Sunday, May 01, 2022

Summit city half marathon

 We ran our first outdoor race of the year yesterday. It was our first time participating in the Summit City Half Marathon/10k. I liked it and hope to do it again!

It's put on by Epic Racing Events. For several years we'd seen their signs along our running routes, and only recently learned anything about them. Apparently they don't advertise a lot. In fact, I think the guy who runs it works for the Y (at least he used to). He is also a running coach, and I'd wanted to get involved in one of their events.... just because.

So, Jane did the 10k and I did the half marathon. The half was a two-loop course around the Scott Road/Illinois Road area. It was all on sidewalk/trail and through a couple subdivisions, so no streets needed closed or blocked off. There was also some hill-age, which added a bit of challenge. I liked the course! It was very well laid out and equally well-marked. Also, I cut as many corners as I could, and only ended up running .1 mile more than the 13.1 (most races are much longer than advertised). 

Jane ran a 61-minute 10k (9:57), which was really good considering she doesn't get as much time to train as I do. She got 3rd in her age group, and 21st out of 54.

 

I ran a 2:05 (9:34 pace), which was better than I was anticipating. I have lately just shot for an enjoyable 10-minute pace. You can see from the pic on the results page that I negatived this event with a faster second half than first. I was in 52nd place at the halfway point, and finished 44th out of 82. I was happy enough.

My fastest pace were a couple 9:02 miles, but I only had one mile at a 10-minute pace (10:00 even), and that's when I completed my first lap and got my water bottle and a gel out of the car and chatted with Jane, Carrie and Anna for a bit. 

It wasn't the greatest day weather-wise. It was not quite 50f, windy, and rained the first few miles. I also drank way too much vodka (and 2 beers with supper) the night before (why do I do this to myself?!?).

Yet, at the end of the day, I didn't feel too bad. The only sore spots I had were my right hamstring - which hasn't bothered me since I tore it in high school. I found that odd, but I credit the Theragun for lack of overall muscle soreness, and it has already taken pretty good care of the hamstring. We managed a little over a mile jog today.

I'm okay if I never run any faster than this. It's the daily training and the two hours out on the course that keep me going. I wish I could enjoy the aftermath a bit more. I always feel like I let everybody down by not celebrating more afterward. Maybe one of these days...

***

 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” -Hebrews 11:6


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