Run CF Half Marathon

I've never really been into race reports.  They're boring for me to write, so I can't even imagine what they must be like to read.  So here's the quick and dirty, non-race report writing, racers report.

Distance: 13.1 miles
Time: 1:19:14
Pace: 6:02 min/mile
Average HR: 165
Place: 1st AG, 3rd OA

It was a smaller race and that is indicative of my overall place.  Sure it's the best I've ever placed in a running race, but in reality a 1:19 for 'real' runners isn't squat.  I still consider myself a triathlete that can run, not a runner.  I wanted to go 1:18:45 but really that was just so I could have claimed a 6:00/mile half.  I missed it by a little but am happy with my overall time.  I pretty much laid it all out there, doubt I could have gone faster, even if it was only 29 sec faster.

13.1 miles were as uneventful as one could hope or dread.  I was with 8 or so guys that took off right from the get go.  Top 2 overall (sub 1:15) were pretty much gone and outta sight within the first 3 miles.  I ran in 4th place, all alone for 12 miles, maintaining about a 100yd gap to 3rd.   At mile 10 I took a Roctane that helped carried me through.  I caught and race shoulder to shoulder with 3rd place for the final mile, I got out sprinted and crossed the line in 4th.  Thanks to modern technology, my D-Tag recorded that I actually started the race 2 secs late, so really I ended up with the 3rd fastest time.  Whatever, I got beat in the sprint.  I know it and Mr. 4th place knows it too.

The few data points that I find kinda cool is my HR pacing strategy.  Ever since I stared racing I've always used HR to gauge effort and dictate speed.  I never set or chase a goal pace using GPS.  Here's a look at my splits.  HR cap was set to 165 for miles 1-10.  Bumped it 170 for last 3 miles.  So for all of the naysayers, and don't tell Garmin, but HR (alone) can be used to effectively and evenly pace a race.

Race recovery has always been a challenge for me.  I use active recovery techniques but I think the culprit is my diet.  I have no probably sticking to my super-strict training eating regimen leading up to the race...but then after the race all hell breaks loose.  Seriously, if I elaborated on my post-race binge eating, you wouldn't believe me.  My wife is amazed that I don't get sick.  I'm just thankful that alcohol isn't a big part of my life any more. If it were, the binge could get much uglier, trust me.

Seeing that I'm racing more this year than ever before, I'm gonna have to get a handle on my recovery strategies.   If I choose not to, my current schedule is going to dig me into quite a hole.

We're T minus 2 weeks for the arrival of our newest bundle of joy.  I'm likely to be up to my elbows in sticky black, baby tar poo and spit-up, so with that said, this'll probably be my last update for a while.

Until next time,
Train Safe