Finally decided to take the plunge and actually race a race. Since I got a free entry from work, I was considering backing out up until I picked up my packet. Once I got my bib, racing actually sounded a little fun. We got to the bus loading right at the cut off time. I had to make a pit stop and Becky had to run back to her car to get her bib so we missed the last bus. Luckily, there were 50 people who were unable to load so they had to send an extra bus to pick us up. Got to the starting line with just enough time to do the usual pre race routine.
My goal for the race was anything under 1:30. The start of the decline in my running was the Timp 1/2 in 2011. The course is very similar to this one (first 9 miles identical) and I barely snuck under 1:30. This race would give me a good idea as to where my fitness is. Started out at a very controlled pace. My focus was to maintain this effort the entire run. I used a 1:30 paceband as a guide and I was consistently 10-15 seconds ahead of pace. I knew that the real test started at mile 9 once we were out of the canyon. I was still feeling good and was able to maintain a good pace. Mile 10 was a bit tough mentally but I was able to get through it. Once I got to the top of the short hill during the 11th mile, I knew I was home free. Maintained the effort and was able to pass a few runners during the last 2 miles. Finishing 3 minutes faster than I did in 2011 was very satisfying.
I still need to work on the mental toughness aspect of running. I put in a good effort but konw it was not as uncomfortable as it should have been. I'm curiLuckily, there were 50 people who were unable to load so they had to send an extra bus to pick us up. Got to the starting line with just enough time to do the usual pre race routine.
My goal for the race was anything under 1:30. The start of the decline in my running was the Timp 1/2 in 2011. The course is very similar to this one (first 9 miles identical) and I barely snuck under 1:30. This race would give me a good idea as to where my fitness is. Started out at a very controlled pace. My focus was to maintain this effort the entire run. I used a 1:30 paceband as a guide and I was consistently 10-15 seconds ahead of pace. I knew that the real test started at mile 9 once we were out of the canyon. I was still feeling good and was able to maintain a good pace. Mile 10 was a bit tough mentally but I was able to get through it. Once I got to the top of the short hill during the 11th mile, I knew I was home free. Maintained the effort and was able to pass a few runners during the last 2 miles. Finishing 3 minutes faster than I did in 2011 was very satisfying.
I still need to work on the mental toughness aspect of running. I put in a good effort but konw it was not as uncomfortable as it should have been. I'm curiLuckily, there were 50 people who were unable to load so they had to send an extra bus to pick us up. Got to the starting line with just enough time to do the usual pre race routine.
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