I really, really, really wanted to run a half marathon on my birthday. Imagine my surprise last Sunday when I was discovered the Bud E. Bee Boo! Run on the Love the Half website. Yes, I am aware LTH is my website, but Libby is the webmaster… Todd went to the golf course for less than one hour and when he returned I promptly said “I know what I want for my birthday. We are boarding the dogs, you can play golf at Lake Whitney on Friday and Saturday, we will spend Friday night in Cleburne and I will run a half marathon on Saturday”. Like the good husband he always is he replied with “Sounds like a great plan”.
I immediately consulted my October running log to confirm the mileage I would need to run MON – FRI to ensure I hit my monthly goal of 100 miles and allow my legs to recover from this morning’s PR half marathon. Then I waited several more days before registering to confirm that my legs had fully recovered.
When I picked up my packet the lady said “Are you Heels and Hills? We are so thrilled you are running our new half marathon”. I learned the registration numbers were approximately 40 runners. Wow, maybe I’ll place in my age group! Since there wasn’t much to do in Cleburne I thought I would drive the course. Upon arriving at the hotel I called the Race Director to get more details about the course. While talking with him I learned there were approximately 15 runners in the half marathon. The 40 runners included the 5K and 10K. Wow, maybe I’ll win the Master Division! (the awards were only Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female). The course included several hills, but all appeared very doable and the weather forecast was absolutely perfect. I knew this race was going to be the best birthday present ever.
We had already decided to postpone my birthday dinner until post race and I did not want to eat anywhere “new” so we picked Chili’s. I decided carbo loading is overrated and had my all time favorite – a rib eye. Of course Todd insisted on his all time favorite -- dessert. We enjoyed a nice relaxing “non-puppies” evening then got to bed early. Todd had to leave by 7:00 to make his tee time and I got to sleep until 7:00 as the start line was less than 5 miles from the hotel.
The temperature was 43 degrees at the start then 62 degrees at the finish with 5mph winds. There appeared to be approximately 20 half marathoners at the start. I passed a few runners in the first mile then held my position for the remainder of the race. I will be curious to find out where I placed in the results as I passed approximately 5 runners while I driving back to the hotel. It was a two loop course so I seldom saw any other runners. Running alone gave me a lot of time to reflect on how much running has changed my life. I am blessed to have the opportunity to share the journey and this half marathon was the perfect birthday present!
Race Plan/ Race Results
A: Run strong with intensity, but don’t race – I ran the pace my body was giving me
B: Run a consistent pace – I didn’t realize I was strong enough to maintain a sub 10:00 pace. I chose to take one walk break then slow the pace for lap 2. I need to save my legs since I ran a half marathon 6 days ago and will run another half marathon in 8 days.
C: Run for a Personal Record – New PR by 4 minute – 2:11:12. A total 8 min PR in one week!!!
Mile splits (09:54 avg pace)
M1: 10:04 – might be a little fast as there are a several hills and gradual inclines
M2: 09:51 – maybe this pace isn’t too fast. hill #1 completed
M3: 09:39
M4: 09:38 – sun is coming out so off with the long sleeved shirt
M5: 09:42 – hill #2 completed
M6: 09:45 – 10K = 59:58 = 4 min PR!
First Lap = 01:04 = 09:46 avg pace!
M7: 09:40 – feeling great, but chose not to keep a fast pace and simply enjoy the run
M8: 10:42 –walk break + gel; hill #3 completed
M9: 09:59 -- new goal is to have fun knowing sub 10:00 min miles equal another 4 min PR
M10: 09:59
M11: 09:56 – hill #4 completed
M12: 09:54
M13: 09:56
Next Up:
11.08.09 -- Fort Worth Half Marathon
11.22.09 – Mote in Motion Half Marathon
12.13.09 – White Rock Half Marathon
