13.1 number 11 for 2015.
As mentioned in previous posts, I set out this year to complete a half marathon each month in 2015. My streak was intact through August. As a matter of fact, through August, I'd completed 10 13.1's. In September I was unable to find a half that fit my schedule, and, in October, I ran the full marathon in Chicago.
I considered this event last year, but, the "Best of the Best" triathlon fell on the same day. Again, this year, I qualified for Best of the Best, but, opted for the FW Marathon 13.1 instead. This is due to the fact that I plan to run the 26.2 in Dallas in December. I need to focus on running and resuming my training after almost a month off since Chicago.
Of the 2 marathons in FW, this is, by far, the smallest. While Cowtown feels like a big marathon with expo, crowd support, etc., this does not. There were a total of 961 participants today, with race options of 13.1, 20, and 26.2.
I arrived to Panther Island Pavilion about 45 minutes before race time (8 am for 13.1), and had no trouble parking. There was a $5 fee to park, which was goofy, but, other than that, no issues.
The weather was cool, but, honestly, perfect running weather.
I made the decision last week to try and push for sub 10 minute miles on the one, with hopes of a PR. I was interested to see how my body would respond after a few weeks off. Sub 10 minute miles would be be significant, as my previous 13.1 PR was 2:15:32, or, 10:20 a mile. I figured I'd run the 1st 5k at sub 10's and see how I felt. Fortunately, the weather was great, and, this is an incredibly flat course on the trinity trails.
I got off to a comfortable start, and felt good. The narrow trail made for a congested run early, but, eventually, it thinned out. I ran my planned race through the 1st 5k and continued to clock sub 10 minute miles. I had a guy pacing just behind me through the turn, which helped. I took a couple of endurolytes and gel at the 1 hour mark, and continued. I hit the 6.2 mark in under an hour, and felt good. Typically, my 1st 6.2 in a 13.1 is 1:03 - 1:04.
I had headphone issues all day, but, no big deal.
After the turn, I kept my pace at sub 10, and headed back. There was a bit of a headwind on the way back. I was consistent with my sub 10 minute miles, and knew a PR was in reach. I slowed slightly on mile 11, and booked a 10:18, which is frustrating, but, recovered for the remainder of the race.
I crossed the pedestrian bridge towards the final mile and picked up the pace slightly.
Final time: 2:07:47. A PR by almost 8 minutes. 13 of 25 in my AG and 175 of 436 overall.
I hung out for a bit afterwards, as a food truck meal and Martin House beer were included.
This event is "ok". It is conveniently located, coordinated by good people, on a familiar course, etc. However, the "feel" of a big marathon in not there. I suspect I will continue to consider it as an option as it can serve as a good training run in the fall.
No comments:
Post a Comment