Lehigh Valley Half Marathon RR

MrPHinNJ

Prince of Fatness

posted: 5/4/2009 at 7:40 AM

This was my sixth year in a row running this race. I really like the race, and it’s usually my focus in the spring. This year is a little different because I am targeting a September marathon, so I didn’t back off of the mileage as much as I had in years past. I was shooting for a 1:37, and wanted to get there by running even splits, maybe banking just a little time in the beginning of the race since that is the easiest part of the course. Weather was ideal, about 50 degrees, overcast, no rain yet. The first 5 or 6 miles went perfectly; splits were all within a couple of seconds of each other. The next 4 miles are in the Lehigh Parkway. It’s mostly cinder paths and most of the hills are there. The hills aren’t long but a couple of them are pretty steep. Every year I seem to lose a little time in the park and this year was no exception. As I was leaving the park I realized that I really needed to focus in order to break 1:38. By then there was a light rain coming down, but it wasn’t bothering me. Even though I was getting tired I was able to come in with a chip time of 1:37:49, a 2 minute PR. As soon as I finished the rain started coming down pretty steady; it must not have been pleasant for those finishing over 2 hours. Even though I missed my goal I feel that this was one of the better executed races that I have run. I lost some time in the park but I feel that the effort level was steady through the whole race. Mile splits are in my log entry for the race. I’m making good progress. If I can drop a few more pounds and keep up the mileage I think I have a good shot at a BQ in September.

There is a long dark road ahead of me.

rockenmamaof5

posted: 5/4/2009 at 7:46 AM

Congrats on the PR Tim! Too bad Denise and I missed you. We did get lucky that the rain held out for the most part. See you on the 13th Smile

Your toughness is made up of equal parts persistence and experience. You don't so much outrun your opponents as outlast and outsmart them, and the toughest opponent of all is the one inside your head." - Joe Henderson

Quint

posted: 5/4/2009 at 8:11 AM

Nice race! Congrats on the well run race and PR as well.

Current Goals:
Have Fun
Jog a Lot

slimbo

posted: 5/4/2009 at 9:05 AM

Well done!

2012= under-goaled

BadDawg

posted: 5/4/2009 at 9:32 AM

Quote from MrPHinNJ on 5/4/2009 at 7:40 AM:

I’m making good progress. If I can drop a few more pounds and keep up the mileage I think I have a good shot at a BQ in September.

Things are looking good Tim, that looks like a very well run race. Congrats, keep up the great work and lock your eyes on the prize. Best of luck with your BQ!

E.J.
Greater Lowell Road Runners
Cry havoc and let slip the dawgs of war!

May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your SPF30, may the rains fall soft upon your sweat-wicking hat, and until you hit the finish line may The Flying Spaghetti Monster hold you in the hollow of His Noodly Appendage.

Lank

posted: 5/4/2009 at 9:44 AM

Nice work and congrats on the PR.

"Good-looking people have no spine. Their art never lasts. They get the girls, but we're smarter." - Lester Bangs

MrPHinNJ

Prince of Fatness

posted: 5/5/2009 at 7:03 AM

Thanks everyone. Onward .......

There is a long dark road ahead of me.

Amores Perros

What does Tunis make?

posted: 5/5/2009 at 8:01 AM

Nice job -- and nice consistent looking long runs in your log display too Smile

It's a 5k. It hurt like hell...then I tried to pick it up. The end.

Lehigh Valley Half Marathon RR (Read 468 times)