category of awesome.   And then to drive home the day of the race, holy cow you are freaking superwoman....or supermom!

I think the homeless guy was probably cussing out all the runners for disturbing his sleep, or he wanted you to grab him some food after the race.

Great Job!
2009-11-15 5:04 PM
in reply to: #2514590

Master
1292
1000100100252525
Houston
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon

Great job pushing through the cramps and finishing this one!  I am still amazed at the long drive home following the effort.  At my last half, driving 20 miles back home was a challenge!  You rock!!!

2009-11-15 5:45 PM
in reply to: #2514590

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Elite
4372
200020001001001002525
Connecticut
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
Fantastic job on the PR Beth!  Just think of what your time will be for your next if you don't have cramping issues!  Super improvement.  You are much stronger than you think.  You proved that in this race. 

So, you in for Hyannis Half this year?


2009-11-15 5:49 PM
in reply to: #2514590

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Science Nerd
28760
50005000500050005000200010005001001002525
Redwood City, California
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
Great job, Beth!!  You'll be even faster next time without foot cramps.

It was great to get to meet you!
2009-11-15 6:16 PM
in reply to: #2514590

Iron Donkey
38643
50005000500050005000500050002000100050010025
, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon

You did it!!

You didn't mention anything about the weather, temp-wise.  How warm was it?  Did you hydrate enough?

Cramps - I'm very good at getting those.  Look at conditioning with getting some longer runs in, and pushing some more.

Way to go, Tink!

2009-11-15 6:30 PM
in reply to: #2515092

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TinkerBeth
23096
500050005000500020001000252525
Liverpool, New York
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
1stTimeTri - 2009-11-15 7:16 PM

You did it!!

You didn't mention anything about the weather, temp-wise.  How warm was it?  Did you hydrate enough?

Cramps - I'm very good at getting those.  Look at conditioning with getting some longer runs in, and pushing some more.

Way to go, Tink!



it was chilly!!!! misty and overcast the whole way - i was plenty hydrated

thinking i just needed more time on the pavement and a few more hills

2009-11-15 6:31 PM
in reply to: #2514590

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Champion
14677
5000500020002000500100252525
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
Oh My dear lady. You always just amaze me with your strength! Way to power though. Weather, cramps, just getting released to run a little bit ago, YOU ROCK.
2009-11-15 6:52 PM
in reply to: #2515036

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TinkerBeth
23096
500050005000500020001000252525
Liverpool, New York
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
ebshot - 2009-11-15 6:45 PM Fantastic job on the PR Beth!  Just think of what your time will be for your next if you don't have cramping issues!  Super improvement.  You are much stronger than you think.  You proved that in this race. 

So, you in for Hyannis Half this year?


i'm giving it some serious thought!



2009-11-15 7:53 PM
in reply to: #2515142

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Champion
23360
5000500050005000200010001001001002525
Taser-World
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
Think back two years ago, and repeat after me:
I hate to run. I love to run!
I hate to run. I love to run!
I hate to run. I love to run!


See? It worked!

Who'd have thought you'd actually be HAPPY about doing so much running?

CONGRATULATIONS!

2009-11-15 8:28 PM
in reply to: #2514590

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Master
2146
200010025
East Side of the Bay
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
Great race Beth! Congrats on the PR and continued progress in your running career!

Yes Do Hyannis!! Bring C with you this time. He needs to see more of the East Coast!
2009-11-16 6:58 AM
in reply to: #2514590

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Champion
10742
5000500050010010025
Ames, IA
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
Great job, Beth.  I super impressed knowing where you were running-wise just a few months ago.  Way to push through, overcome those cramps, and still put up PR!  Congrats!
2009-11-16 10:49 AM
in reply to: #2514590

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Champion
6107
50001000100
Out running or enjoying a fine glass of red...
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
It was so great to meet you! Sorry to hear about the cramping - that stinks...but you'll rock the next one you do! Hope to race with you again sometime...maybe I'll come up to your neck of the woods.
2009-11-16 3:49 PM
in reply to: #2514590

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Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
See what happens when you forget the salt tabs, LOL!

My legs were having phantom cramps and pains reading the RR.  Awesome job B getting though that stretch and even greater achievement doing this race after the injury.  Your on track for more PR's B!


2009-11-17 5:55 AM
in reply to: #2514590

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Champion
7163
500020001002525
Verona WI--Ironman Bike Country!
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
Way to rise above the pain and stay mentally tough for the race.  You've made great progress and I know next year you will crush that 2:30 goal!
2009-11-17 6:49 AM
in reply to: #2514590

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2009-11-18 8:13 AM
in reply to: #2514590

Pro
4828
2000200050010010010025
The Land of Ice and Snow
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
2009-11-18 8:10 PM
in reply to: #2514590

Expert
973
5001001001001002525
Berkeley, Calif.
Subject: RE: Suntrust Richmond Half Marathon
Congrats on the PR, Beth!! I'm so impressed with your time and all the work you put into this race, especially after the injury. You've become such a *runner*!
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