Urban Wildland Half Marathon - August 2, 2008

This was my second and last half marathon of the summer taking place in Richfield. This race had a little bit of everything (gravel trails, paved trails and residential streets. The course was very scenic as it traveled through 4 different wild land areas - surprising to find in the middle of Richfield by the way. Apparently Runner's World magazine rated this race the 4th best half marathon in the country.

I was a little concerned about the weather which has been very hot and humid this past week. The forecast high today was 90, but the race started bright and early at 7am to beat the worst of the heat. Actually it wasn't too bad until the last 3-4 miles. Much of the course was shaded with residential trees and tree cover in the wild land areas.

Anyway, things went well. I ran a 1:48 half marathon in St Cloud in April and wanted to run under 1:40 today. I ran the first mile in 7:25 and simply held this pace through the entire race finishing in 1:37:20. I tried to pick up the pace over the last 3 miles but with the heat, my body didn't respond but I didn't fall off the pace either. Gail and Emily tracked me on the course providing encouragement along the way.

I finished 105th out of 1,104 runners and 8th of 73 in my age group.

Just two more races this season! A 20 mile tune up September 6th in White Bear Lake and the Chicago Marathon on October 12th. Will a Boston Marathon qualifying time be a possibility? Probably still a long shot this year, but with two more months of injury-free training, good health, determination/will power, nice weather in Chicago, along with a large number of spectators providing race day encouragement - who knows!

http://www.onlineraceresults.com/race/view_race.php?race_id=8486&relist_record_type=result&lower_bound=0&upper_bound=1105&use_previous_sql=1&group_by=default#racetop

Monticello Riverfest 5k - July 12, 2008

I ran my very first 5k this morning and just like my first 10k last month I was petrified about the pace.  This will likely be my shortest road racing distance and therefore my fastest race pace.  I have been dealing with a left achilles injury.  Nothing serious but it is very tight until I loosen up.  Made sure I warmed up thoroughly for this one.  I went into this race with a goal to run under 20 minutes.

It was a beautiful day.  The course was an out and back course which I later found out is not my favorite kind of race.  The sharp 180 degree turn at the far end slows you down momentarily and then you immediately need to push hard to get back into rhythm and pace.  Anyway, my heart was racing (over 110bpm) before the gun went off.

I ran a 6:23 first mile and was breathing heavily (gasping may be a better word).  On the way back I tried to maintain my form and just keep pushing.  as I hit the final straightaway I glanced at my Garmin several times and realized I was either going to just make my goal or just miss it.  I crossed the finish line in a time of 19:57 beating my goal by just 3 seconds!  My overall race pace was 6:25 so I successfully maintained my pace throughout the race.  I finished 21st overall among 299 runners and 2nd in my age group of 8 men.  This will be my only 5k for the year, but it was exciting!

http://www.myvira.com/

Time to Fly 10k - June 28, 2008

This was my first 10k ever and I was a little nervous knowing the pace was going to be much faster than what I have been used to.  This race took place on Harriet Island near Downtown St Paul.  The weather was nice although we had a brief shower rain shower after the start.  I wanted to run a sub 7 minute pace hoping my long distance endurance would allow me to keep my pace throughout.  I just didn't know what to expect.

My first mile pace was 6:52 and I was really breathing hard.  My heart rate was already thumping before the race began from my nervous energy.  I held my pace until mile 3 when it slipped to 7:04.  I was half way and returning to home.  I pushed harder to get back on pace.  The course went through a winding path in the woods that was partially unpaved and uneven.  Then we were back on the road heading to the finish line.  I had a mile and a half to go but was back on pace.  I was exhausted and the tenths of a mile were rolling by slowly.  I reached a crest in the road where the finish line could be seen to my left.  The final 0.3 miles were slightly downhill and I pushed with everything I had left.

My time was 42:43 (6:53/mile pace) and good enough for 26th place overall among 412 finishers.  I also finished 3rd among 12 in my age group.  I was thrilled but exhausted after the race.   

http://onlineraceresults.com/race/view_race.php?race_id=8279&relist_record_type=result&lower_bound=0&upper_bound=412&use_previous_sql=1&group_by=default#racetop