Last Saturday, I celebrated St. Patty’s Day by running in a half marathon; The Get Lucky in St Paul, Minnesota!
This month, in Minnesota, the weather has been abnormally cold, snowy and icy. Last year at this time the temperatures were in the 70s and there was no snow to been seen. Not this year! We have about 10 inches of snow on the ground and the temperatures are barely reaching the twenties.
Running conditions for this race were less than ideal. However, it could have been a lot worse. So lets get at it-
The night before the race we had drizzling rain and snow with freezing temperatures which created slippery conditions on top of already slick roads and sidewalks. The morning started out a little cloudy and cold with temperatures in the teens and a 12 mph wind making it feel like 6 degrees outside. I was really grateful because Adam parked the car close to the start line where I waited until 15 minutes before the race. I wanted to stay as warm as possible for as long as possible.
At the start line the sun began to come out and the wind didn’t feel terrible. As soon as the race began I knew it was going to be a challenge because I could see the ice reflecting off the road. There was very little to no salt on the roads. What the heck! I thought for sure the race officials would have been prepared with extra salt…nope! Plus, there was a thin layer of slush on the ground too. At this point there was nothing I could do but get my head in the race and try my best.
The course was an out and back course where you ran 6 miles out and then ran back. I have run races like that before and I actually don’t mind them. It pumps me up to see the half way point and physically turn around.
There were a few hills on the course. I remember a pretty long uphill stretch right before mile six. There was also an uphill around mile two which was nice on the back end because you ran down hill for the last few miles.
The race was very well organized. From the registration to packet pickup and race day, organizers did a great job communicating.
I didn’t train hard for the race. Meaning I didn’t run a lot. I ran 10 miles the week before and did a lot of strength and cardio group fitness classes. I also did a lot of hot yoga pre-race. My training schedule was much like the schedule I had for my October half marathon where I PRed. That must really work for me because I PRed AGAIN! Not by much…5 seconds. For years, I doubted the saying, “run less, run stronger.” But for me it works. I workout 6-7 days a week and probably only run 2 or 3 of those days. I try to mix up my exercising with group fitness classes, weightlifting, biking, yoga and running.
My official race time was 1:46:26 averaging 8:04 miles.
My Splits
| Mile | Time | Change | Avg Pace |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
8:06 | – | 8’06″/mi |
|
2
|
16:06 | - 0:06 (1%) | 8’00″/mi |
|
3
|
23:52 | - 0:14 (2%) | 7’46″/mi |
|
4
|
31:40 | + 0:02 (-1%) | 7’48″/mi |
|
5
|
39:40 | + 0:12 (-3%) | 8’00″/mi |
|
6
|
47:32 | - 0:08 (1%) | 7’52″/mi |
|
7
|
55:32 | + 0:08 (-2%) | 8’00″/mi |
|
8
|
1:03:36 | + 0:04 (-1%) | 8’04″/mi |
|
9
|
1:11:33 | - 0:07 (1%) | 7’57″/mi |
|
10
|
1:19:58 | + 0:28 (-6%) | 8’25″/mi |
|
11
|
1:28:15 | - 0:08 (1%) | 8’17″/mi |
|
12
|
1:36:40 | + 0:08 (-2%) | 8’25″/mi |
|
13
|
1:44:54 | - 0:11 (2%) | 8’14″/mi |
I wish I would have pushed myself a little more at the end. Those are some of my worst splits. I had gas left in the tank but mentally I broke down. I think I was bored. I know that might sound weird but I was just sick of running. Plus, I didn’t see the 12 mile marker so I felt like I was running on mile 11 forever! When I finally looked down at my watch I was at 12.60 miles and then I tried to kick it into gear!
Overall, I was happy with my time. Considering the weather it was a good race and fun!
The finishing metals were really sweet. The four leaf clover was green stained glass.
The next race- Cellcom Half Marathon in Green Bay, WI on May 19, 2013!
Happy Spring Running- Amy
