Holy Half - RunHalf Marathon

Started out with the fast guys as I positioned myself toward the front. I had more of an attack attitude today vs. past races. I felt really prepared and wanted to get after it in a big way. I ran pretty hard out of the gates, getting HR up towared target "going rate" of 167-168 bpm. I did sense that I was going a bit too fast and backed off a bit after 5 minutes. Good thing, cause the guy I was running with the 1st half mile finished in 1:27! No way I was holding that kind of pace.

I passed the 1st mile mark at 7:34, thinking I was in trouble, cause it felt A LOT faster than that. So, I just kept on the gas, trying to stay below 169 bpm, thiking that it just wasn't my day and see if I could hold on...

I missed the 2-mile mark but crossed 3 miles in 21:36 (7:12 pace for 3 miles, and 7:01's for the 2nd and 3rd) and was encouraged/frustrated that the mile markers were so screwed up. I then decided to relax a bit and settle in. Quite a few people passed me on miles 4-6, but decided to stick with my HR plan, keeping in the 167-168 range. I Gu'ed at about mile 4.5 and got some water. Just water the remaining 4 stations.

It was a two loop course and passed what I estimated the 1/2-way mark in about 47 minutes. I did the math and figured I could PR and would have to really push to get the 1:35. At about the 7mi mark, it was quite windy and I drafted on this guy for a few hundred meters and made a comment about "using him as a wind block." I then realized that if I was able to talk in a complete sentance that I wasn't racing hard enough. I kicked in it a bit, about 10sec/mi faster and started feeling really good. The next miles went quite well and was passing the people that eclipsed me in the early miles; confidence was builing again.

At about mile 10 the M60-64 USAT National champ and World Champion, Steve Smith, local stud, passed me, but wasn't blazing by. So, I drafted off him for about a 1.5 miles, again adding about 5-10 sec/mi to the pace. Eventually, he pulled away, but I kept pushing. He put the gas on at mile 11 or so, and I just didn't have the legs to hold on. I was able to put a little kick in the last 1/2 mile or so, but I'm sure it was hardly noticeable to anyone but me. I was probably just working harder to hold pace...

I'm pretty happy to PR by 4:15 vs. last fall (1:40:38)

Splits were screwed up due to mile markers, but effort was consistently hard!

dist time pace Avg HR End HR
1 7:34 7:34 162 168
2 14:02 7:01 169 170
1 7:58 7:58 168 167
1 6:30 6:30 168 169
1 6:05 6:05 167 166
1 9:03 9:03 167 167
2 14:22 7:11 168 169
1 7:52 7:52 169 170
2 15:10 7:35 170 168
1.1 7:47 7:05 171 172

13.1 1:36:23 7:21 168

I've made tons of progress with my running in the last year. Running consistently, working in a little speed work (3-4 tempo runs per month) and pushing harder during the race. You learn a lot with each race, gain confidence and begin to push. I haven't blown up yet. So, maybe there's a bit more effort to put forth the next time.

Holy Half Mar'07 (1:52:12)
Sunburst May'07 (1:45:44)
Cleveland Sep'07 (1:40:38)
Holy Half Apr'08 (1:36:23)

Relax and take it easier during 1st 1/2 mile. I was jacked up and went out a bit too fast.

Lots of walking around. I ate a ton (two bagels with cream cheese, bunch of grapes, a banana, couple cups of gatorade, water. Waited for awards, as one of the guys (ran a 1:27) and one gals we run with (ran a 1:42) got awards (medal and pair of ND Crocs). Fastest time was a 1:11! Went home and made a giant yogurt, blueberry and Hammer Whey smoothie.


Not knowing my true splits. I think the first mile shook me up a bit and I didn't settle down until about half-way. Miles 7-11 were very strong. I could use more run endurance to have some kick in the final couple miles.

I was sick most of March and spent 9 days in China in March as well. Was still mildly congested on race day. Breathing didn't seem to be an issue on race day, but was forced to take it easy most of March.


Great race. It has gotten bigger with over 500 runners this year. You really can't beat this race for value. As race entry is only $20. You get chip timing, good post-race food, 5 water stations and 2 gatorade stations.