So, I decided to run a half marathon yesterday. I’ve never waited until the last minute to sign up for a race. I am a planner. But since I no showed Michelob, I really wanted a half this fall that I could PR. The Dallas Running club puts on a great race, the half starts and ends at White Rock Lake, it was a pretty course, but I’m not sure I recall the streets or much of what I saw. I was so focused on running, and putting one foot in front of the other.
I still do not know how to dress for fall or winter. I laid out my tank and arm sleeves with capris, then the morning of decided on short sleeve and arm sleeves. Big mistake. I should have worn shorts and tank top, no arm sleeves. It was cold at the start but by mile 3 I was ready to throw those arm sleeves in the lake. I just couldn’t get them off! I wore a fairly new pair of capris, I’ve run in them before but yesterday the seam and tag rubbed a raw spot on my thigh. And it hurts!
I started out with the 1:50 pace group. Earlier in the year my fall goal was 1:45 for a half, but after not hitting the 1:50 goal for Patriot in May I wasn’t sure that was possible. So, I figured I would start with them, get warmed up and then get ahead. By mile 3 I pulled away from the 1:50 group and was able to stay ahead. I gave myself mile 9 to regroup and take in some fuel before giving it all I had left the last 3 miles. I was in familiar territory at the lake at that point so I was ready. I held between 8:05 and 8:15 most of the race. So, by mile 10 I was ready to go sub 8 pace.
That last mile actually went pretty quick. I think it helped that I knew where the finish was, I knew it was almost over. I was visualizing that finish line, keeping myself pumped up. Ended up finishing in 1:47:48. Better than I had hoped but I still want a 1:45. I feel like on that course I could have done better.
Why not run a half marathon for full marathon training?
After the race John and I had brunch at a restaurant near the lake. I’ve eaten there several times, but yesterday the service and food were a little lacking. I was so hungry I kinda didn’t care much! Spark and a Mimosa….it makes things better.
It’s 6 weeks until the Dallas full marathon!
Training last week:
Monday: Rest day
Tuesday: Track workout, was supposed to be 12×400, but only got 4 done. The sky was lit up with lightning that morning so we cut it short. Got about 2.5 miles total.
Wednesday: Rest day
Thursday: 5 miles
Friday: Rest day
Saturday: Rest day
Sunday: Half marathon
We’ve had a lot of stuff happen in October personally that has left me tired and unable to add more workouts in. I really miss those days at the gym and will be working hard to get it added back. With only 6 weeks to the marathon I need to get back on track. Sometimes you really have no choice when life happens.
Did you race this weekend?
What are you training for?
Happy running!
Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1
