I promise that this is the last race report from me for a while!  Skip to the end for results.

My Story: On June 18^th I quit drinking alcohol once and for all and decided that I also needed another goal in my life.   I decided to run the local 10K in September and then this race two weeks later.  Up until July 1^st I had only run 100 miles for the year so I knew I had my work cut out for me.  My training started on July 9^th using Hal Higdon’s HM plan.  I struggled with the 6 mile long run in the July heat, but gradually got up to 12 miles.  I had fallen in early June while running the dogs and grandson in a stroller.  My hip hurt for a week or so after that but no lasting injury thank goodness.

We always take a fall camping trip so planned a week in Yellowstone National Park prior to the race.  I live at 1591’ and the race elevation reaches 6094’ so was worried about that.  I figured being at Yellowstone would help acclimate to the altitude.  

We got to Rapid City early the day before the race and shopped a bit at Cabela’s and then checked into our little cabin. The pasta feed was at the restaurant at the Crazy Horse Memorial.  It wasn’t really fun and was not well attended, kind of disappointing.  I did want to see the race course, but it wasn’t marked yet.  I knew that we ran on the entrance road and around the memorial before heading to the Mickelson trail after mile 3.  This is Mount Crazy Horse:

The race profile:

Weather:  High 40’s at the start and near 70° at the finish.  Partly sunny and beautiful!

My Goals:

1. To enjoy the whole race from beginning to end.
2. To take in the scenery.
3. To finish strong
4. To finish under 2:45:00

The Race: 

This was the 3^rd Run Crazy Horse race held near Hill City, SD in the Black Hills.  Checking last year’s results, my goal would put me in the top 25% of my age group.  I decided 12:35 would be a doable pace.  McMillan’s calculator said 12:24 so that was my secret goal.

MrStarr drove me to the start so I didn’t have to ride the bus.  We stopped at the Mile 5 aid station and I ran there on the trail to warm up and even had my choice of porta potties there At the start of the race I talked to a few people while waiting around but I didn’t know anyone there at all.  I was wishing that Aamos still lived in the area and could be there.

I lined up with the 12:00 pace runners since that was as high as the signs went. Once again I listened to DaveinAAMix (1, 2 & 3) which was just the right variety of songs and upbeat tempo.  I didn’t hear a gun go off, but they had big drums beating, kinda cool sounding.  I remembered to start my Garmin but none of my miles matched the markers.   MrStarr was really good about trying to find me on the trail where he could get to a spot on the highway to pull over.  It was fun to see him along the way.

The first half mile is down and up this big hill. (Photo from their website)

 At the the top we turned off the paved road onto a gravel road that circled around near the Crazy Horse Memorial.  It was up and up and up with a little down.  I felt defeated that I had to walk so much right away but I sure wasn’t the only one.  The footing was a little tricky with big rocks on the road.  This was my slowest mile at 14:07.  I was so glad when we finally got onto the trail.  What a wonderful running place.  I zoned out just taking in all the scenery.  My heart rate kept dropping and my pace was around 11:40 for several miles.  I figured I’d keep the pace as long as I was feeling so good.  I like this picture because I look small compared to the horses, and I'm beating them!

I was back with the run/walkers which was a bit annoying to get passed, then I’d pass them back.  The aid stations were every 2 or 3 miles and I switched to water after the first 2 of Powerade. I did walk through the aid stations but ran pretty much the whole trail part of the race. There wasn’t a lot of crowd support, but I waved to those who did come out.

One thing that was a bit difficult was the numerous bridges to run over.  The uneven planks (and wearing no eyeglasses) made it feel like I might trip! I was pretty cautious.  At mile 12 I was able to pick up the pace a bit but then there was another  hill to get from the trail to the finish line on the street.  I wasn’t up to running uphill at that point so walked once again.  From there to the end it was downhill and I did finish strong except a lady in front of me was nearly stopped and someone came to help her cross the finish.  I didn’t know what to do so did go around her.  I missed looking at the clock and the photographer.  I guess I’ll have to do this again sometime!  MrStarr missed it too but took a picture of the clock once he got there.  I guess the arch deflated earlier and they had to go get another generator to inflate it again.  Now that would have been disappointing.

Here’s me and my cool medal!  It was a great first Half Marathon for me.

Results:

My splits and HR:

Mile 1 – 12:08 (147)

Mile 2 - 14:07 (146)

Mile 3 - 11:32 (144)

Mile 4 - 11:48 (145)

Mile 5 - 11:41 (140)

Mile 6 – 12:03 (137)

Mile 7 – 11:36 (138)

Mile 8 – 12:37 (140)

Mile 9 – 12:03 (141)

Mile 10 – 12:12 (144)

Mile 11 – 12:19 (148)

Mile 12 – 12:06 (148)

Mile 13 – 12:38 (150)

Last .1  - (8:59 pace) (154)

Thanks for reading!

Nothing like killing your goal -- CONGRATULATIONS!!!

"I love it when a plan comes together". Racing in that location would be close to heaven. Your post race picture confirms it. Well done. Thanks for the RR.

I promise that this is the last race report from me for a while!  Skip to the end for results.

 

 

 

 

 

 I missed looking at the clock and the photographer.  I guess I’ll have to do this again sometime!  

Here’s me and my cool medal!  It was a great first Half Marathon for me.

 

 

 Starrunner, I have reserved to read your race report for a day when I needed some lifting up. Today was one of those days and I am so blessed I waited this long to read your report!

First of all, congrats on your decision to stop drinking alcohol and most importantly glad that you found a substitution!!

Second, you did a great job running this half mari.

Third, you are running so well. I wings smell other HM in your future!!!

Good job!!!

Mariposai

Great racing, Starr.  I really enjoyed your report and pictures.

TomS

Hi Starr!   what a great report with pictures!!    I love that you picked a destination for your first 1/2 marathon.   A huge congratulations on all your great acheivements recently.    You look great and you killed your goal time!    This had better not be your last race report - you've got more in you ....maybe a marathon?? 

Good job!

Just had a chance to catch up and read through...great job and thanks for the photos...some of us read mostly the pictures...like me...

Great first HM, Starr! I like that mostly downhill profile, too. And good that you made your goal.

I last saw Crazy Horse when I was out there in 1976. It's definitely take a lot more shape over the intervening 35 years, but I guess I'd have to go back there a couple of centuries from now to see it completed!