So this was my goal race for the summer. I hit the first two miles exactly on pace with 6:40 miles. The wrinkle in the plan was that I had heard about an enormous hill in mile three. Well, I hit the hill in great position, but unfortunately it was every bit as steep as everybody had said. According to my calculations the grade was about 12 percent and it lasted about .8 of a mile. Unfortunately I've been unable to get real hill training in without hills around me or access to a treadmill, so I had to simulate it. In any case, I slowed down dramatically over that mile.
According to the Garmin every mile except the one with the monster hill was at or significantly faster than goal pace. I made up some time on the backside of the hill of course. My strong desire goal was to go under 42 minutes, but I figured I'd be content with a time under 44. So I made the secondary goal. As far as placing, I was well ahead of my goal to finish in the top 100. There were over 600 racers, so my finish put me in the top 15 percent. I met somebody who lives nearby that finished about a minute faster, so maybe I can get somebody to push me in training.
I wonder if somebody could explain something to me though. The course was certified, and my Garmin appeared to be quite accurate, measuring at least 6.2 miles for the total distance. Unfortunately I didn't stop it right at the finish line. However, on the Garmin my average pace was 7:01. The chip time had me at 7:04. And I'm pretty sure the split I heard for two miles was about 20 seconds slower than the Garmin had for two miles. What gives?? It seems like the chip did me no good in making up for the time lost at the start. I want my 20 seconds!
In any case, I'm pretty pleased with the place and quite pleased that I was faster than goal pace for all the miles without monster inclines. I know I would be under 42 and probably close to 41 with a faster course. One person told me that the hill on this course typically adds 2-3 minutes for most people. Factor that in or factor how much time my third mile was above goal pace and I'm pretty close to 41.
I'm now looking forward to a fall half marathon where I'll make it a point to find a flatter course. =) I think I'm better at the longer distances anyway. |