Shamrock Sportsfest 1/2 Marathon - Run

Ran surprisingly consistent. Normally I am a jackrabbit and can only tell my pace when I check my watch at the mile markers. I 'felt' my pace and I could even tell when I increased my pace. This is a great thing for the upcoming season! Mentally, I lost focus between mile 11 & 12 because I though I was between miles 12 & 13. It cost me about 15 seconds (ran a 6:43), but I quickly refocused.

I would use this as a nutritional focus race. Again, I didn't take any gels during the race. I need to work on that for my longer tri's. It didn't affect me here because it was "only" a road race, but I have to think of the bigger picture.

Had a bit of broth and some water. Then after about 30 minutes, I joined my Training Partner at mile 12 of the marathon. I paced him from mile 12 - 16 into a stiff headwind and then picked him back up at mile 22 till the finish. Problem was that I still didn't EAT anything before I picked him up. Things started to get fuzzy around mile 15, but I held it together until I "dropped him off" at mile 16. I had 2 gel packs and 4 orange slices waiting for him to make it back around. Then I was fine.


Desire. This was a fast tempo run for me. I didn't want to "race" it because of Boston next month. I stayed at my upper comfort level and that's exactly what I wanted to do. I did surprise myself though. I think if I would have raced it, I could have run a PR. That's a huge motivator for the season!


VERY Well put together race! Other than the "issue" I had at packet pickup with them not having me on the list, it went well. My recommendation, if you send in a paper application, print out your participant list name off the web and a copy of your cancelled check. I felt like I was "being judged" and they were doing me a favor letting me race. I was not a happy camper! But the race as a whole...very well done. Kudos.