Race with Arnold my brother-in-law. Rainy morning about 60 degrees. Actually a nice day for a race. 3589 half marathon runners. race also included a quarter marathon and a 5k. This was the first race that I've ran that closed an interstate for the course. The first 4 miles were on I-794 crossing a bridge. kind of interesting. also, the best seeding I have ever had. I was number 14. I figured somebody just made a mistake. I don't get two digit numbers.
Mile 1: (elevation 590ft to 840ft). Going over the Hoan Bridge. I started right up on the start line behind Ronald Mcdonald on a scooter and some dog mascot. Lead pack went out very quickly I was showing a 5:50 pace for the first half mile while climbing. I knew this was not my pace so I tried to settle into a 6:35 as planned. 6:39
Mile 2:(840 to 700)still a light rain with wind in our face. settling in a bit. 6:23
Mile 3: (700 to 596 then back to 700ft) Off ramp, water stop and On ramp to head back over the bridge. I took a gel shot and some water. One of the runners (Todd) that was behind me caught up and I started talking to him. He was about my age. He was looking to run a sub 90min half. We ran together for a while. 6:37 (20:04 5k)
Mile 4: (700 to 814) Climbing the bridge. Todd is with me. he was looking to settle into a 6:45, so we did. 6:46.
Mile 5: (814 to 8:40 then down to 700) Over the bridge and down the back side. Still running with Todd. Approaching the crowd down town. 6:40
Mile 6: (700 to 593) Todd and I parted ways as I was looking to run a little faster. Nice kick of the back side of the bridge. Rain has stopped. 6:25/ 41:03 10k
Mile 7: (593 to 661) a good little hill going into a park. a light wind has been at our backs now since mile 3. I up the effort for the hill. Those who know me know that I'm a slow climber. 6:55
Mile 8: (661 to 671) Not a whole lot of elevation change, but there were five rolling hills with the last one gaining 30 ft. Todd catches up with me and we talk for a bit. there was a pack of 4 runners that pass us. 6:55
Mile 9: (671 to 599) We are now coming out of the park and will be heading back toward downtown along Lake Michigan. There is a decent breeze in our face now. I decide to tag along with the pack that passed us. Todd fades off for the last time. 6:26
Mile 10: (flat) The rest of the race is flat along the shore line. 6:31and 1:06:31 for 10 miles
Mile 11: 6:38
Mile 12: 6:29
Mile 13: 6:19
Last 5k 20:21
overall 1:26:52 PR!!:)
Todd finished in 1:28:11
Arnold finished in 1:33:04
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