Half way there

As I continue to focus on the upcoming Marine Corps Marathon in 7 weeks from now, I interrupted the monotony of training to run the Virginia Beach Rock N Roll half marathon this past weekend. It was my third year in a row running the event and I wanted to redeem myself for last year's lousy performance. I ran a PR at the event in 2007 and a personal worst last year.

We got to town on Saturday and spent the afternoon at the beach and the night in Norfolk, eating dinner at a Macaroni Grill to prevent a repeat of the shitty service at Bella Monte last year. All I really need the night before a race is a basic pasta dish with tomato and meat sauce, lots of bread, a garden salad and a bourbon on the rocks. No hassle, no excuses and no wait. We almost scored a perfect 100 at Macaroni Grill since I was able to call ahead and get a table for 2 despite the 40 min wait. Our wait was less than 20 once we arrived and the food and service was just fine. In bed by 9:30 and out by 10 PM because a 4 AM wake-up was just around the corner.

The morning started well as we were up and out the door by 5 AM with a 20 minute drive to the beach. Logistically, it could not have worked out any better as I was able to drive into VA Beach and park in the deck of our hotel from last year which happened to be adjacent to the finish line beach party. Score!

Michelle set off to find caffeine and a spot to watch the race while I hiked up to the start line and took a couple last minute squirts. I started in the back of corral 7 out of 22 so I had lots of people ahead of me and plenty more behind me. My goal was to start slow, accelerate after the half way point and finish strong. Unfortunately, I forgot to start my watch as I crossed the start line and only noticed halfway down 19th St. into mile 1. I started it and had to guesstimate my time from than on.

My first mile was an easy jog, 9:something pace and I was already passing people (last year, by mile 2 - I was walking and getting passed). By mile 4, I was passing runners with the 1:52 pace group so I felt energized. I remained conservative and by mile 6, I was ready to go. Last year, this was the same point I almost quit.

I ran a reasonable pace and ate my gels during the middle stage of the race, which is also the lamest as it runs around the Marine Corps base which has NO scenery and few spectators. Luckily, the band on base was rocking some old Zeppelin tunes and a Buffett tribute band at the entrance was jamming something familiar. I gave them my best Fins move and almost fell over a curb, lol. That would have sucked.

About the same time I entered the base, about mile 7, I noticed I had picked up a pacer. A younger girl was running my exact pace and had been for a 1/2 mile or so. We ended up running the same pace, exchanging positions all the way to the finish. We spoke after the race, she had started in corral 5 with her Dad and dropped him about mile 6. We both finished right under two hours on the race clock and my official chip time was 1:52:02 which is my second best half time and 1:03 slower than 2007. If only I had started my watch on time! My pacer for the second half; she was 15 and said she won her age group in the Yuengling Shamrock half back in March. I wouldn't be surprised if she won it in this race too. My legs barely lasted 3 miles when I was 15, let alone 13.1 miles.

As always, Michelle was there to support me before, during and after the race. She does a great job being there for me and knows how to help but stay out of the way :) Big thanks honey!

The original RNR Half Elvis and this year's prop guitar. He ran a 1:49 in that outfit.

Parking in the hotel deck nearby worked out perfect. We were able to change into beach wear, grab the stocked cooler and chill on the beach for the post race party. It is always fun and great people watching; especially with a bottle of something special. After another nice day on the beach and a semi-decent brunch at Luna Sea, we grabbed dinner at Gorden Biersch and headed home. Despite only being gone for 1 night and two days, it was a great get-a-way and a solid training run for me plus I got some more bling to add to the collection.