Notes
Sunday was a strange experience.I finished in 1:41'59 (7'46" pace). This was, however, a little deceiving.
I showed up at the start and was looking for Rob. I was rested and relaxed. I never saw him because it was so crowded.I was rested and relaxed. I took off quick but controlled. I had run the CLE half in 09 and felt comfortable with the course (1:37'44" in 09).
Mile 1: 7'21"
Mile 2: 7'17"
Mile 3: 7'38" (up the Lorain Bridge)
Mile 4: 7'25''
Then came the problem. I was running by mile 4 and the clock showed 30'. So I figured that I'd take an S-cap. I got it out and put it in my mouth. As I unscrewed my water bottle, the S-Cap got stuck in my throat. I relaxed and downed a bunch of water. I thought that took care of the problem. At that point Rob got up next to me. He asked how I was. I said good but that I almost chocked on an S-Cap. We turned a corner to head out of Tremont and the S-Cap exploded in my throat. It was like someone tossed a spoonful of salt in the back of my throat. I told Rob go.
Then I tried to down the rest of my water. My breathing was rapid and I needed to slow down. By that point I was walking and trying to throw that thing up. Eventually, I got it out.
Mile 5: 9'26"
At this point, I went negative thinking "why does this always happen?". But I checked it immediately. I thought, "ok, just recover. Don't let this ruin the day."
So I started running again slowly.
Mile 6: 8'01"
Then I got back on track even though my throat still tasted nasty.
I got back into a rhythm even though I knew my 1:35 was history.
Mile 7: 7'35"
Mile 8: 7'35"
Mile 9: 7'46" I don't know why I dropped here
Mile 10: 7'35"
Last blip:
Mile 11 (uphill): 8'09" - I knew this mile would be slower but I was very surprised it was this slow. I think I was not focusing.
2nd Recovery:
Mile 12: 7'41"
Mile 13: 7'10"
I was a bit disappointed but it sort of summed up my spring. I guess I am happy I was able to regroup. Usually, if something bad happens, my race is over. Looking back on it re the S-Cap debacle: my throat was dry, and it got stuck. I should of taken a drink, then the S cap, then another drink.
The other thing: I should have just taken a hit or two of gatorade. It was only a half and weather was perfect. Sometimes I think I am playing with too many things and need to just focus on running.
So that was my half. In all reality and I cannot change what happened...But I am guessing that I would have run around a 1:36:something had the S-cap affair not happened.
After the race, I felt fine. And today I have not felt like I raced a a half yesterday (compared to my faster halfs). That said, I am a little under the weather. My chest is congested and I have a sore throat. I am on an anti-biotic and resting. Needless to say, I took today off and plan on taking it easy or not running tomorrow.