Yesterday (Sunday, since I probably won't be able to publish this for the next eternity or so because BLOGGER CAN BITE ME), I ran the Bronx Half Marathon, the second race in the NYRR Grand Prix Series.
I love racing. I know that the whole triathlete thing is more about about the lifestyle and yada yada yada, and in theory I wholeheartedly agree. But, I gotta say that when I get to a race and soak in the whole atmosphere, I just love it. I love all the healthy people and I love the competitive atmosphere, and I love the mental aspect of 'how far can you go?', and I really just love pushing myself.
First things first...I PRed. I ran a 1:47:07. My previous PR 3 weeks ago had been 1:52:45, so I was pretty damn happy with that improvement.
I didn't know what to expect going into the race. I had been doing the vast majority of my training on a treadmill, and I knew I was getting faster on the machine, but I just didn't know if that would translate to a faster road race. I'm ecstatic that it did.
The course wasn't 'hilly', but it was by no means flat. There were countless inclines as we ran up and down highway over and under passes. It wasn't a pretty race. I've heard the Grand Concourse that we looped up and down is pretty in the spring, but in the winter it's kinda boring. I didn't really mind the lack of scenery though. I just wanted to see what I could do, and I did it.
My spoken goal was the break 1:50, and I crushed that. But, I had this inside I-can't-say-this-out-loud goal of perhaps running closer to 1:45, because that would prove that I had the slightest chance to qualify for Boston at the Los Angeles Marathon.
I know, I know. No one goes from running a 4:18 marathon to qualifying with a 3:40. That's why I've kept my mouth shut with this one. My original goal with this training and upcoming race was to break 4 hours, and I'm now very confident that I can do that. But, as you see yourself get faster, how do you not up your goal? How do you not keep pushing yourself to the next limit?
I don't think there is anything wrong with always upping the ante (because otherwise what's the point?), but what about the necessity of feeling happy that you reached a goal? Because, yesterday I was very happy that I broke 1:50, but I still kind of had this ache that made me wish I had just ran a bit faster. I know I could have. Definitely on a different course, with less wind and maybe a bit warmer temperature, but probably even on this course under the same circumstances. But, it doesn't matter, right? There will always be those doubts, and the important thing is that I had fun out there, regardless of the time.
For LA, I'm going to go out trying to break 4 hours and see what happens. If I'm easily running an 8:30 pace, I'll go with that (cause Boston requires 8:28 splits). If not, I'll be happy with the dramatic amount of progress I've made since November, because I really should be both happy and proud. Boston can wait until later.
And if even 4 hours doesn't happen? I'm still happy and proud. I've broken through to find something new within myself, and that's all I wanted anyhow.
And now, the ever-popular, all-inclusive....
SPLITS!
mile 1- 8:49 (dodge-city)
mile 2- 8:22
mile 3- 8:03
mile 4- 8:21
mile 5- 8:10
mile 6- 8:04
mile 7- 8:12
mile 8- 8:05
mile 9- 7:57
mile 10- 8:06
mile 11- 8:18
mile 12- 7:57
mile 13- 7:53
last .1- <:48 (I waited to stop my watch to avoid the 'stop-button-watch-picture' we're all so familiar with)
total: 1:47:07
The water stop miles? Still painfully obvious, and I couldn't help myself from stopping at almost every one. I didn't need it, but I was always scared that I would need it before I had another chance. Nutrition-wise, I also wish I had had a Gu with me, because I felt myself wanting something more than Gatorade by mile 8 or so. The miles with inclines or the ones that were against the wind might have been slightly slower and required more effort, but all in all what slowed me down most was the water stops. That should be relatively easy to fix, right? Any suggestions?
So, I guess that's the news from Lake Woebegone. I don't mean to be down on myself or the race; I had a blast running, and I can't wait for next time. And a PR by more than 5 minutes in a half marathon? I really am thrilled. All the questioning of one-self and hoping to go further and faster? That's the best part, I think. What else makes you examine yourself so completely in mind and body? Music does for me, but there is always room for another outlet. And what's more?
I love it.
10 comments:
PR!
it's great that you are able to tell us about these races we'd never experience.
you're like my NYC connection!
Yay! I now have to go back and read your report. I was just so excited to see such an awesome PR!
My half PR is 1:43, and although I know if I was in shape I could probably do sub-4, I'm not holding out any hopes for BQ time. I definitely think you have a sub-1:45 half in you now (obviously you have a far faster half in you in the future) and I would l-o-v-e LOVE to see you qualify, but I hope (and know) you'll be OK if that BQ i. at the one AFTER LA, and not at LA>
Awesome time. And just FYI, I shaved nearly an hour off my marathon time over the course of 12 months. So it's plausible to go from 4:20 to 3:40. Tough, sure. Lots of work, definitely. It is attainable, though it should be secondary.
Way to crush the PR, and in a short period of time, too. See how well speedwork can pay off.
I think upping the ante gets dangerous. I spent all last year upping my ante last minute because of other peopls goals for me and I ended up dissapointed after every race despite crushing what my original goal should have been.
With 1:47 I would say your "A" goal could be 3:44-3:50. (Assuming LA is similar flatness to your half) So you probably are closer to a BQ than you think.
Rehardless of what happens though be happy with the PR you will most likely run at LA. As long as you are continuing to get faster you can't complain :)
As for dropping massive amounts of time. I went from a 3:40 to a 3:27 in a year. You can definitely drop a lot on your second or third try. You just need to have the right conditions and the right training!
Anyways Great job at the half!
Wow! You're like a PR machine! Congrats on the fantastic race. As for the water stops, I can't help ya... I'm the same way (only, you know, slower)-- always afraid I'll need something before the next aide station comes up. Do you fold your cup in half twice for easier non-splash drinking? That could keep you from having to slow down. For LA maybe you could study the course map to get a handle on where the aide stations will be. Your training and previous races should give you an idea of when you need to stop... or not.
Congrats and good luck! Boston is a very real possibility for you in the future. Just stay tough and confident and run your race.
Yay! Outstanding job.
Hey, check your email, too! :)
OMG! That is AWESOME! Reading your post made me want to start training for another marathon asap! I am exactly the same way about wanting to push the envelope farther...I never stop saying "...but what if..." haha...but if we didn't say that, we'd never know. Many, many congrats on the PR! You certainly have 4 hrs in LA in your back pocket now.
Wow- Awesome race! I am so impressed. That PR is huge. Keep it up, girl!
Jodi
Great improvement! You WILL qualify for Boston one day but don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen this year or next. You have what it takes and are proving it every day! Just be patient : )
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