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megawill
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Joined: 20 May 2002
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 Posted: 10/20/02 - 15:16 Post subject: Run for the Schools Half Marathon Race Report (long)
Well, I was a little unsure of which race to run going into this weekend. This will likely be the last race of the season for me, so I wanted to have a good effort. I had to choose between a 5K, 10K or Half Marathon.
A couple of weeks ago I was sure that I'd run the half but then I got a hold of the entry forms only to find out that they've changed the Half Marathon course this year and it is described as 'more challenging' than the previous course. Also, after running the Twin Cities Marathon on Sept 29th, I've put in a grand total of 29 miles leading up to this race.
I wouldn't describe the old course as tough but it did have a couple of sizable hills in difficult spots in the race at mile 9 and most of the last mile was up-hill. Well, I had a chance to drive the new course yesterday with my 8 year old daughter and after driving the course I was convinced that the combination of hills (basically it is steady up and down with some very challenging inclines between miles 4 and 10, then it levels out for a couple of miles before a tough mile 12 that is a gradual incline before leveling out just before 13 and then the last 1/4 mile or so is downhill to the finish) and my lack of miles over the last 3 weeks would steer me towards the 10K. But for whatever reason, I secretly wanted to run the half and when I asked my 8 year old which race I should run and she replied the half...well it was a done deal.
Awoke early this morning to find that ole jack frost paid a visit last night and at 7 am it was 27 degrees. I showered and left early (9 am start) so that I'd have plenty of time to get a hot coffee and find a good parking spot. I walked down to the pre-race activities, which included a mile and 1/2 mile run for the school kids...it was fun to see the little ones work so hard and to see the looks of joy on their faces as the crossed the finish line. But before I knew it, it was time to head to the starting line.
My stategy going into the race was to start easy, so I'd have something left when the hills hit. I thought if I ran a smart race that I'd have a shot at a PR (1:57:07 -- 8:55ish pace). The first mile is a very slight and gentle down-hill grade, and I clicked it off in 8:09 which was a little quick but I wasn't overly concerned, I was just looking for running room as all 3 races go out together so the first mile can be crowded...so I lined up aggressively and held my own. Mile 2 went by at 8:34. I'd contemplated backing off a little but my breathing was under control and I didn't have to worry about over-heating today, so I decided just to try and remain relaxed and let the race come to me. Mile 3 8:25, Mile 4 8:39.
Okay I was running well, but now the hills begin to kick in, and the next couple of miles are considerably slower at 8:59 and 8:57. But I knew as I passed the half-way point that all I needed to do was to maintain this 9:00ish pace for the last half and a new PR would be in the bag. That knowledge actually propelled me to pick it up just a bit for miles 7 and 8, 8:42 and 8:38.
Just 5 miles to go at this point but the hills were starting to take effect...I was trying to remain relaxed but I was huffing and puffing pretty good at this point and I slowed for mile 9 and mile 10 to 8:54 and 9:00. My legs were hurting and my breathing remained labored but with 3 miles left I decided to try and give me all. The next mile was 8:38 and was just enough to cause me to really start to suffer. 8:52 was all I could muster for mile 12...and now the final uphill started and I wanted this to be over in a bad way but my lungs and legs were both jelly at this point...8:58 and now just .11 to go and I wanted to sprint to the finish as I heard a couple of runners coming up behind me and pass but it all I could do was just hang on for the finish.
Crossed the line and looked at my watch 1:54:21 (8:42 pace) a new PR... 
I'm very happy camper. I ran all out on a very, very tough course and walked away with a new PR! The course itself was probably worth a couple of minutes and if I have a chance to concentrate solely on a half (i.e. no 6 week taper like this one)...I'm thinking 1:50 may be very doable by late spring.
---
megawill
Last edited by megawill on 10/20/02 - 17:26; edited 2 times in total
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Cappy
Excelent
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Joined: 16 May 2002
Posts: 27368
Location: Spreadsheetylvania
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Posted: 10/20/02 - 15:31 Post subject:
Good report and effort Jerry, your time was pretty good considering you just ran a marathon a few weeks ago. You are a braver soul than I would have been
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shelflifers
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Joined: 10 Jun 2002
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Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: 10/20/02 - 15:56 Post subject:
I'll have you know that I pumped my fist in the air when I read that you PR-ed!!! 
Way to go Mega! Look at that! And just a day beforehand you were going to do the 10K!?
Now, take the rest of the day off, you've deserved it, buddy!
joel
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AlaninTX
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Posted: 10/20/02 - 17:04 Post subject:
Man, Jerry, what a great job! Congrats on the new pr. Sounds like the six week taper did the trick  What got my attention was the fact that in 27 degree weather you got there early to poke around and drink coffee...I would have died shivering just waiting on the race to start.
BTW, congrats to your eight-year-old coach for picking the right race at the right time for you
Good work Jerry!
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keltic63
the kilted one
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Joined: 17 May 2002
Posts: 8574
Location: under the weather
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Posted: 10/20/02 - 18:40 Post subject:
way to go !
great job there!
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rolling rock
The Pinball
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Joined: 15 May 2002
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Posted: 10/21/02 - 07:34 Post subject:
some excellent running there megawill - um, and kudos to your 8-y.o. for pushing you in the right direction!
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copteacher
Adjunct
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Joined: 08 Jun 2002
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Location: Teaching in the Halls of Justice
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Posted: 10/21/02 - 07:43 Post subject:
nice run and nice job on pr
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purple hayes
Frightened Inmate #2
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Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 14462
Location: ON YOUR LEFT!
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Posted: 10/21/02 - 08:10 Post subject:
Great job on getting that PR! But I've got to agree with Alan, 27° is way too cold to be outside running.
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cjay
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Joined: 11 Jul 2002
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Location: Dead center Wisconsin
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Posted: 10/21/02 - 08:22 Post subject:
Way to go Jerry!!!!!!! Congrats on the new PR, great way to end the season.........now on to Madison.
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genie
Master of Prissface
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Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 16194
Location: Finding serenity one day at a time
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Posted: 10/21/02 - 21:53 Post subject:
Jerry, you are my hero (again!!)....what a great job! You HAVE to come to Madison now.........
And make sure you bring your coach! She's pretty darn smart.....
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Pebbles
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Posted: 10/21/02 - 22:12 Post subject:
great job jerry! Congrats!
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coachmarkos
my boys could swim
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Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 11387
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Posted: 10/22/02 - 13:12 Post subject:
Awesome run Mega!
Glad to hear someone is still piling the miles on!
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Sandy Cheeks
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Location: in the city that never sleeps
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Posted: 10/23/02 - 23:52 Post subject:
I missed this one!
Great job, Megawill, and nice report, too!
I hope this PR Fever is contagious
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