Runner’s World Half Marathon
October 18, 2015
2:27:30
Temp: Mid to high 30s and windy
What I wore: hat,tank top, half zip, Brooks Nightlife Essential Run jacket, Skirt Sports Happy Girl Skirt(this is an affiliate link), PROcompression socks, and Altra Running One 2 (affiliate link).
I knew that my goal for the Runner’s World Half was to run at my marathon pace for the entire half marathon. Given that I was still coughing and had hardly run since mid September, I was a bit worried that even my planned marathon pace was going to be too much for this race. It was really chilly and windy and this race started away from the nice warm buildings and flushing bathrooms. I walked over with Heather and Jen and we did stop at the bathrooms on the way, but then we had to walk to the start line. (Yes, Runner’s World did spoil us with the other starts LOL).
I moved to the sign for a 2:30 finish because I figured that was a safe bet. I happened upon the pacer just as we were about to start and decided to run with her. Best.Decision.Ever!
Michelle was an awesome pacer. At the start it was her, me, and one other woman. We started at a slightly faster pace because the first part of the course was mostly flat (and the same could not be said about the rest LOL)
We managed to build about a one minute cushion in the first 3 miles – enough to be useful without taking out too much energy. I even ran most of the way up the first real hill and the all the way up the next small hill. Then the hills really began. Thanks to Michelle’s planning, we were able to walk the awful hip at mile 5.5 (and it was just as awful as it looks!) After that, I manage to run up all of the remaining uphills without too much difficulty.
Around mile 7 or so we started picking up additional runners in our group. I loved running at this pace because I could easily chat with everyone. Two of the runners were gunning for 2:30 PRs, so we all helped keep them on the pace that would get them there. As we neared the end, a few of us started pulling away from Michelle. She’d done her job perfectly: gotten us on pace without wearing us out and now it was time to bring it home. I ended up running one of the runners into the finish and she beat her goal by more than 2 minutes.
Woot! I think I like helping others PR even more than I like PRing (probably because I don’t have to push myself LOL). All in all, the Runner’s World Half was an awesome race and I could not have run it more perfectly. And boom! Hat Trick and Grand Slam done! (And as a bonus, this was my first half marathon in Pennsylvania, so state #24 done!)
The good:
- This was only the second time I’ve ever run with a pacer and Michelle ran the course perfectly.
- This was a huge confidence builder for me for Marine Corps Marathon. I knew I could maintain this pace for at least the first half.
- I love running with runners who are relatively new to the distance. It’s so exciting to see someone finish their first race of that distance or to reach a new PR.
The bad:
- The hills. Did you see that elevation? It was just as hard as it looked.
- My quads. After 3 previous races (all with hills), my legs were pretty sore going into this one.
- I forgot to carry the fuel I’d packed. Luckily, I often run half marathons without fuel, so this didn’t end up being too much of a problem.
- The wind. I was afraid my Brooks jacket would be too much and I contemplated taking it off several times, but then we’d turn into the wind and I’d zip it right back up.
The ugly:
- The drive home. Four + hours in the car after a weekend with four races meant I was pretty tight when I got out of the car.
That’s right – there are no uglies related to the actual race.
When Runner’s World reached out to me and invited me to the event, there was no way I wasn’t going. I mean, RUNNER’S WORLD! But I was more than a little bit nervous about the races, given the bronchitis and my hip. Turns out my body decided to cooperate. I’m so happy that it did as the races were awesome. Other than Mainly Marathons (which are super small and intimate), I’ve never had such consistently good experiences with races. If I had one complaint, it would be the hills. But, umm, pretty sure there’s nothing they can do about that.
Would I run it again? Yes. I may run it again next year even if I’m not a guest of Runner’s World. (I’d totally be lying if I didn’t admit that I hope they invite me back.) I’ve had some pretty amazing experiences as a blogger and this is definitely one of the top ones.
Disclaimer: Runner’s World invited me to the events and paid most of my expenses. All opinions are my own.
The drive home MUST have been the worst ever!!!! I cramp up with an hour drive after running! 🙂 Great review! and awesome collection of shoes! I’m so happy we are the same size!
jen recently posted…Breaking the rules with #AltraRunning
Ugh, I remember that awful hill! That was such a tough course but I felt so accomplished when I finished!
Kimberly G recently posted…Why Running Mantras Are Important
Sounds like you had a fabulous experience! Great opportunity. I’d love to do some of these races but not all!
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Winter Running-What to Wear For Every Temp
This race weekend is on my bucket list and all your recaps about just make me more eager to do it! haha. I think you should be a pacer! You’d be great at it!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…10 CrossFit Terms to Know Before You Go
OOOh I don’t care to run in the wind, especially with those low temps! Great for you to have had such a wonderful experience overall!
Elle recently posted…Favorite Fall Soups… My Current Top 5
This sounds like a really fun weekend overall! Lucky you!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Pushing outside of the zone
Congratulations on your finish and your 24th state! I love when I get to watch runners experience a new race distance and reach their goals. Sounds like you had a great time. Great review!
Artney @ My Pretty Brown Fit recently posted…Lung Cancer Awareness. It Matters!
Loved reading the recap and I cannot imagine driving home after a huge weekend of racing (and lots of hills!). Sounds like it was a fun time running with the pacer Michelle and great of you to help and encourage the others around you as well!
Laura recently posted…Pumpkins in the Park 2015: Lumberladies!
That’s so fun to run with someone who was getting a PR. Every longer race finish line I tear up just because there’s so much energy everywhere!
Becki S recently posted…Holiday CrossFit NOT Hot Gift List
it’s cool to read this because I want to do the hat trick next year. I didn’t realize there were so many hills though. Oy.
Great recap! The Runner’s World half has been on my bucket list for a few years now – I really hope I can do what it takes to get there next year! It’s a great experience when you can help others on their runs.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Annapolis Half Marathon Training Week 3
What a great experience! I’ve never run with a pacer before, partly because I still consider myself a newbie runner and don’t want to feel like I have to force myself to keep pace with the pacer. Maybe in the future I’ll give it a try.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…November 2015 Monthly Goals
Sounds like a great race, despite all those hills! You’re right – that hill at mile 5.5 looks BRUTAL.
After getting injured I have been running at a 2:30 pace for my half marathons and I enjoy it for the same reasons as you – it’s nice to actually chat with runners, and you see such a different side of the race than you do when you’re running further up the pack! Great job on an awesome weekend 😀
Ariana recently posted…Get Better at Running By Not Running: Strength Training for Runners
What a super fun weekend!! I think it’s so fun to see someone else achieve their goals. A huge congrats on your 24th state!!
Natalie recently posted…NYCM Trip – Day Four!!!!
The course was so hilly, I could not believe it! My drive home was only about 90 minutes but boy were my quads and everything feeling it. I completely understand your pain. It was great to meet you and I’m glad you had such a good time! I hope to do it again next year as well!
Hollie recently posted…RnR Philadelphia (1:25.45)
It can be the pacer that makes or breaks a race. I’ve only tried running with one once and it was a disaster. He was all over the place pace-wise. Made me a little gun-shy.
Char recently posted…No Doubts About It
Awesome job! I’ve never run with a pacer before. I’ve heard mixed things about running with one, but glad you got a good one!! I would love to do this next year!!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Where do I go from here?