Over The Dam Run Half Marathon - RunOther

This was overall a spectacular race but you had to earn those views across from the Dam. To be able to run over one of the biggest concrete structures in the world was really cool. The race itself was really quite smaller than I expected. There were only 57 in the half marathon distance. Considerably more participants in the 10K and 5K.

After a bit of a long wait in the small parking area of the Dam we got going at about 7:15am. Immediately ran down the first mile or so to the river below so pace was fast out of the gate. I was running below 8 min pace at one point, which for me, is insane! We then hit the trail by the river for a long segment on a flat section in shade. This was awesome and I felt like I could run all morning along here. I settled in around 9 min pace - just a little over, and ran at least 7 miles before taking a brief walking break. There was a group of about 5 us evenly paced and was able to stick with them for a solid 5 or 6 miles.

After the run along the river ended, we knew what was coming and it was time to pay our dues! I took a 20 second water break at the final station along the river before hitting the hill up to the Dam and that was the last I saw of my group! The climb up to the Dam was just under 1.5 miles and it was steep. I was probably a bit overly protective of my calf due to the issues I had early in the year but it was tough, period. Without a doubt the steepest and most tortuous hill I have ever ran up. I made it though, taking only a single 1 minute walk break..but of course my pace had come to a crawl. And, of course the shade was long gone..full sun rest of the way.

Finally up to the Dam, through the heavily armed security posts, and got to enjoy an incrdible 1 mile stretch over the Dam...wow. Views were fantastic and while my legs were tiring, everything felt great and I was still well within my pace to hit my goal time of 2:05-2:10. There were at least 3 more tough hills as we made our way up to the finish line in Electric City and the group had really spread out by the final 2 miles. A couple of small roller sections offered some relief but felt myself getting a little cranky around the 10.5 mile mark. Was getting tired and sick of the sun and hills! Snapped myself out of it after walking through a water station, and telling myself team Rookies would not approve of this attitude so drop the self-inflicted pity party and HTFU! Visualized the finish line and completing another HM.

Before I knew it I was on the final stretch and could see the group that I was running with early in the race - everyone placed about 100 yards apart.

Ran the final hill to see my son waiting for me on the final turn, which was awesome. Waved at him as he ran alongside on the grass until I hit the finish line!

My goal time for this race was 2:10 with ambitious goal of 2:05. I ran a 2:02 but the course was short. Had it been the full 13.1 I would have been right at the 2:10-2:11 mark, which would have also set a PB for the HM! Overall, very happy with my performance. The race was in a fantastic setting and the hills were extremely tough but I made it.

Shout out to my family - seeing my son waving on that final turn was awesome. And, of course my wonderful online Rookie Beast team mates..y'all rock!!

Cheers!

James

Take in more water during the course. Be better prepared/trained for a tough hilly final third.

Not much - drank water and some electrolyte fluid stuff they had which tasted pretty good.


Course - very tough final 4 miles. Probably too challenging for only my second HM but no regrets.


Spectacular race setting and challenge. A bit disappointed it did not measure 13.1 - having gone that far with those hills, another half mile or so wouldn't have made much difference.