I really didn't want to run this race. Last year was one of the worst experience I've had in a race. The temperature was hot (73 degrees and up) with high humidity. Coming off a good half marathon at Fredrick (almost 8:00 miles), I had high hopes for this race. By mile 5, I was hurting. I had to walk through the next water stop so as to not pass-out or throw-up. My pace slowed significantly. I was able to finish, but it took me over 30 minutes to recover. My end time was over 9:10 miles, way off my target.
I didn't sign up till 2 week prior to the race. I had recovered from the marathon, but still wasn't sure if I was ready. In reviewing last year's race data, it was clear that my heart rate was 10 beats above normal for a race (171 vs. 161). I promised myself to manage this race better than last year. I would continually adjust my pace so as not to exceed 161 bpm. I wasn't too worried about PRing given the weather was projected to start close to 71 degrees.
Well, I lucked out. The race started overcast and a bit cooler. I was able to start just under 8:00 for the first mile. I was able to maintain this pace through mile 5. Climbing up the hill heading towards the water stop, I was in control of the race. I passed Tom from believe in the run just before the turn. Mile 8 was rough, but not impossible. By continually adjusting my pace for hills and downhills, I was able to keep overall pace consistent.
In the end, I PRed with a 7:48 minute pace. I was very pleased with the result. I learned a fair amount about how to control a race and pace myself correctly.
I didn't sign up till 2 week prior to the race. I had recovered from the marathon, but still wasn't sure if I was ready. In reviewing last year's race data, it was clear that my heart rate was 10 beats above normal for a race (171 vs. 161). I promised myself to manage this race better than last year. I would continually adjust my pace so as not to exceed 161 bpm. I wasn't too worried about PRing given the weather was projected to start close to 71 degrees.
Well, I lucked out. The race started overcast and a bit cooler. I was able to start just under 8:00 for the first mile. I was able to maintain this pace through mile 5. Climbing up the hill heading towards the water stop, I was in control of the race. I passed Tom from believe in the run just before the turn. Mile 8 was rough, but not impossible. By continually adjusting my pace for hills and downhills, I was able to keep overall pace consistent.
In the end, I PRed with a 7:48 minute pace. I was very pleased with the result. I learned a fair amount about how to control a race and pace myself correctly.
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