5K Specialist
I just finished the couch to half program. It only took me 19 months.
In December I decided to train for a HM with the backup plan of a 15k if I couldn't get the mileage. I dropped the plan in the middle of December due to the increase mileage giving me piriformis issues and a beat up feeling. After giving up a week, I was able to get back on track on run healthy until my race today. I think it helped that I changed shoes from Vomeros to Nimbus.
Results:
1:37:24 41/657 overall and 5/62 in AG. Not bad for my debut.
Goal:
My goal for today was 1:40 with a stretch goal of 1:38. I was planning to try to do even 7:30 splits. I was concerened about fading at about mile 10 and beyond because I had only three training runs of 10 or more miles. My biggest mileage week was 32. I was scared going into the race because of the low mileage.
Race
About a week ago I heard that Slymoon was going to be in this race too. I was happy since we are about the same pace. We meet up at the starting line and ran the first 9 miles together. This helped me, mentally. I could focus on something other than the length of the race. At mile 9 I faded slightly to a little slower than 7:30 and Slymoon went ahead of me.
My splits were strong until mile 11. At that point I struggled for the next two miles. I was still able to get those at 7:43 and 7:44. After mile 12 I gave it everything I had in mile 13. I didn't want to kick at the end of the race, but I got challenged by two people from behind; therefore, I kicked hard to beat them. They probably took about 5 seconds off my time.
7:13/7:27/7:23/7:28/7:32/7:24/7:17/7:26/7:31/7:32/7:43/7:44/7:20/6:55 kick
After the finish, I almost cried. On February 22, 2012 I was basically told that I would be able to run anything beyond about a 5k by my ortho. I proved him wrong today. I meant a lot to me to do this my way too. I was well enough trained to run a very strong half. I like the 5k better, but I felt like I had something to prove. I am glad I got this race behind me. It proves that I can run any distance strong.
Personal Bests:
800M - 2:38 (5/28/13) | 1 Mile -5:54 (5/28/13) | 3K - 11:55 (12/29/12) | 2M - 13:00 (12/1/12) | 5K - 20:00 (4/12/13) | 13.1M - 1:37:24 (2/3/13)
GREAT!!!! Really loved reading this from beginning to end. (Not that is was that long) Very strongly run race with a great time. Congrats Dan!!
Nice job, Dan! I am glad you were able to get through training, and you ran a great race!
Wow, a 1:37 HM is very much legit. Much grats on that Mr. Dan.
Excellent job! Strong race.
Excellent run for a first HM.
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” - T.S. Eliot
Fear is a Liar
Awesome job Dan, Which plan did you use?
I bet if you ran a marathon you would BQ! (hint,hint)
I'm so vegetarian I don't even eat animal crackers!
Beer-and-waffle Powered
Nice race, very solid, especially for a debut.
In the words of my late-coach : Just hang in there, relax... and at the end of a race anyone you see.....just pass them
Congratulations, Danny! Awesome first HM and awesome time!
Didn't I tell you last year that whoever told you that was not correct? I am glad I was proven right!
Damaris
As part of the 2024 London Marathon, I am fundraising for VICTA, a charity that helps blind and visually impaired children. My mentor while in law school, Jim K (a blind attorney), has been a huge inspiration and an example of courage and perseverance. Please consider donating.
Fundraising Page
That's an awesome fast time for a first half-marathon! Bravo, Dan!
PRs: Boston Marathon, 3:27, April 15th 2013
Cornwall Half-Marathon, 1:35, April 27th 2013
18 marathons, 18 BQs since 2010
delicate flower
Dan, fantastic work on the HM debut! Really impressive stuff. Miles 11-13 are supposed to be difficult. Sounds to me like you did it right.
<3
Mmmmm...beer
Great job, outstanding debut.
-Dave
My running blog
Goals | sub-18 5k | sub-3 marathon 2:56:46!!
Chief Unicorn Officer
Congrats Dan, that's an awesome time!
Mile 5:49 - 5K 19:58 - 10K 43:06 - HM 1:36:54
Misty
Dan, I am just over the moon excited for you! Have I told you that already? I feel like I've told you that already . Congrats on a fabulous HM debut!
Bless your heart.
Smaller By The Day
Wow...you didn't just finish your debut half. You raced the hell out of it. Congratulations!
Improvements
Weight 100 pounds lost
5K 31:02 Sept. 2012 / 23:36 Sept. 2013 (Same Course)
10K 48:59 April 2013
HM 2:03:56 Nov. 2012 / 1:46:50 March 2013
MARATHON 3:57:33 Nov. 2013