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February 27, 2005
Reflections on a sub-par race
As noted, I don't like racing. I get nervous and dread it--but mostly I just don't ever get into the racing mentality and push myself as hard as I know I can. Today's half marathon was no exception. I've actually only run one real half marathon before this--last April's Runner's World Half, with Leilani--so I was hoping to beat that time, which I was also disappointed with. I was about a minute slower today, but there was a very strong headwind nearly the entire way, so I think it about equals out.
Mary and I both wanted to run an average of 7:15 pace (or faster) and had opposite strategies. She went out a little harder than I had wanted to, and I stuck with her for 2 or 3 miles, but slowed slightly after that. She ended up finishing a minute before me, so I guess I should have stuck to her, but I was scared. That's the thing--I am so not used to the feeling of running at that uncomfortable pace for more than an hour that it is daunting to me. The second I start feeling a little tired, I back off for fear that I will "die." But I noticed that in the later miles, I passed a bunch of people and was feeling stronger and more confident. We just signed up for another half in two weeks, and I will do my best to be a little more aggressive and see what happens.
I feel okay now but didn't get much of a cool down in because I was feeling really shaky and needed to eat. That happens a lot when I'm waiting awhile to start a race, as we did today. (Also, my arms were KILLING me when I finished and I have no idea why. I must have been clenched up the whole time.) But the next week should be one of our longest runs, so I will try not to feel too bad about the lack of mileage.
Our friend from track ran the full marathon in Hyannis today to qualify for Boston and looked really relaxed finishing in 3:35. There were maybe 300 people in this marathon, and the wind coming off the icy ocean was bad enough the first time around--I can only imagine the second loop. Her performance was particularly impressive since her longest runs leading up to this were 18 miles.
It's been a long day and I have yet to do any schoolwork. I'm still catching up on this weekend's conference meet results, but I have to congratulate Cornell on yet another Heps sweep! Whoo-hoo!
Posted by becky at February 27, 2005 7:48 PM
Comments
becky!! i think you ran really fast and you placed highly in your age group too!! sorry you were disapointed but i think you rock! yes, in two weeks, you should definitely go all out and experiment with pushing it.
um, and i totally know what you mean about being afraid to go faster. i definitely was afraid i would die in my 2.5 mile race!! i guess it just takes practice at different differences to figure out what is going to work and it WAS only your second half marathon!!
it's so exciting you have another race coming up so soon to try again!!
Posted by: Audrey at February 27, 2005 9:37 PM
everyone has to run their own race -- don't get caught up into running someone else's. it's much smarter to go out too slow than too fast. have a game plan - you know what you did today, so should be able to set realistic goals.
It's always good in a race to feel like you're holding back 'til the halfway point anyways, imho...
Posted by: derek rose at February 27, 2005 11:47 PM
I agree with Derek and hope I can eventually learn that. Becky, you are WAY too hard on yourself. It was a great run in very cold and VERY windy conditions (ah, the Cape in February, nothing like it!). We'll nail the Run to Remember...strong and on pace and smiling for our photo at the end! :)
Posted by: Mary at February 28, 2005 10:00 AM
Hey Becky! I'm catching up. You did a great job; please don't be disappointed. I agree with Derek that when you find your preferred strategy, racing will become easier.
More later....miss you!
Posted by: Leilani at March 2, 2005 1:29 PM