Hook Mountian Half-Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

Started off in a pretty steady rain, nasty and cold. After mile 2 it actually stopped. I removed my hood and gloves as I was gettting warm. Started thinking the long running tights were a mistake (proved quite right). The first 4 miles are flat around Rockland Lake. Averaged about 8 min miles but my HR was high 160's and I couldn't get it lower. At mile 5 the rain started (and wouldn't stop the rest of the day) and so did the hills. First incline wasn't that bad then we headed down Hook MTN (about 3/4 of a mile). Steep and tricky keeping good form especially with the conditions. There was actualy another downhill right after it that I wasn't familiar w/, then on to a flat 3 miles along the Hudson River. Ordinarily w/b beautiful but today couldn't see a thing except the puddles and the rain! This is where my tights started getting really wet and heavy. I kidded w/ a few people that I'd be willing to trade for a pair of shorts. They said just take em off. This is where the triathlete in me showed as I told them I'd gone commando. They were passing me and said they wouldn't mind...I reminded them it was an out and back. We all got a good laugh and it was a nice distraction. Every one talks about Hook Mtn but no one warned me that there was another long hill at the turnaround! Passed quite a few people walking it and felt pretty good at the 7 mile marker (sans the wet pants). Back along the river, feeling pretty good knowing that the HOOK was between miles 9-10. It's a monster but I was determined not to walk it. Many did. I dug deep and made it, slowly, but I made it w/o walking. I was proud of myself for not giving in and gave a little hollar at the top. Unfortunately, I would pay. Right after the crest, at the 10 mile marker I felt my left hamstring tighten. Occasionaly I get hammi cramps (more like knots) that incapacitate me and I could feel one coming on. I slowed and changed my gait. I was actually afraid to stop as I thought it would tighten and I'd end up on the side of the road. I knew these last 3 miles were going to be difficult. Most, maybe even all, the people I passed on the Hook passed me back. That bummed me a little. Also at mile 10 I was at 1:26. Knowing if I kept pace I'd get a PB. That wasn't meant to be. It was all I could do to push through. It was really painful. I started thinking of longer races to come and things I'd have to endure and realized this was all part of it. Also thought of all the RR's I've read by other BT'ers. That reallly helped and so I pushed on. After the 12 mile marker the pain subsided somewhat. Started to realize I'd make it w/o the hammi locking up on me. Rounded the last corner and saw 1:54:40 (man that last 1/10 feels long). I tried for one last kick to break 1:55 but alas it wasn't meant to be. In retrospect, I'm quite happy. A tough course, real lousy conditions and I really didn't train specifically for this race. If I wasn't pre-regisitered I'm sure I wouldn't have run at all today. Afterall, I'm not a duck!

Not wear long pants. Maybe walk up the Hook. Not sure, might have cramped anyway. Maybe drink more? Seem to have difficuly w/ that when it's raining.

I think I ran faster to my car than I did all day! Just wanted to get home and take a hot shower.


The rain, long pants and that monster known as Hook Mountain.


I'm glad I wore my Fuel Belt cuz I like to drink out of the bottles on my own schedule plus I had two gels. This would be a great course in better weather. I'll return next year. I ride around the lake a bit now I'm going to incorporate The Hook into some serious bricks too. Inthe end this will all help for the ultimate goal, TIMBERMAN!