The last time I ran a half with specific purpose to PR was in March of 2011. I was gunning for a sub 2 time during that race, but my hips didn't like the gravel trail and I came in at 2:02:45 - so close. This course was FLAT, and actually ran part of the course of the race in 2011, but it has been paved since then.
The only downside of the course is 3 out and backs which played with my head a bit. The first two out and back were cake - kept seeing paces of 8:10 - 8:30 on the Garmin, which made me happy, but also worried me that I wouldn't have anything left at the end. The third out and back went by the finish line, so you see all the elite runners finishing while you still have 3.5 miles to run...
By the time I hit the last out and back I did some math and made a goal of 1:52. I didn't set a goal at the beginning of the race because I didn't want to put myself under a time pressure, but with only a few miles to go, I told my legs to shut up and finish the run strong. (like that Jens Voigt quote?)
I was relieved to see the finish and kicked it in to a 1:51:45 finish. Hell yes. So happy. So tired. How did I just PR on tired, non-tapered legs? (I did an 8 mile hike on Saturday and a solid Swim/Bike/Run training block on Sunday) Oh yeah, I run a lot faster than I did in 2011. :) I am more comfortable being uncomfortable.
What also made this race a lot of fun was all the people I knew there - Lauren, Dawn, Arielle, Mason + family, Casey, Kim, Andrea, Rebecca. We all hung out after in the little beer garden while the award ceremony happened then a few of us went to Red Hook for lunch and more beers. What is better than running and beers?! Nothing.
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| Seattle Bloggers, Unite! Dawn, Me, Lauren, Andrea, Rebecca |
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| Birds |
Congrats on the big PR!
ReplyDeleteWay to push yourself -- getting "comfortable with being uncomfortable" really pays off!
I knew that you were going to crush that 2 hour mark sometime soon! What an awesome PR. My goal for the rest of this year is to run more consistently so I can get faster (and maybe move beyond the half). That's so true about learning to be uncomfortable- a lot of the time, running hurts!
ReplyDeleteAwesome congrats on the PR...isnt red hook awesome?
ReplyDeleteThat is a crazy great PR. Congratulations- you will have a fantastic marathon time at CIM!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a huge PR. Sub 1:50 is just around the corner!
ReplyDeleteSo so awesome Megan! Loved reading this. Love seeing you only beginning...so much ahead girl! And beer and running...YES. A great marriage there. Usually AFTER the run but Gosh, sometimes when you're running a really long relay, having a beer, I mean tea, is quite nice. Can't wait to see how you do at your next race!
ReplyDeleteawesome job! also love the glass
ReplyDeleteSo thrilling! Always a rainbow (or more accurate runbow, per Oiselle) after the rain. That March 2011 race is now ancient history. Enjoy the spoils of victory!
ReplyDeleteRight ON!!!!!! SO HAPPY for you, what an amazing PR! You can totally do more if you taper, no? That's exciting to think about. Have fun @ your cyclocross this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI have gained a lot while reading your blog. I will definitely share this information with my friends.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
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ReplyDeleteThat beer looks delicious. Specially when you finished to run and drink one. It is heaven
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