Rochester Half Marathon and 5K - RunHalf Marathon

First few miles felt really good. Was able to zip through the first hills. Definitely not in Colorado anymore. This was pretty easy for me but my HR was up. Settled in as we made our way onto the river trail and started passing people pretty well. The river trail was really nice. Very scenic and shaded. Kept us cool. Got to the railroad section where we were running along the path near the old railroad tracks. This was miles 5-7 and again 9-10. Again I felt very strong through the first part. Mile 7.5-9, we veered out into the woods, and this was rolling hills but very pretty. I was feeling strong so I picked up the pace a little. The last miles from 8-10 I was flying I finished mile 10 at a 7:30 pace. Then the wheels started to fall off. Just as I turned to go around the lake for miles 11 and 12, my right quad started cramping. From my hip to my knee, the leg started locking up. I tried to stretch, but it only helped for about 30yrds at a time. I was in a ton of pain. I did some walking, probably about 7-8 minutes over the next 25 minutes. This probably slowed me to about a 10-12 minute pace. Finally with 1 mile to go, it loosened enough and the adrenaline of knowing I was near the end, I was able to pick it back up and finished with an 8 minute mile for the last mile. Dragging my leg behind me, I finished strong and got through my first 1/2 marathon.

I was very happy to have finished, but my last 3 miles really disappointed me. I think I could have done a 1:45 had my leg not given out. Never had this happen before and hope it's not a bad sign for the future.

I tried to stay hydrated, but think that my nutrition along with water stops only every 2-2.5 miles lead to the cramping. I would definitely carry my own water next time. I know I have the endurance, my HR was definitely under control and my pace was sustainable.

Walked around and checked out the craft tents at the craft fair. Sat and stretched out some, but my leg was shot. Eventually, walked the 1.5 miles back to the hotel, very slowly.


My right leg. Don't know what happened. This is not something I have ever felt.


This was a good race and I will be back some day to get my revenge. :)

On the plus side, my wife ran the 5k and finished 2nd in her age group. Pretty amazing, as it wasn't a really fast time, but it was nice for her to win some hardware. First time she has placed at any of her runs. Yeah wife!!!