Well I have finished my fourth half marathon and I could not be more pleased of how it went. I finished in 1:33.30, which was not at all what I was expecting (like I said somewhere…between 1:35-1:40) would have been fabulous. I got my A (1:35), B (<1:40) and C (finish…duh) goals.
But I did better.
Anyways, I didn’t put on the blog much about my knee and IT Band the last week (until Monday), but they had been acting up a lot. So much so-that I was at 50/50 running the race…the morning of the race. Although-they felt okay in the morning, they didn’t feel amazing prior and I didn’t want to be injured even more so.
But I decided to run it and immediately into mile 1-I realized I had no pain and was running quickly. So I was happy.
I also decided to run it in my trainers because this wasn’t the race I was trying to PR. I was just trying to finish successfully and have some sort of base to kick back on. Having more support was so necessary.
Dad and I woke at the ripe hour of 4:30. Left the house by 5:15 and were at the race by 6:15. I was almost late for the start because I had to check my bag in (the race started at 7).
I didn’t warm up at all…unless you count walking to the race start which was about 1 mile. I don’t really warm up for half marathons and it’s struggle to get me to warm up for most races.
Then at 7am, bright and early the race started. I was in corral one and we all went on our ways and speeds. So many people started off so quick (it was super nerve racking per usual). I just kinda let my legs go their speed-cautious and not pushing anything. It ended up being a 7:05 pace. 7:05 pace into the wind. 7:05 pace up hills. 7:05 pace down hills. I literally hit all my miles between 7:04-7:06 pace. *I don’t have a Garmin…I just had nothing to think about and math is fun to do while your running.
Until mile 10, when it got hot and I slowed down to a 7:10 pace. I was somewhat sad-but then I realized I was still going to be under my goal of 1:35 so I just let it all be what it was.
I hit a serious boredom wall at mile 10, but then some water hander outers screamed my name (it was on my bib) and said looking good. I don’t know why but it made me say-hell I can do it.
At exactly 1:31 into my race, I heard the marathon go off. I silently wished my dad good luck and thought of the good fortune he had taught me to really enjoy running. My dad is my idol.
Then I finished at exactly the same pace that I had been going. I haven’t done enough long runs lately to develop any sort of kick for a half marathon. So I knew that was not on my side .
This was a great race for me. I had gone in, hoping to be around 1:35-not expecting to be anywhere faster and came out better. I really hope it sets the tone for my next race in Plattsburgh, NY on April 22. I want to be under 1:30.
While waiting around for the marathon-I crossed into one of my favorite bloggers- Alyssa! It was finally nice to be able to chat for more than a hot second! Can you believe how awesome she looks after running-I look like I’m about to die. Good thing she snapped a photo because I’ve been failing miserably at that. 😉
Question for you:
What is one of your most memorable races?
Nice Race Hollie!! Glad everything turned out even better than expected!!
Amazing race!! So happy that it went better than expected – what a great feeling. My most memorable is the 15K I did on Sunday, mostly because it’s super fresh in my mind, & I’ve only done one other race, so it doesn’t have much competition. 😉
Best races are always the most fresh in your mind eh?! 😉
High 5 & great race! Loving that Facebook tee 🙂 haha
Great job!
amazing race, I can only dream of having your pace.
Awesome race – and that sub 1:30 next month is ALL YOURS. OWN IT.
I knew u could do it!! Phil.4:13. 🙂 U r speedy and awesome!!
Thanks girl! 🙂
Phewww speedy gonzales over hurrrr 😀 Great job !
Ahhh that sounds so fun 😀
You did so awesome smashing your goal!
Talk about speed demon! That’s so crazy…congrats!!
Congrats on the great race! That’s an awesome pace! Oh and I love your shirt. 🙂
My most memorable race was a 10-miler I did 2 winters ago. I made a total spur of the moment decision the night before at 11pm. My mom thought I was crazy when I asked her to borrow her car the next morning to run a 10 mile race. The following morning it was 12 degrees. Despite the cold, it was so much fun because we were all shivering together!
Thanks! Brrr that sounds ridiculously chilly!
You’re amazing. And that sand art is wicked!
Great job Hollie! And oooh it’s nice to put a face to the name with a fellow blogger!
Congrats on an awesome race! I always love your fun race decals. Super sad I didn’t get a chance to see you after the race. I was around the finish line area when you came in too so we were probably right near each other……doh!! Not fair 🙁
I love that shirt haha. I want one! Congrats on your amazing finish 🙂
Also my likey the new colors of your bloggy 🙂
Glad to hear that your race went well! It sounds like you had so much fun. Congrats! 🙂
It’s so cool that you got to meet Alyssa! And, AWESOME JOB ON THE HALF. Very good to hear that it went well, and as usual you are super super speedy.
Awesome job!!!! You impress me to no end. And I am glad that you didn’t feel the pain that you have been feeling. 🙂 PS Love the new blog look. I love how it looks like buttons on the top. I must say, I am fairly jealous.
YAAY, great job!! You dont look bad after the race at all!
hehe thanks girl!
Speed Demon!! Awesome job girl! I’m back in the blogging sphere again. You really rocked that half. I only wish I could run half as fast as you!
Great job on the race! It’s always a great feeling to do better than you were planning! I like the new blog look, btw! 🙂
You are absurdly fast – consider me jealous. I killed myself last month hitting a 1:34 PR. To go sub-90 would be a dream for me. Anyway, well done and good luck in New York!
Awesome race Hollie! I saw the picture of you and Alyssa on her blog and was like “omg how cool” – yea I just said that 🙂
Don’t mind me, I’m just creeping on your race recaps.
Awesome race!! I’m doing the Shamrock Half this March, and I’m hoping it will be my PR course. This gives me hope.
HA! I am hopefully going to do the half again too! It’s a very flat course with one gradual hill. The only reason I can see it not being a PR course are if it’s windy or really hot!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll keep that in mind.
I’m also 20 lbs heavier than my last PR, so that could be a factor. Haha!