St. Cloud Earth Day Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

My goal was to break 1:30, but I was worried about going out too hard. Last year I really struggled the last 3 miles, and I was hoping to avoid a repeat. I decided I would go out at 7 flat and then pick it up as I felt good... So, how did that work for me? First Mile: 6:33. At least I felt good. Beginning of the race was in the rain, but it felt good. Better than the forecast, which was for a lot warmer and windier. From last year, I knew to seed myself up near the front, otherwise I would be held back too much, so that strategy worked well.

Miles 2-6 went very well. My breathing was perfectly under control, and I had a good feel for the pace. There were plenty of other runners around to chase and gage my progress. I was watching each of my splits and calculating my over/under for 1:30 the whole way. I was happily surprised by the number of spectators, given the weather conditions. They were a big boost.

I took my gel just before mile 6. I didn't have the whole thing, but took in what I could. I grabbed water at the 6 mile marker and tried to wash down the gel. Not so easy to do, even squeezing the cup closed tight. Oh well, I wasn't overly thirsty anyway.

Hit the hill after mile 6 and tried to stay within myself. Felt like I did a good job of that. Right after this hill is where I fell apart last year, but this year I was feeling better. Not quite as good as I felt the first 6 miles, but still not too bad. On the long straights, I got into a battle with another runner. I caught up to him and passed him. I tried to put a gap in, but he hung right on my shoulder. This was about mile 9. I couldn't put him away, and I was starting to worry about my legs. They were getting heavier. My breathing was still great. I don't have a hrm, but I sure felt in good control. I lost contact in my battle, and had to accept defeat.

Kept watching my splits, and they were dropping off little by little. At least not a big drop. I just tried to keep my turnover up, but my legs were feeling heavy. The last 2 miles, I just tried to keep it going. It wasn't enjoyable, but I knew I wasn't slowing as fast as it seemed I was. I probably lost about 2 minutes and 15-20 places though in the last 2 miles. Unfortunate, but... I still beat my goal time! I was happy to see the finish line!

I think I did what I could do. 13.1 isn't a walk in the park when you are trying to race it. I could train more specifically for the 1/2, but this is a fun race, and a great early season motivator.

Grabbed some water and a cookie. Ran backwards on the course to cool down, and looked for Benihana. Saw him while he had a 1/2 mile to go. Cheered him on.


Good early season 1/2 mary.