Beginners and Beyond

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2013 Go! St. Louis Half Marathon RR (Pics added on 2nd Page!!!) (Read 115 times)

FreeSoul87


Runs4Sanity

     I woke up Sunday morning to 58 degrees, no rain and no clouds in sight. Getting the others up was easy and quick, little butt was up and ready to go. I could feel my stomach getting nervous and I knew that I would probably have to stop somewhere along the way to use the restroom. We left the hotel at 6:07 a.m and headed to the start, less than a mile from our hotel. There were lots of people headed that way too, and I could feel my excitement and nervousness more and more. I stopped at the Hardeez on the way and used the restroom, so glad I did too. I was in Corral C, which was like .3-.4 miles from the freaking start; the waves were weird, I think we stood there until 7:08 before they called to us and we headed towards the start. I got a little confused as to when I was supposed to turn on my garmin, I think I had turned it on a bit too soon.... oh well.
             It didn't feel bad yet, but I knew it was going to because I had never ran more than 9 miles in weather 60 degrees +, and I hadn't become fully acclimated to the warm weather yet. I decided to go a bit against my plans for a negative split and made the first half a bit faster than I wanted to and then just slowly eased into a pace. 
             Between miles 1 -3  there was a good size hill that I didn't expect (they had changed the course a bit) but I went up that no problem, nice and steady and strong. The Clydesdale was not out to cheer us on, bummer but oh well. I did try to keep my pace above 10:45 but it wasn't working too well.
             Between miles 3 - 6 I had grabbed some gatorade from the fluid stations, I was beginning to feel the temperature around mile 5 but not bad still. I think there was a small hill around this time, but I can't remember. I still didn't have to stop at the bathroom, that was a good thing.
             Between miles 6-9 it was starting to get tough, but luckily we got back into the city part with all the tall buildings and so I was blessed with shade (Thank Freaking God!). We hit a hill that was before Holy Hill, but it was a pretty good size hill and my legs were beginning to hate me. Holy Hill began around 6.3 I think and at first it didn't seem bad and I was feeling pretty positive, I actually found myself speeding up to 9:55 min/mile pace. A camera man on an ATV came by and was taking pictures, I felt good and was feeling strong. We came over the top of that hill and my heart had a small panic attack, Holy Hill wasn't done with me and it was going to become Holy Hell Hill. We had a small downhill trip (probably .2 miles) before we started going back up a much steeper hill than before, and it was probably a half mile long I think. It was right at mile 8 when we started heading up it, I allowed myself at this point to drop to 10:12-10:23 min/mile pace and kept forging ahead. Eventually I got over that hill, and I was feeling good about conquering it but the heat was beginning to take it's toll on my body and mind. The turn around point for Half Marathoners was at mile 10 and I just wanted to get to it, because I knew then I only had 3.1 miles to go. There were photographers just before that point and I made sure to look stronger than I felt.
             Between miles 10-12 it began to get tough, the heat and my left hip/IT band were hurting a bit, my knees were feeling the effects of the hills and I was starting to feel a little down about how I felt. To make things harder, just before mile 11 was another large hill/incline and I thought WTF and cursed the running gods. I stopped at a port-a-jon, mainly to take moment and to use the restroom. The GU, gatorade and water didn't have a negative effect but I figured I was going to end up using the bathroom around mile 3 so I felt okay about using it now. Then I trudged on, my pace did slow down and I knew it would. Not so much because I started out faster than planned but because the heat and sun, I don't fair well in this weather unless I've been running in it for months and I can run in shorts and sports bra so I was definitely feeling like crap. I was happy when I reached mile 12, and I repeated to myself only 1.1 more mile and I'd be done with my 3rd Half and another 3rd finishers medal (and a really cute shirt).
             That last mile was probably the toughest last mile I've ever ran, I kept a steady pace and just told myself to keep going. When I saw that blown up Finish thing, I had .7 miles left and I told myself to push it, I was ready to be done and I did my best to muster up all the strength and energy I had. I almost felt kicked when I thought I saw another hill just before the finish chute, but it was nothing. My Garmin hit 13.1 miles about .1-.2 miles from the finish so I went ahead and turned it off. I passed that finish line and thought oh my god thank you, thank you, thank you! Where the hell is my medal and where is a shady spot to sit and pass out!!!? My garmin hit 13.1 at 2:16:15 with a pace of 10:24 min/mile, and quite honestly I got confused when I turned it on so I don't know whether I had hit it too soon or what. My clock time is 2:18:28, not bad and not too far off from my garmin time. Holy Hill time was 20:13 (from miles 6.3 to 8.5). I am happy, my last two half marathons were (October 2011) 2:31:05 and (October 2012) 2:36:39, so I am feeling pretty great for knocking around 13 minutes off my first Half time and 18 minutes off my second Half time.
    My splits were:
    Mile 1 - 10:46 / Mile 2 - 10:35 / Mile 3 - 10:41 / Mile 4 - 10:05 / Mile 5 - 10:08 / Mile 6 - 10:24 / Mile 7 - 10:03 / Mile 8 - 10:02 / Mile 9 - 10:19 / Mile 10 - 10:17 / Mile 11 - 10:29 / Mile 12 - 10:56 / Mile 13.1 - 10:31
    Overall place 4,292 out of 7,829/ Women’s rank 2,044 out of 4,641. Not bad in my opinion or at least I am going to say that and believe it.
             So I did stay pretty steady overall, I kept it close to the same pace though near the end it was tough. I must say I enjoy the Half Marathons in the Fall a lot more than in Spring, running in temperatures 40- for 5-7 months and then run a 13.1 mile race in 65-70 degree weather is an ass kicking experience. The hills kicked my butt too, though some deal with much bigger elevation (I do not), I am happy to have gotten over them and have this race under my belt. Sadly I did not stop for a beer, I was too wore out, empty on the stomach and just tired, it would not have been a good idea to drink a beer and then walk a mile back to the hotel and then pack up and go. I am going to have me a margarita (or two, or one margarita and one beer) when we stop to eat in Illinois, and I will have my damn steak! There you have it, this is my race report and I hope I wrote a good one. I am proud of myself, I feel great (though really sore) and strong..... and hungry.
    Edit: we decided with 45 miles from home that Dorian has been such a good boy with all this that maybe instead of going out we would just stay home and do carry out, I won’t get my margarita but I can have a beer or 2 at home and my little boy’s feeling are more important anyways.

    A couple pics hubby took, these 2 pics make the pain, heat and hills all worth it, every second, every minute, every footstep.

    *Do It For Yourself, Do It Because They Said It Was Impossible, Do It Because They Said You Were Incapable*

    PRs

    5k - 24:15 (7:49 min/mile pace) 

    10k - 51:47 (8:16 min/mile pace)

    15k -1:18:09 (8:24 min/mile pace)

    13.1 - 1:53:12 (8:39 min/mile pace)

     26:2 - 4:14:55 (9:44 min/mile)

      Well done Freesoul, sounds like you worked thru those hills rather well and in spite of the warm temperatures you made it to the end in good time. Have a safe trip home!

      First Race

      Hot Chocolate 5K Chicago November 4, 2012 30:17

      Second Race

      Penguin in the Park 5K Decatur Illinois March 23,2013 27:08

      Scott

      FreeSoul87


      Runs4Sanity

        Thanks, I feel good about my time. Smile

        *Do It For Yourself, Do It Because They Said It Was Impossible, Do It Because They Said You Were Incapable*

        PRs

        5k - 24:15 (7:49 min/mile pace) 

        10k - 51:47 (8:16 min/mile pace)

        15k -1:18:09 (8:24 min/mile pace)

        13.1 - 1:53:12 (8:39 min/mile pace)

         26:2 - 4:14:55 (9:44 min/mile)

        wcrunner2


        Are we there, yet?

          From your splits with the slight slowdown in mile 13, I'd say you ran a very good race. You got carried away a little bit in the middle with those splits just over 10:00, and rising temps didn't help. For a first HM that was a great effort. A lot of more experienced runners wouldn't do as well.

           2024 Races:

                03/09 - Livingston Oval Ultra 6-Hour, 22.88 miles

                05/11 - D3 50K
                05/25 - What the Duck 12-Hour

                06/17 - 6 Days in the Dome 12-Hour.

           

           

               

          LRB


            You mean to tell me you actually run?

             

            Ha-ha, that's a joke, but your result is not.  Nice job, you must be really happy!

            happylily


              Congratulations, FS! We're all so very proud of you! You ran this race very well, just like an old pro. Now rest and enjoy the glory for a little while.Smile

              PRs: Boston Marathon, 3:27, April 15th 2013

                      Cornwall Half-Marathon, 1:35, April 27th 2013

              18 marathons, 18 BQs since 2010

              FreeSoul87


              Runs4Sanity

                WCrunner2, thanks. I appreciate that, I think those close to the 10:00 was on downhills or I would somehow get a bit of energy... I think.

                LRB haha! Thanks too.

                Thanks Lily! I'm glad It is finished and I ran well, I am definitely going to relax and enjoy the sore feeling of awesomeness Smile

                *Do It For Yourself, Do It Because They Said It Was Impossible, Do It Because They Said You Were Incapable*

                PRs

                5k - 24:15 (7:49 min/mile pace) 

                10k - 51:47 (8:16 min/mile pace)

                15k -1:18:09 (8:24 min/mile pace)

                13.1 - 1:53:12 (8:39 min/mile pace)

                 26:2 - 4:14:55 (9:44 min/mile)

                hog4life


                  FS, congrats on the PR. It sounds like you run a really smart race.


                  Hip Redux

                    Amazing how a little bit of a warm up can feel like hell!

                     

                    Great job, and considering the elevation you stayed pretty consistent, which is awesome.

                     

                    Your pictures are very sweet. Smile

                     

                    FreeSoul87


                    Runs4Sanity

                      Thanks guys, my garmin says elevation gain of 424 feet.............. here's a link to my garmin stats:

                      http://connect.garmin.com/activity/294807548

                      *Do It For Yourself, Do It Because They Said It Was Impossible, Do It Because They Said You Were Incapable*

                      PRs

                      5k - 24:15 (7:49 min/mile pace) 

                      10k - 51:47 (8:16 min/mile pace)

                      15k -1:18:09 (8:24 min/mile pace)

                      13.1 - 1:53:12 (8:39 min/mile pace)

                       26:2 - 4:14:55 (9:44 min/mile)

                      happylily


                        Awww... love your pictures. Your little guy has grown up so much! It seems like yesterday when he was still a gift in waiting in your cute little belly. Smile

                        PRs: Boston Marathon, 3:27, April 15th 2013

                                Cornwall Half-Marathon, 1:35, April 27th 2013

                        18 marathons, 18 BQs since 2010

                        So_Im_a_Runner


                        Go figure

                          You did an awesome job. Even though those hills hurt, I think you got the best of them. It is a hard time of year to deal with temp changes...just something you have to accept I guess. You've made some really big improvements!

                          Trying to find some more hay to restock the barn

                          FreeSoul87


                          Runs4Sanity

                            Thanks lilly, he is adorable and it is crazy to think that next Saturday he is going to be a year old. Time has sped past so fast.

                            so_Im_a_Runner thank you, even though it was an ass kicker this race has helped me see what I will be capable of this coming Fall during the 3 HMs I have that are not hilly and pretty darn flat. If I can do this well with hills and heat and no preparation then I cannot wait to see how I do on a flatter course and in cooler weather.

                            *Do It For Yourself, Do It Because They Said It Was Impossible, Do It Because They Said You Were Incapable*

                            PRs

                            5k - 24:15 (7:49 min/mile pace) 

                            10k - 51:47 (8:16 min/mile pace)

                            15k -1:18:09 (8:24 min/mile pace)

                            13.1 - 1:53:12 (8:39 min/mile pace)

                             26:2 - 4:14:55 (9:44 min/mile)

                            kristin10185


                            Skirt Runner

                              Great job freesoul!!!!! Sounds like a tough race but you did great!

                              PRs:   5K- 28:16 (5/5/13)      10K- 1:00:13 (10/27/13)    4M- 41:43 (9/7/13)   15K- 1:34:25  (8/17/13)    10M- 1:56:30 (4/6/14)     HM- 2:20:16 (4/13/14)     Full- 5:55:33 (11/1/15)

                               

                              I started a blog about running :) Check it out if you care to

                              FreeSoul87


                              Runs4Sanity

                                Great job freesoul!!!!! Sounds like a tough race but you did great!

                                 

                                Smile thanks!

                                *Do It For Yourself, Do It Because They Said It Was Impossible, Do It Because They Said You Were Incapable*

                                PRs

                                5k - 24:15 (7:49 min/mile pace) 

                                10k - 51:47 (8:16 min/mile pace)

                                15k -1:18:09 (8:24 min/mile pace)

                                13.1 - 1:53:12 (8:39 min/mile pace)

                                 26:2 - 4:14:55 (9:44 min/mile)

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