Mid-Packers Lament

I don't remember where I heard it but the quote was something along the line of any adventure with 100% probability of success was not an adventure.  In essence where's the fun of doing something you know you can do.  It's the uncertainty of achieving the goal that makes the adventure.

                                                                Who's the old guy?
                                                        (photo courtesy Debbie G.)

This Saturday was the Soaring Wings Half Marathon in Conway, AR.  A halfmarathon is 13.1 miles.  The point 1 is probably the most important part.  This was my my second half marathon.  The first Half I completed was the Little Rock Half this March in 2:10:56.  My goal for this one was simple- break 2 hours.

The day was perfect for running.  The temperature was great, lower 40's sun shining.  It was a subdued but happy atmosphere with 1700 people there with the same or similar goal for the race. 
Race.

For most us (mid-packers/age groupers) it's not a race in the traditional sense.  I do not expect to come close to winning the 'race'.  I don't expect to even place in my age group.  98% of us nut jobs who attempt this type of race don't go in expecting to be in the top finishers.  Many don't go in expecting to even finish.

For most of us, it's the adventure.  I think.  I can't really speak (write) for anyone else but that's got to be it.  Whether it's about achieving a goal, weight loss or whatever the adventure is the experience.  There are other ways to lose weight that are less strenuous and don't require race fees or 40 degree (or below) temps.  There are far loftier or more attainable goals to achieve.  So there has to be something more.

I say it's the adventure.  The process.

So , my adventure this fine Saturday was simple run 13.1 miles in under 2 hours.  To do this I found the 2 hour pace group.  A pace group is where an accomplished runner runs at a slower than normal pace for them in order to lead a group at their desired pace.  I had only one race under  my belt and had not followed a pace group.  I wish I had.

This time would be different.  I found the 2 hour pace group and found a spot at the back.  My spirits were bolstered when I found the leader was dressed as Batman.  Yes, I would be paced by none other than the caped crusader himself.

Anyone who knows me knows this was perfect.  I am a huge Batman fan.

My strategy would be simple- keep the caped crusader in site for the first 8 miles and the make my move.  I cussed him for the first 3 miles. He was supposed to run 9:09 miles not 8:45 and not 9:00! This was not a sprint it was a marathon or a half marathon at least.  We had 13.1 miles to go.

As the race wore on and his group tired Batman slowed a bit to the actual 9:09 pace.  I planned on making my move at mile 8 but at mile 6.5 my opportunity presented itself and I took it.  I passed the god d*mn Batman and didn't look back.

At this point I was feeling really good.  I was halfway and feeling strong.  Everything was going perfect.  I had not had to make a restroom break (cost me 5 minutes at LR).  I was passing people left and right.  It was a great feeling like all the hard work and training had paid off...until mile 12.  Mile 12 would've been fine had mile 11 not been uphill.  Miles 11 and 12 were uphill the whole way.  The grade wasn't crazy but it was the cumulative effects that blew.  By the end of mile 12 my time goal for the final mile was out the window.

                                              

My wife encouraged me to finish up with an 8:00 minute mile 13.  Sorry dear, wasn't going to happen.  I wanted to.  She's been very understanding and encouraging of my running.  I wanted to do it for her.  That moment of pride telling her "You asked for it! I did it!"  It just wasn't going to happen.  Not that Saturday.  I still managed an 8:38 final mile.  Next post I'll get my Garmin out and post the mile by mile times.  I think they are interesting to look at.  You can definitely see the hills!

So, big finish I ran hard finished strong and managed to cross the finish line Anyone who stuck around to this point deserves to get the results so here they are.

I finished 35th in the male 35-40 division (there were 77 of us)
I was 387 overall out of 1700.
My official time was 1:57:17 (2:43 faster than my drop dead goal)
Average pace of 8:58 per mile.

To put this in perspective I managed to complete this 13 minutes 39 seconds faster than Little Rock.  It was a full 1 minute 2 seconds faster per mile.

I took Sunday and Monday off now it's back to work for Little Rock Full Marathon.