I went into this race thinking: It’s not going to be a PR. I knew it will be a great (and expensive) tempo run. That’s exactly what it was. Despite really wanting to be faster than my half marathon pace, my legs did not have it in them. I did, however, have a great time seeing my friends so I can’t complain about that. To preface this: My goal was to come in faster than then 31:45 (what I ran last year…I obviously did not make that goal).
The race started at 7:30am which is a lot earlier than the races I have been racing. It’s not a big deal but I hadn’t slept well the night before. I prefer earlier race starts so it was nice to get back into this mode.
I warmed up and chatted with Kristy before the race. It was great to finally be able to connect and catch up. I had been at the same (bigger races) the last few months but we never found each other. We went out to lunch last November but it seems like our lives were just not connecting after that. It was so nice to spend the hour prior just chatting and catching up.
Before I knew it, I found myself lined up with Kris, Kellie and Mollie and we were off. I saw a top lady pack form in the beginning (with Kris going on to take the win). I was not part of that pack but I watched as they ran off. My legs were not feeling the pop I was hoping for.
The first mile I hit in 6:21. All I could think was defeat. I hit half marathon first miles (almost always) faster than that. I was all by myself yet again and I was a debbie downer one mile into the race.
The second mile I was surrounded by some men and we ran together for a bit. I was improving mentally and I ran a 6:15. I was by no means pleased with it, but I was going to make the best of my race day. I knew my legs were tired from the increase in mileage as well as heat, I was just not prepared for how tired.
The third mile I high fived a police man and got water from a water stop. I dropped the first cup and when the volunteers laughed at me I just replied with “there is a reason I don’t play basketball”…I was able to grab another cup of water thank goodness.
The fourth mile rounds the colissum. You get so close to the finish line only to realize you have 1.5 miles to go. I personally hate the second half of the course because you keep inching closing but not finishing. The last 1.5 miles consist of blind corners and turns. Where does this extra race course come from?
You begin a series of weaves and turns through downtown Norfolk (while having the actual finish line in view). Since I had run the course a couple of times I was prepared. I knew we weren’t headed towards the finish line yet…
As we crossed onto the boardwalk, I pretended to look strong in the last .1. Several people told me how great I looked despite being nearly 2 minute off my PR. I always find that the worse I do or feel in a race, the more people say how strong you look. It could all just be coincidence.
I crossed the finish line in 32.32. I wasn’t overly happy with the time but I wasn’t upset either. If anything it was a nice (and expensive) tempo run with my friends. I need to get some speed in weekly so this fullfilled that.
Final thoughts:
I’m in a basebuilding phase right now and shouldn’t worry that my times aren’t great (for me). It doesn’t really make me feel all that better though. That being said I do want to focus on running some more races to keep some speed up. I didn’t get that chance when living in Texas and I know it will benefit me in the long run and the marathon (ha great pun!).
Questions for you:
Nice expensive tempo run 🙂 Sorry you didn’t quite meet your goal but still a super solid time in the summer. The other morning it was 61 here (versus the 70-75 it’s been lately) and I was shocked at how much easier ~10 degrees cooler made running feel.
I picked speed for your question. Endurance is great, but speed is definitely my weaker point between the two. I’m also trying to race some shorter races this summer just for forced speed work 🙂
Nice job! You’re going to be awesome at Wineglass!!
still a solid race Hollie! Focus on your long term goals – these smaller races are helping you get there.
I agree with you — I totally hate when races loop the course around the finish line only to send you out for a few more miles before heading back again. It’s such a tease.
I know it is hard not meeting your own expectations, but I think you are doing a good job keeping perspective. Yeah, it was an expensive tempo run, but also a ‘leg test’ – you have been building mileage and are tired, and didn’t have that extra ‘give’ now. That will come as you work through the summer … and if Wineglass this year is anything like last year in terms of heat and humidity (88 at finish) you will get even more benefit from this hard work! 🙂
It looks like the flags in that picture are giving you bunny ears. Photobombed by the flags!
Sorry your time wasn’t what you wanted… but I guess you kinda got your money’s worth from the expensive run? Plus it is hot, you were in a different place from travelling, and your marathon training is picking up. I think running some shorter races during marathon training is a good idea though, like you said it helps you keep a little speed in your legs.
I am definitely a speed girl… well, not really, but I like the shorter distances for races. I like *running* longer distances, but racing shorter ones.
I’d say it was a great effort and by my standards a great time, too! You have great perspective–this is base building time with a little speed thrown in. Win/win.
I hate when you can see the finish line way ahead of the finish (unless I know ahead of time I’m doing loops or something…then I mentally prepare myself). Biggest pet peeve of races by far. I know it wasn’t what you hoped for, but I think it was still a great run for the summer and at the end of a high mileage week
I did not enjoy the finish either, but I did enjoy the cool down. Thanks for listening to my complaints for 20 full minutes. I think you did quite well considering your training volume. I remember how tired I used to feel when I ran 70-plus miles per week.
I voted for speed. I like the marathon, but my favorite race distances are all 5k and under.
I appreciate you putting up with my whining. Now we can do it all over again at Boilermaker!
Hmmmm speed or endurance??? I kinda torn on that question. But if I had to choose I would probably go with speed.
I can relate to this based on how I’m feeling lately and on my recent 10K. I totally viewed it as speed work or a tempo run after I realized the weather and the couse would make it impossible to PR. Even still I was disappointed with how I did time wise even though I didn’t have anything left to give. I think these are good mental workouts though and I hope to throw in a 5k or 2 this summer because even if I’m not fast, it’s good to keep racing and pushing.
I think it would be endurance for me. 🙂 But then, I am far far away from where you are now. I know, you are somewhat disappointed, but believe me, you should be proud of it. I can only hope I run as fast as you do one day 🙂
xoxo
Olena
Nice work! You have a great perspective on this race–taking it for what it’s worth and knowing how it plays into your long-term goals.
It’s always funny when people are like “you looked awesome!” when really you felt like crap. I think you have a good outlook, though. I want to build some speed in too! I’m noticing that’s where I’m lacking!
So glad we connected. I think a citrus date is in order next time you are in town!
I might have enjoyed it more than the race. 🙂
ME TOO!!!