Skunk Cabbage Classic - Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

Wasn't planning on a PR at this race. Missed two key runs in March due to a shin injury. Was hoping to go out and have a solid, consistent race. Started about 6 rows from the front of the group and at the start of the race, I went out too fast. Convinced my self that I felt good and didn't slow down too much. Small hill on mile 4 slowed me down and I told myself to hold there and then wait for the downhill at the end to pick up the pace but I drifted back closer to 8:10 pace and then around mile 10 or so I just couldn't keep the pace up. Last two miles were alot slower. Legs didn't care that there was a downhill!!

Nutrition: Gu just before mile 5 followed by water from the aid station there and around mile 10.5 followed by water. Same as 2010 race.

Need to have a better race strategy and run within my limits for the overall race. Don't go out so hard. I knew I didn't have a PR in me but I went out at the gun like I could do it. Line up further back at the start so I am not trying to push the pace with the fast folks up front to conserve some engery for the duration of the race.

Satisfied with overall time for the race but would have preferred to finish strong vs. dogging it at the end.

Walked around to find food and drink. Stretched a little. Compression calf sleeves for the ride home.


Missed two key runs in March due to shin injury. Maybe too much treadmill time over the winter and not enough time running on varying grades outside. Calves were not happy on the hills! (Although I don't think I had too many more outside runs in 2010)


I enjoy doing this race. There are always plenty voluteers out on the course. Road tend to have a pretty good crown to them which some people don't like but I haven't had a problem with. They added a Saturday registration and race number pick up which made the crowd a lot less on Sunday morning. Also moved the location for race day registration to the inside track which gave a lot more space. Both of these were good improvements.

Two criticisms: There was no water at the finish line. Had to go looking for it. Also, they ran out of gatorade at the finish very early (still had over 300 runners on the course) and were only serving water which was WARM!! No water by the food after the race which was a hassle. I don't remember this being an issue last year.