AM: 15 miles. Dexter Ann Arbor Half Marathon in 90:03. HR 170.
I signed up for this one back in February I think or maybe earlier. In recent weeks I had hoped to run around 1:25, but knew that would be tough, but maybe running high 1:25. I definitely wanted to come in under what I ran last fall as I wasn't in good shape, had had almost no workouts in 2 months, and had no significant long runs. Well, I just didn't get there for the race. Tried to go out in the 6:40s and work down, but I didn't get there. It was incredibly humid and I worried I would cramp. Kind of phone it in slightly a few times, but kept a decent effort overall.
It's a point-to-point with a shuttle, which made race logistics a bit challenging, but I lined up for the bus an hour before race start and was able to get in an almost 15' warm up. Really I needed at least 20-25' if not 30'. Race got out fast and I let others go as I wasn't interested in blowing up. I thought with the opening miles I was in for a decent day, but the slight inclines and false flats had me struggling to find an extra gear. Some solid hills at mile 8 and 11 and the finish is almost all uphill (very unkind). I got passed by a 53-year-old woman in the final quarter mile, passed her, and then the crowd cheered and she almost outkicked me, but I didn't let it happen as I was feeling pretty prideful.
I ended pretty frustrated with my fitness and wondering if trying to get back into running shape is worth it rather than just running to run and because I still do enjoy it. I don't know. I just feel like I am regressing and running times I ran in 2011 and I am just not interested in doing that for much longer. I am going to give it until September and race a half and if things don't turn around I am likely done road racing. I'l do bikes and ultras.
Splits: 6:39, 6:39, 6:41, 6:43, 6:50, 6:48, 6:46, 6:59, 6:58, 7:08, 7:01, 7:08, 6:46, 6:24 (for the partial). HR 170.
Cooled down a bit, but apaprently stopped my watch about 2 minutes in and couldn't find much flat to run on and didn't feel like running so I just walked back.
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