Since running the Austin Half Marathon in February, I've been running more than my normal share of races this spring in central North Carolina. The mild winter here allowed me to run more outside than ever before during the period of December-February. After Austin, I decided to add an 8k and a 10 miler to my schedule for March and April. From there, the list grew longer and this past weekend, I completed my 12th half marathon right here in the Raleigh area!
In early March, the Mrs and I joined friends to compete in the St Patty's Run Green 8k in downtown Raleigh. I ran this hilly race once before back in 2010, came to the start unprepared and struggled to the finish so I knew I could do better this time around. The race was just as much fun as 2010 except much larger. My finish time was 36:53 at a 7:25 pace and good enough for a new 8k PR, approximately 90 seconds under my previous PR set in November 2010. We really enjoyed the afternoon event and it was excellent to enjoy a complimentary pint at the finish. Props to my buddy Joey who defended his Fastest Male Kilted Runner title and another friend who won the best costume (and best boobs) contest.
In late March, our same foursome headed down east for the Run for the River 8k held in downtown Kinston. The finish is near Mother Earth Brewing who also sponsors the race so as you can imagine, this one has been on my To Do list for a couple years now. I was also lucky enough to receive invites for Michelle and I to run on the Mother Earth team of owners, employees and friends who were running the 8k for the brewery. The course was flat and very fast (as most down east NC races are) though that also deletes the advantage of having some hills to run down.
It was a humid, moist morning in Kinston near the peak of pollen season but the cooler air was definitely a benefit as I ran another new 8k PR time finishing in 35:43 at a 7:12 pace. While the race was a small event, it was great to see how many runners showed up from the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area to participate. Our entire group of runners all set PRs in the 8k as well. After the race, we celebrated as we always do, with a pint of fresh craft beer - this time on the patio of Mother Earth. Rocky was with us for the day and enjoyed an IPA taste as well.
After my solid finish in the Austin Half, I decided to commit to the Tarheel 10 Miler in Chapel Hill. I had heard this was a well organized and very challenging race so it was another one on my to do list, I just had never got my act together early enough in the year to train for it before this year. This would be my 50th distance race since I started running races in late 2003.
Michelle chose to do the 4 Miler as well so we both headed to UNC Chapel Hill's Kenan Stadium in late April for the race. I haven't run a 10 mile race since 2008 however I set a new 10 miler PR during Austin in January since they provided a 10 mile split (if that counts). My time for the first 10 miles in Austin was 1:14:58, a 7:30 pace. I hoped I could top that in Chapel Hill but realistically, I knew I couldn't. I had a tough 6 weeks of running from mid-March to late April with a left ankle injury that became a left knee injury. My mileage and speed in training was light as I tried to heal them so I just wanted to finish this race in one piece.
It was pretty cool to start and finish the race within the stadium. The honorary starter of the race was Meb Keflezighi, an American runner who won the 2009 NYC Marathon and the 2012 US Olympic Time Trial Marathon, earning a spot on the 2012 US Olympic team. I caught a glimpse of him at the start though he looked too busy for me to bother asking for a picture or a hand shake.
Earlier this month, I took part in another running of the Beer Mile. I went into the race as the local defending champion so my reputation was at stake (or maybe bragging rights would be a better way to put it). Another blog update coming soon will recap the race.
Until last week, I had no plans to run another distance race until this fall. I did not get into the November NYC Marathon during the lottery in late April so now I could start deciding my fall plans. Last Thursday, a friend suggested I run the NC Roadrunners Invitational half marathon in Cary with him that Michelle and I ran last year. Not sure why I had not considered it again this year. It's a very well done race, its affordable and its challenging so hey, why not?! I ran a 10 miler a month ago and my injuries have healed. I decided to wait until Saturday evening to decide. Basically, see how the weather forecast looks and see how I feel after taking Saturday off from running.
So yesterday morning, I headed over to Cary, did race day registration, met up with a few friends and took to the start. The race course and organization was identical to last year. I knew what to expect in the race plus other friends of mine were working the water stops so I even had some on course support this time.
My goal was to beat last year's finish time of 1:48:11. Having run a 1:39 in Austin a few months ago, this seemed reasonable. I ran my race similar to last year, essentially knowing if I could make it to mile 9, I'd be able to cruise, struggle or jog to the finish. The hills, both up and down are in the first 9 miles with the toughest climb being between mile 8-9.
When I reached the 10 mile mark, I felt good and decided I would treat the last 3.1 miles as its own race. From there, I cruised to the finish with a time of 1:41:33 at a 7:45 pace. It was my 4th fastest half marathon and a 7+ minute improvement over last year. The best thing of all I found out later was that I placed in my age group for the first time EVER! I came in 3rd in my age group and 46th overall, even got an award - a gift card from event sponsor Inside-Out Sports. Not a bad way to notch race #51 and half marathon #12. After a fun morning at the race, brunch and beerS followed at The Flying Saucer Raleigh.
Cheers!
