Left Hand Half Marathon (Race Recap)

Longmont, CO

Sunday, April 27

Half Marathon #198

Weather - Warm and sunny at the start, fog in the middle

Random race that we signed up for pretty last minute. I knew I would have some running on schedule and since I'm still trying to hit my lifetime 200th half, figured that an inexpensive half marathon not too far from home that finished at a brewery would be right up our alley.

There was a "competitive" wave that started at 7:15 and then the slower folks were starting at either 7:30 or 7:45. (I still don't really know what the 7:30 wave was, but since I had only signed up a few days earlier I definitely knew I was in the last wave). We left the house just after 6:30 for the 35ish minute drive to Longmont. We hit some fog on the drive up (like visibility of about 10 feet), but by the time we parked at Left Hand it was sunny and getting warmer.

We picked up our bibs and used the bathroom before pinning our numbers on and heading to the start. I had been debating whether I wanted to just run as long as I could or if I wanted to start with intervals. Last minute decided to just see what would happen, I could always start intervals later.

It seemed that we would be starting in a group of maybe 40-50 runners, and the course was an out and back on the bike path. Zero expectations on this.

We started right on time at 7:45 and both of us planned to run with music in. The course was incredibly well marked! Lots of chalk arrows on the ground, plus signs at each turn AND course marshals anywhere it could be confusing. I had worn my vest even though we found out that we would hit a total of 7 water stations on the route.

I wore the rabbit button down until about mile 8-9 and took it off because I was chafing under my left arm

The first mile and half to the first aid station (and 5k turn around, which started at 9) went fine. I grabbed a cup of water and walked through the aid station. Everything seemed to be going pretty well until maybe 3-4 miles in (maybe right after the second aid station which was around 3.7 miles in. For a bit I started to take short walk breaks. Nothing seemed familiar until we hit a stretch near the St. Vrain Greenway, which I recognized from Rev Run and the Longmont half that I had run 10+ years ago. I told Ben that I was going to set up 2:30/1:00 intervals. For a while, these worked well and I was able to keep average pace under 11 minute miles.

Somewhere around 4-5 miles in the fog we had driven through hit the course. It was nice because it immediately lowered the temperature. About this same time was when I was suddenly feeling very sore and tired and my interval pace slowed substantially. Still  managed to DO the intervals, but the running pace was a lot slower. I don't recall what time we hit the turnaround, but we did get passed by at least a half dozen people in the half mile leading up to it.

Took a picture of the fogginess around 7 miles (?) in:

I was really struggling and it didn't help that my shuffle was playing garbage songs that I had to keep skipping through. Stopped to use the bathroom at the next aid station, and pretty sure we got passed by more people. Unfortunately the fog broke and it got pretty sunny again, although with the high forecasted to be close to 80, it didn't feel nearly as horrible as it could have.

We continued to get passed by people here and there, although even with our intervals we managed to keep a few of them in our sights. 

Once I knew we were getting close to being done (and the other folks started to take walk breaks) I tried to push through all my soreness. We both had a relatively "speedy" sprint of the last quarter mile or so at 9:30ish pace. Thankfully, it was finally over.

Official Time - 2:29:16

Overall Place - 88/110

Gender Place - 33/53

Division Place - 9/19

Garmin Time - 2:29:18

Garmin Distance - 13.18 miles

Garmin Pace - 11:20 (run time 2:06:31, walk time 22:08)

Mile 1 - 10:05

Mile 2 - 10:22

Mile 3 - 10:23

Mile 4 - 11:05

Mile 5 - 10:57

Mile 6 - 10:58

Mile 7 - 11:34

Mile 8 - 11:39

Mile 9 - 12:29

Mile 10 - 12:22

Mile 11 - 11:58

Mile 12 - 12:16

Miler 13 - 11:30

Mile 13.18 - 9:25 pace

We stuck around for our free beer, although there was not a ton of places to sit that were in the shade.

Thoughts:

• Signed up about a week out. Paid just over $70, using the discount from an ambassador that basically saved me money on the fees/taxes that were charged. Race registration included a shirt and medal (that doubles as a bottle opener), plus a free beer or NA beverage. Live music and vendors at the finish line. There is also a 5k that is not chip timed.
• Course - relatively flat, about 225 feet of gain/loss. (All the climbing was on the way back, I discovered after looking at my stats). Incredibly well marked.
• Would I do again? Probably not, but really only because I don't do a lot of road races anymore and this just happened to "fit" in my schedule. It was well organized and seemingly got a lot of bang for my buck compared to some other events.

Week in Review (April 22 - April 28)

Tuesday (17,198 steps) - Walked Olive before going to work in the office. We had a staff meeting at lunch and it was catered with a Chipotle taco bar - yum! Walked Olive again after work and then met up with Ben at Torchy's for dinner. More Criminal Minds Evolution, although we both felt "tv'd out" and went to bed before 9:30.

Wednesday (19,562 steps) - Olive walk before work. Administrative Professionals day meant another work lunch and gives from the EC! 

This lunch was catered in and was delicious - fancy salad, steak, stuffed peppers and of course deserts. Another walk when I got home. Criminal Minds Evolution.

Thursday (11,124 steps) - Work from home. Took Olive for a long walk at lunch, did a Peloton ride and a core video. Did some deliveries and then walked Olive again when I got home. Criminal Minds!

Friday (12,320 steps) - Wash Park with Olive and the gang. Actually had a good night delivering. Criminal Minds.

Saturday (21,031 steps) - Took Olive for a walk before we headed up to Superior to meet Larry and Terri. We had planned to run together, but I figured that a double digit run would be too much for me, so we met them at their halfway point and then did the back half of their run. I actually felt pretty good during this one! 

Terri drove us back to our car and then we went to 4 Noses for a beer and a snack. Took Olive for a longer walk when we got home. More Criminal Minds.

Sunday (28,678 steps) - Took Olive for a quick walk before heading north for the Left Hand half marathon. 

On the way home we picked up Olive and went to 4 Noses for a beer. It was really warm and we were a bit sad that there is zero shade on the patio right now. Showered and took a nap before having dinner and more Criminal Minds.

Monday (10,741 steps) - Thankfully, a work from home day. I cannot believe how sore I was after running the half marathon. Took Olive to the dog park at lunch and we did some run/walk, which I think was better than trying to do a real run (especially since Garmin has had my training readiness at a "1" for two days now. Other than being REALLY windy it was a pretty nice afternoon to be out.

Did some deliveries before meeting Ben at Costco so he could put air in my tires. Pizza for dinner and more Criminal Minds.

Stats:

• 120,654 steps
• 23.24 miles run
• 21.48 miles walked
• 15 minutes of cardio
• 10 minutes of strength

Longmont "Trail" Half Marathon (Race Recap)

Sunday, July 17
Longmont, CO
Half Marathon #149
Weather - Sunny and hot

The Longmont Trail half marathon was probably the one race in the series that I was not looking forward to at all. For starters, running that far in the metro area in summer is miserable. It's been in the 90's for weeks and race day was no exception. Secondly, obviously, I haven't been running and I wasn't even really sure that I could physically get through the race. Lastly, I was confused and thought the Longmont half marathon I ran a few years ago was the same event - and I hate it. Anyway, not looking forward to it.

Jeff (the race director) had moved up the start to 7:45 (from 8 am), but said we could take an early start. Under normal circumstances I would not take an early start. In my current physical condition I decided I'd go ahead and start early, since I very likely would be out on the course all morning.

I got up around 5 and drove the 45 minutes or so up to Longmont. The parking lot was fairly easy to find at the Boulder County Fairgrounds and it was a short walk to the starting area.

I met up with fellow ERS ambassador Stacy, who asked if I wanted to start at 6:40-6:45 (I had been planning to start at 7). She had already spoken with the timing guy, who said we could pretty much start whenever. So as soon as I had my bib and went to the bathroom, we were off. Stacy was having some issues with her ankle, as well as some breathing issues. We managed to stick together for the first 4 or so miles, plodding along at a speedy 13:xx pace. The first two aid stations were not set up yet, but I had my handheld so I wasn't super concerned.

Around 4 miles in Stacy decided that she was going to drop at the 10k (the half marathon course was a double loop), so she pulled back and slowed down and I kept going.

Man. It is really hot in July. The first few miles, I had noticed a bit of a niggle in my hip, but by 3-4 miles in it seemed to loosen up. Other than general fatigue, I didn't find anything painful, so yay! I was heading into mile 5 when the faster half marathon runners and 10k'ers were getting started. I literally started an hour early and they weren't that far back.

These short areas of shade were amazing!!

Even though most of the course was on bike path, there were some appealing views

I haven't really done many double loop courses and figured I would hate the loop the second time around. Even though it was fiery hot out, it wasn't nearly as bad as I feared. There was enough shade on most of it that I didn't feel too terrible. Plus, I got to be lapped by all the fast people, so that's always fun.

My "A" goal for this race was to see if I could get through at least half of the race running. I am pleased to say that while my pace certainly wasn't anything impressive, that I was able to slow jog about 95% of the race. I say that is a success!

Official Time - 2:55:55 (wow)
Overall Place - 130/139
Gender Place - 84/91
Division Place - 31/33
Mile 1 - 13:55
Mile 2 - 14:08
Mile 3 - 13:44
Mile 4 - 13:45
Mile 5 - 13:25
Mile 6 - 12:33
Mile 7 - 13:11
Mile 8 - 13:43
Mile 9 - 13:20
Mile 10 - 13:40
Mile 11 - 13:39
Mile 12 - 12:48
Mile 13 - 12:34
Mile 13.12 - 11:50

I met up with some of my teammates after the finish (they were still there because they were waiting for awards - I'm the only one on the team that didn't make the podium, lol)

The gal in the blue shorts is the doctor that has been working on my hip - race was approved!

Thoughts

• Course is definitely flat and fast. If you're a person that can run well in the heat, this would probably be a good course.
• I wore my Hoka Cliftons on my longest run to date. Previously, my longest run was 6 miles. I don't know that I "love" the Hokas, but they have been my go-to shoe during my injury as they seem to minimize the impact a bit when I run.
• Course was well marked - there were several small out and back sections that were marked for both the 10k and half marathon, I don't think it would be easy to get lost.
• The aid stations are a blur. I don't remember. I believe there was water and Powerade, not sure if there was food/fuel of any kind.
• The medal is pretty cool - doubles as a bottle opener. 

• I haven't changed my mind on the summer racing. It sucks. I don't love the heat, at all.
• The race shirt is nice - gender specific, and randomly, black. It doesn't seem to be the super thin tech style, so I'll have to see what I can pair it with. But it's different, and since I'm an ambassador, I'll likely wear it. I only have one other black race shirt in the mix!
• This is called a trail race, but let's be clear - it's "urban" trail. That means that it is a combination of bike path and dirt, but nothing technical at all. Very little elevation change and I have to say that it is sort of a stretch calling it trail.
• Post race party was good, but sadly, one of the three venues that doesn't allow beer.
• Overall, ERS puts on a fantastic event (and I'm not just saying that!) and I would recommend any of their races. With that said, out of all the races, this would not be a "top" pick for me. It was however, better than I expected.

Longmont Half Marathon (Race Recap)

Longmont, CO
Saturday, July 16
Half Marathon #39
Weather - Sunny, HOT

I sort of have a goal of also completing every half marathon in the state of Colorado. Longmont is pretty close to where I live, and when I heard about the Longmont Half Marathon, I knew we had to run it. This was also our 9th weekend in a row of racing, so I was feeling TIRED and a bit BURNED OUT.

As always, the race REALLY begins the night before with our carb load dinner. Surprise, surprise, we did NOT go to Applebees! Instead, we went to Sweet Tomatoes. Yum!

Even though the race was pretty close to where we live, it started EARLY to avoid as much of the heat as possible. The week before the race we finally noticed that there was a shuttle that we had to SCHEDULE to get us from the finish line where we parked to the start. Why wouldn't we have done that when we registered? No emails were sent out about it, we only saw it because we were verifying where to go. OK...

We were scheduled for the 5:50 bus, and L thought she had seen somewhere that the packet pick-up was at 5:15. So I had to get up ridiculously early. Alarm went off at 4:10. 4:10!!! Crazy! Got dressed, ate breakfast, and we were out the door around 4:45. Obviously there wasn't any traffic at this hour, and we arrived just after 5:15. The first set of buses (for walkers and those that waited too long to schedule) were STILL there. They were supposed to have left for the start at 5:10. OK... we are wandering around and there is no sign of anyone with bibs. We find a volunteer and discover that we are actually picking them up at the start line and goody bags after we are done. In other words, we could have slept a half hour longer. Sigh.

There were supposed to be bathrooms open in the park (signs said they open at 5) but they were closed. Only TWO port-o-potties while we waited for the bus. It was already feeling warm, I knew this race was going to be tough. I wilt  in the heat.

Waiting for the bus

The busses were supposed leave for the start at 5:50. They didn't even show up until 6:11. WTF!! (We could have slept EVEN LONGER). By now we have been waiting around for an hour. The bus drops us off at the start with 90 seconds until the race is going to start. Obviously it isn't going to start on time. We cycle through the bathroom line again and by the time everyone is ready to go, we are starting 25 minutes late.

There is no "start line" (not even chalked on the ground) and no timing chips. I don't even care. The high for the day is predicted to be close to 100 degrees, and by the time we set out I was already roasting. We once again started too far in the back and ended up in this uncomfortable jog/trot because I couldn't get around people (lake on one side and a ditch/fence on the other).

Start Line

Immediately decided - I DON'T CARE. I am so not feeling this race. It's actually pretty decent sized field for a new race - 239 people. I figure I'll do a slower and steady pace and try to not overwork myself since there aren't very many aid stations and it's already so hot out.

The first two miles are running on trail around the lake. The course itself is very pretty, but this race should NOT be held in mid July (too hot) and there really needs to be more course support. But more on that later.

The first aid station was at mile 3. I had already decided I'd need a water break before that, so I planned my first walk break at mile 1.5 so I could drink some Nuun. Holy crap. How am I so tired and hot already? It's only been 15 minutes. Grrr....

After we finish running around the lake, we finally get some pavement. We are running on a sidewalk parallel to a busy street. At least there is a teeny tiny amount of shade. Also a slight downhill and for the moment I am feeling ok. The aid station is just after we pass mile 3, and I take an Apple Cinnamon Hammer gel. We make a turn and we are back into the blazing sun.

I had planned on taking my next break at mile 4, and I barely made it there. This heat is just draining all energy out of me. Drink more Nuun and then start jogging again. Next aid station is about mile 5. Take some water and Powerade. Have I mentioned how hot and tired I am?

See the hot air balloons on the horizon?

My strategy of a quick walk break every mile is gone. It is not enough. I stop again at mile 5.6 to use the bathroom. I have to wait about a minute to get in, but I feel better (for a minute) after I get out. We are running by the river and again there is a little bit of shade, so I make it to mile 6 feeling decently ok. Man, I am TIRED.

Next aid station is mile 7. I was hoping to make it to the next stop without a break, but nope. Just can't force myself to do it. Blah!!! There was originally supposed to be an aid station at mile 9, but because some volunteers backed out, they moved it to mile 8.25. Although it was actually right after mile 8. So the only aid station after the one at 8 was mile 11. Do they know it's a bazillion degrees out??!

I have never looked at my watch so many times during a race. Am I even moving? My walk breaks are even more frequent, every 4-5 minutes. I am just so hot and tired, my heart rate should NOT be this high during a race that I'm not even "racing." (My watch would later tell me an average of 175!)

Am I hallucinating? Am I back in Iowa?

Mile 10. More walking. NO shade. Dying.

Hottest I've been. Ever.

Mile 11. Last aid station. SO THIRSTY. I am drinking too much for running, but I am so parched and I feel dehydrated. I have never sweat so much in my life.

Mile 12. WHY ISN'T THIS OVER YET??? Still no shade. !!!!!!!!!!! A lady I had been playing cat/mouse with starts talking to me around mile 12.5. Another super happy person who tries to cheer me up "we are almost there." Not close enough...

We cross a bridge and turn the corner and... there's L???? How is that possible??? I lost sight of her in the first mile. She is walking. I catch up to her while we are climbing the biggest hill of the course. She is struggling BIG TIME. Glad it wasn't just me.

Just before the mile 13 marker we decide to "run" the rest of the race. Our first finish together EVER in a half marathon.

See us SMOKIN' that chick? Bahaha.

SO. HAPPY. TO. BE. DONE. They are out of water at the finish line. Of course they are. They do have some Powerade, but considering how thirsty I am, I just want water. No food that I am interested in, I just want to leave so I can shower and forget this ever happened. But wait!!! My stalker is here!!

Finally a pic of us together. Only he doesn't know he's in it.

We collect our finisher award - instead of a medal it is a pint glass. I can live with that. Pick up my goody bag, and ONCE AGAIN, even though I registered months ago, they are out of my shirt size. NOT HAPPY.

Official Time - 2:22:27
Official Pace - 10:52
Gender Place - 80/101
Division Place - 28/36
Garmin Time - 2:22:04 (No chip timing, remember)
Garmin Distance - 13:08
Garmin Pace - 10:51
Mile 1 - 10:03
Mile 2 - 10:04
Mile 3 - 10:09
Mile 4 - 10:09
Mile 5 - 11:02
Mile 6 - 11:59 (bathroom)
Mile 7 - 10:09
Mile 8 - 11:12
Mile 9 - 10:47
Mile 10 - 11:11
Mile 11 - 11:53
Mile 12 - 11:04
Mile 13 - 11:38
Mile 13.1 - 8:43

Pint Glass - Finisher's Award

Things that annoyed me

• Lack of communication with the shuttles
• Buses being 30 minutes late
• Not enough bathrooms
• Not enough aid stations
• Not enough water at the finish line
• Not having my shirt size. Again!!

Things that were good

• Liked the pint glass - better than nothing at all, and it will get used
• The race shirt was a pretty cool t-shirt, but would have liked to have my size
• Nice course (but NOT for July!!)

I am SO ready for my month off from racing. Nine weeks in a row of racing seems to be more than I can handle - especially during the summer. I cannot seem to adapt to the heat.