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Lake Sammamish Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon


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Redmond, Washington
United States
4th Dimension Racing
27F / -3C
Sunny
Total Time = 1h 27m 26s
Overall Rank = 47/1737
Age Group = 20-29
Age Group Rank = 2/242
Pre-race routine:

My life has been crazy! Socially, professionally and physically. I was going into this race as a "B" race, a tune-up for Boston.

Shoot. I hate to say it but I was so exhausted Friday night I didn't even have a night before beer. :(
Event warmup:

Drove to the bar where a few BTers were going to meet afterwards and then ran to the start for a warm-up. Picked up my bib, went and did some more warming up including strides then checked my gear. I went and lined up to use the restroom and ran into one of the guys I was chatting with at the last 5K. I actually wasn't sure who the hell he was at first (I can be a little slow) and thought maybe he was a BT guy? But as we chatted I put 2 and 2 together. After that I ran into two of the people I did Ragnar Miami with. It was really nice to see them! I found Andie (she's in my running club) and later Chad (BT.) It was like all my running social circles colliding!

Unfortunately the race started late and I was FREEZING so Chad, Andie and I left our spot in the "corral" and did some more jogging.

We got back in line and Steve from BT came and said hello.
Run
  • 1h 27m 26s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 06m 40s  min/mile
Comments:

I went into this race as a tune-up for Boston. I knew it was going to be a really deep field on the woman's side so one of my big goals was to not worry about racing and focus on the things I needed to work on.
Those were as follows:

1. Navigating the cluster-fudge at the start (because Boston is going to be a whole lot more difficult)
2. Starting out conservatively
3. Working together with different groups during the run
4. Smart fueling

The start was a cluster. I knew it would be. It was a whole lot of people funneling into a pretty narrow course. I ALMOST ran right into a lane dividing post. After about the first half mile or so we had pretty much spread out. There were a couple women out ahead that I had seen at other races that I was pretty sure I was in shape to beat but I stuck with my plan and held back.

As I was running I noticed this guy trying to keep up with me. He looked like Cheech (from Cheech and Chong) At first it was hilarious but then I noticed he was trying to ... race me I guess? He would speed up and pass me and then slow down and as I caught up to him he would speed up some more. He was breathing SOO hard, like a breath every step. I actually was starting to get concerned for him. But at the same time I was kind of laughing inside because the situation was so funny. I also was singing up in smoke in my head. Finally he dropped off (thank goodness) and I ended up seeing him in the park at the end (yay, he finished!)He disclosed to me that he was banditing the race (no kidding.)

Anyway, things were going well so my next mission was to get into a group with similar pacing. I found a girl and another guy and we ran together for a while. The girl said her goal was around 1:30. I worked on letting them lead and then leading myself. I took a gel at mile 3 because I knew a water station was at mile 3.5. put the gel packaging in my left hand, grabbed the water with my right,drank the water, put the packaging into the water cup and discarded. NAILED IT!

By about mile 6 I decided to leave my beloved group. Their pacing felt really inconsistent and it was hard to get into a rhythm. I pushed ahead and was kind of in a no mans land until about mile 7.5. I had just left the water station and two guys pulled up. I asked them what their goal was and they said they were going for just under 1:30 but were ahead of pace. I was pleased to hear this (since I don't wear a watch.) I jumped on with them and started cruising. These guys were a joy to run with. One of them just had a beautiful stride and I pretty much just focused on that, practiced taking turns and floated along with them. Finally we hit that crazy out and back portion of the race. It's too bad because I was feeling fantastic at this point and was really starting to crank it up. Being a little conservative in the beginning had paid off greatly. But the turn-arounds in this weird out and back portion really did suck a lot of momentum. By this time I had dropped my two new guys, which was a shame because they really helped me out a lot. I was passing quite a fw people through this portion. The out and back segment really took a lot out of everyone, mentally and physically. I finished the out and back portion and then cruised to the finish. I saw the time and was shocked. I PRed by like 5 minutes and ended up 8th woman overall.
What would you do differently?:

I don't think I would change anything.
Post race
Warm down:

I made a beeline for the free massage. It was amazing. I saw a lot of my friends finishing the race from the massage table but between being tied in a knot like a pretzel while drooling I wasn't really able to cheer them on.

I still have some distinct thumb-print bruises. I think I am a total wuss.

Then I got to meet up with some wonderful BT people and FINALLY have a beer!

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Just not tapering and running it as a tune-up

Event comments:

I might re-think that last portion of the race. It's pretty tough mentally and physically at the end of a race.


Profile Album


Last updated: 2012-12-27 12:00 AM
Running
01:27:26 | 13.1 miles | 06m 40s  min/mile
Age Group: 2/242
Overall: 47/1737
Performance: Good
Course: This was a nice and flat point to point race. Overall I would say it is a very speedy course but there were two things to contend with: 1. Gravel. I think probably 60%+ was a gravel surface. I was pretty hard packed but maybe a little slower than concrete/asphalt 2. The 1+ mile out and back out and back out and back out and back ...out and back portion (see image)
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 3
Physical exertion [1-5] 3
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? No
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 4

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2013-03-11 12:00 PM

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Seattle
Subject: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon


2013-03-11 12:08 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Master
4452
200020001001001001002525
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Wow.  Nuthin' else to say.  I can't believe you run without so much as a race, and still are able to nail your pace.  I guess that's what you call in-tune.  Love also how everyone else has on toques, long sleeves, long pants, and there you are in short shorts and a tank.  You are HARD CORE woman!
2013-03-11 12:12 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Extreme Veteran
536
50025
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon

Great race! We gotta change your name from Salty to Speedy, because you are busting out some serious splits. A FIVE MINUTE PR when you are already so stinking fast?? Dammm gurrl!

Look out Kara and Desi, America's gonna have a new long distance speedster sweetheart before you know it!

PS - Imagine if you HAD had your pre-race beer...10 minute PR?

2013-03-11 12:17 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Master
6595
50001000500252525
Rio Rancho, NM
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon

As usual, you rock!

You forgot to list "no pre-race beer" as something that limited your ability to perform faster.

Cheech looking dude bandits a race AND tries to race our speedy Salty. Two strikes against Cheech. The idea of a Cheech-looking dude running a 1/2 makes me chuckle.

That back-n-forth at the end looks like a serious mind game. But as usual, you knocked it out of the park, even as a "B" race.

2013-03-11 12:18 PM
in reply to: #4655105

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Master
6595
50001000500252525
Rio Rancho, NM
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
ArielLIlB - 2013-03-11 11:12 AM

Great race! We gotta change your name from Salty to Speedy, because you are busting out some serious splits. A FIVE MINUTE PR when you are already so stinking fast?? Dammm gurrl!

Look out Kara and Desi, America's gonna have a new long distance speedster sweetheart before you know it!

PS - Imagine if you HAD had your pre-race beer...10 minute PR?

And we'll say "I knew her when..."

2013-03-11 12:24 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Elite
7783
50002000500100100252525
PEI, Canada
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Awesome race, congrats!  Huge PR!


2013-03-11 12:30 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Melon Presser
52116
50005000500050005000500050005000500050002000100
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon

Holy smokin' crazy podium PR mofo gravel outnbackoutnback B-WTF-race fast!!!

A few notes.

-JOGGING as a warmup?! with such pigletude around?

-stuck to the plan, raced your race

-A race report mentioning Cheech and Chong is A+

2013-03-11 12:34 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Master
6834
5000100050010010010025
Englewood, Florida
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Great job, per usual. 8th OA woman is serious stuff. That out and back is part of your Boston toughness training. And you nailed it! 
2013-03-11 12:34 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon

Salty, I've said it a hundred times and I'll keep saying it cuz it's true: YOU ROCK!!!

8th overall woman would've been higher even without trying if not for: "Shoot. I hate to say it but I was so exhausted Friday night I didn't even have a night before beer. :("

But seriously, great job!  You had a plan and you stuck to it.  Excellent, excellent work oh speedy one!

2013-03-11 12:47 PM
in reply to: #4655076

Master
10208
50005000100100
Northern IL
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Great job Salty!
2013-03-11 12:54 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Payson, AZ
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Nice job.  I love how you race without a watch.  But seriously, you have to plan better to ensure you get the pre-race beer in next time


2013-03-11 1:12 PM
in reply to: #4655125

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Master
9705
500020002000500100100
Raleigh, NC area
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Another great race, nailing your goals.  Way to go Salty!
2013-03-11 3:10 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Master
2770
20005001001002525
Central Kansas
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Love this. I can't believe you can ask and answer questions while running that pace. You are awesome! Congrats on your PR. Even better that your coach is excited.
2013-03-11 4:18 PM
in reply to: #4655483

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Master
3888
20001000500100100100252525
Overland Park, KS
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon

KansasMom - 2013-03-11 3:10 PM Love this. I can't believe you can ask and answer questions while running that pace. You are awesome! Congrats on your PR. Even better that your coach is excited.

Holy Maui Wowie Salty!  You smoked it!

That is a rediculously fast pace, there must have been smoke coming out from under your shoes and that's why Cheech was trying to keep up.  Are you sure he ddn't say something like "hey smokin' hot fast babe, can I have a hit?"

Great race, your hard work is paying off, I'm super proud of you!

2013-03-11 4:21 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Master
2563
20005002525
University Park, MD
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon

Nice race -- good work on pacing it carefully from the start, and that's a nice PR.

Re: Boston. You might find that it's not the cluster that you're expecting at the start. Because of the qualifying times, the corral assignment at Boston is far more accurate than it is at other marathons. And because of the narrow roads out of Hopkinton there's really minimal opportunity for passing early on. The year that I did it they had the largest ever field, and I expected it to be a disaster at the start, but it turned out to be the smoothest race start that I can remember. Everybody was so well seeded that the mass of humanity simply flowed perfectly for the first miles. No need to pass, no need to slow down, just go with the flow. The big temptation that then needs to be controlled is the urge to go crazy once the road opens up a bit and it becomes possible to pass.

2013-03-11 5:19 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Master
3870
200010005001001001002525
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Though I know your training is hardly effortless, you talk about your races in such a way that I feel you're simply floating on air as you fly by everyone. Love your RRs! AND a 5min PR??? Whooooo-wheeee!


2013-03-11 5:51 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Master
7712
50002000500100100
Orlando
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
I echo what everyone has already said - especially about the lack of pre- race beer! How the heck are you in short shorts and sleeveless shirt with a 27* temp!? I think I would have been frozen in place under similar circumstances.Can't wait to track you at Boston!
2013-03-11 6:00 PM
in reply to: #4655593

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Seattle
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
reecealan - 2013-03-11 4:18 PM

KansasMom - 2013-03-11 3:10 PM Love this. I can't believe you can ask and answer questions while running that pace. You are awesome! Congrats on your PR. Even better that your coach is excited.

Holy Maui Wowie Salty!  You smoked it!

That is a rediculously fast pace, there must have been smoke coming out from under your shoes and that's why Cheech was trying to keep up.  Are you sure he ddn't say something like "hey smokin' hot fast babe, can I have a hit?"

Great race, your hard work is paying off, I'm super proud of you!

That is am amazing amount of pot references in one post. I applaud you, sir! Smile And thank you!

2013-03-11 6:02 PM
in reply to: #4655598

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Seattle
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
colinphillips - 2013-03-11 4:21 PM

Nice race -- good work on pacing it carefully from the start, and that's a nice PR.

Re: Boston. You might find that it's not the cluster that you're expecting at the start. Because of the qualifying times, the corral assignment at Boston is far more accurate than it is at other marathons. And because of the narrow roads out of Hopkinton there's really minimal opportunity for passing early on. The year that I did it they had the largest ever field, and I expected it to be a disaster at the start, but it turned out to be the smoothest race start that I can remember. Everybody was so well seeded that the mass of humanity simply flowed perfectly for the first miles. No need to pass, no need to slow down, just go with the flow. The big temptation that then needs to be controlled is the urge to go crazy once the road opens up a bit and it becomes possible to pass.

Yeah on one hand you are probably right. It's going to be a lot better than any race I have ever been in. Everything will be. The only thing that worries me is that my seeding time is a lot slower than what I plan to finish in. But that's alright. It's not a HUGE difference and I have 26.2 to spread the time over so it should be just fine. 

2013-03-11 6:04 PM
in reply to: #4655076

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Seattle
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon

And thank you SO much everyone. Seriously it means a lot that you continue to take the time to read my nonsense race reports and then even care to comment on them.

I am so sorry I let you all down on the beer thing. I'll try harder. 

2013-03-11 6:19 PM
in reply to: #4655732

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Elite
5145
500010025
Cleveland
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon

Great race!

 

BUT.... had you had your night-before-beer, you might had 1stAG  ;-)  (sorry, had to point that one out)  

 

Awesome run!



2013-03-11 7:17 PM
in reply to: #4655730

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Master
2563
20005002525
University Park, MD
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Asalzwed - 2013-03-11 7:02 PM
colinphillips - 2013-03-11 4:21 PM

Nice race -- good work on pacing it carefully from the start, and that's a nice PR.

Re: Boston. You might find that it's not the cluster that you're expecting at the start. Because of the qualifying times, the corral assignment at Boston is far more accurate than it is at other marathons. And because of the narrow roads out of Hopkinton there's really minimal opportunity for passing early on. The year that I did it they had the largest ever field, and I expected it to be a disaster at the start, but it turned out to be the smoothest race start that I can remember. Everybody was so well seeded that the mass of humanity simply flowed perfectly for the first miles. No need to pass, no need to slow down, just go with the flow. The big temptation that then needs to be controlled is the urge to go crazy once the road opens up a bit and it becomes possible to pass.

Yeah on one hand you are probably right. It's going to be a lot better than any race I have ever been in. Everything will be. The only thing that worries me is that my seeding time is a lot slower than what I plan to finish in. But that's alright. It's not a HUGE difference and I have 26.2 to spread the time over so it should be just fine. 

Ah yes, that's a good point. With your seeding time you'll be starting right in the thick of the pack, and it won't really be feasible to make up time in the opening miles. No other marathon in the US has so many people running below 3:20 pace, and no other large marathon has such narrow roads at the start, so you're kinda stuck. Perhaps you'll just need to live with the fact that it will be a negative split day. You'll be sprinting up Heartbreak Hill.

2013-03-12 7:59 AM
in reply to: #4655076

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Master
2411
2000100100100100
Goodyear, AZ
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Amazing fast pace and congrats on the big PR!
2013-03-12 9:13 AM
in reply to: #4655076

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Pro
4100
20002000100
Wherever the trail takes me, WA.
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Great race.  I don't care how prepared you were mentally for the parking lot finish it still SUCKED when you got into it.... 
2013-03-12 9:13 AM
in reply to: #4655076

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Master
2912
2000500100100100100
...at home in The ATL
Subject: RE: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Wow, Salty - what a race - sounds like you are right on track for Boston. Awesome that you actually got a picture of Cheech running with you - you should alphabet gotten him to autograph it after the race

Enjoy the little down week and vacation - you certainly have earned it!

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