 posted May-19-2007 06:31 PM
   
Palos Verdes Half Marathon RRShort version: Ran 1:55:32 (net) for a PR in my 3rd HM. Am very happy, the course is tough and my goal was to simply break two hours. Nearly ideal conditions. Met dromedary (and Mr dromedary) and srlopez for the first time. Long version: The PV Marathon is supposed to be the second longest continual marathon in the US (after the Boston Marathon). It was written up nicely in the Nov ’06 issue of Running Times: http://runningtimes.com/rt/articles/?id=9247&page=1 Conditions were very good, temperatures in the low 60’s, overcast skies with little wind. Upon arrival, I ran into SLOjim, lleneforward, and met the Dromedary’s and srlopez. (As we were on the starting line, I had an opportunity to chat with Sherie Ranier as well). This is a local race for me, and I also spoke with two associates from work and my pastor (running the marathon). Because my mileage had been low (19 mpw over the last 3 months), because I had missed two weeks of training five weeks ago (was sick), because my long runs were only in the 10-11 mile range (to reduce probability of injury), etc etc etc I had simply hoped to beat two hours. My previous HM times were 1:56:56 and 1:55:49, each run with more mileage, and over much flatter courses. I had no reasonable expectation of even getting close to a PR. The splits were all over the place (probably markers were misplaced). The only ones that I feel confident in were the first mile (9:02), and the half way point (my first half was done in 57:08 and the second half in 58:24). I intentionally left my HRM at home. In the last two races, there were occasional very high readings and I felt like the readings were elevating my heart rate! If you believe each extra pound costs you 2 sec per mile, then I also saved 3 seconds by not carrying the 2 oz chest strap. My other big decision before the race was whether to wear my patt strap. I decided that my knee was good enough so I didn’t need it. (There were some twinges, but I think I am ok). The course is hilly, and the hill at mile 2 did not disappoint. I think it goes up ~350 ft over 0.6 mi. But after a couple miles of relatively flat terrain, there is considerable up and downs that I wasn’t really expecting. I run the first five miles much faster than I expected, but start to give it back just after the turn around point. Beforehand, I felt under-trained and believed that the final miles would be very tough for me. So, I ate three fig newtons between miles 8 –10. They did give me a lift and I felt pretty decent. The last few miles hurt, but it felt like I had something left in the tank. I don’t think I slowed down that badly. However, like usual, a dozen folks pass me in the last quarter mile. There was the usual food afterwards (breads, bananas, oranges, etc) but my favorite was the sliced watermelon. Yum! There were also bananas on the course, but I hope no one slipped on the peels! The race is reasonably well organized. The cost is modest ($35) and so I didn’t expect a fancy medal (it was nice, though). There was one band at the 6 mi mark. This was the first race that I have run where you have to finish before you get your T-shirt. And on my T-shirt, there is a line that says “half marathon finisher”. There were about 1000 of us half marathon finishers, and around 400 who started in the marathon. Beautiful views but sorry to say, I really didn’t look at the ocean much! Gotta focus on running, right? All in all, a great day! The other HM and 5K folks did well too and hopefully we can hear from them soon. Huskydon
IP: Logged |
Congrats!
