Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
I'm a bit tired post-race, but here goes.
Woke up at 4:00am, fell back to sleep at 5:30am. I hate it when that happens. 8:30am, the alarm goes, and I contemplate hibernating for the rest of the year, but no dice since I need to go pick up my friend for the race.
I have not had a satisfactory half marathon since 2008. It had also been a year since my last half marathon. I was very optimistic about this one though, as I had been training consistently since the start of August. In all, I missed only 3 runs and stayed injury free. With some last minute reassurances from Turd Ferguson and Richie-Rich, I wore racing flats for my first time in a race. After a 1km warm up jog and some stretches, it was off to the start line.
Goals
Goal A: 1:35:00
Goal B: Die in the process of trying to go sub-1:35
Secret goal: Sub-1:33:00
The Race
Bang! Off we went from Eau Claire Market into the chilly 1 degree morning. The ritual jockeying for position mostly completed itself by the time we crossed north onto Memorial Drive. I settled into a pack of 5 runners: Our leader was a guy in his 40's with a camelback (Goal 1:35, hoping for 1:33 - same as mine, perfect). A 30's guy in a green jacket. The veteran marathoner in his 50's who was aiming for 1:40, but for joined up with us for company. And a lady also in her 30's doing only her 2nd half marathon, with the goal only to see how fast she would finish.
For 10.5k, our crew held together over rolling hills along the river. Despite the course being a "detour" due to construction, it was more scenic than the old course. We made good at a 4:25/km pace. At the turn around point, the veteran guy and I had to stop for a moment and wait for water. We got dropped from the group...
Over next kilometer, I slow reel the group back in, and finally dashed the last portion of the catch-up - too many runners were now coming the other way on the narrow path. Sadly, the older guy was gone from the pack for good. Through the next 4k, we keep picking off runners, but soon enough we lose the guy in the green jacket. Just 3 of us left at this point.
At 16k, the leader of our pack makes a move and kicks up the pace on us, I barely hold on, and the lady is still with us, but now quite a bit further back. It was a good move though, as we gained a few more places in the process. Here, I had four things in mind:
1) Turd said: the last 5k SHOULD hurt if you're doing it right
2) I need to make a move on our leader
3) I need to keep my form relaxed as might right calf was getting a bit tight.
4) Get ready to drop the hammer on the big bridge across the river, 600m from the finish.
2k left, I make a move on our group leader, and take over our pack. He hangs on really well though, and it is my turn to lead the charge as we pass 2 more people leading up the big bridge. The ramp is steep, and I use it to my advantage to get by another 2 people. After that, it was a mad sprint to the finish and I pick off another guy in the process, but missed the last one by less than 2 seconds - if only I had another 100m. At the finish, I found out our group of 3 finished pretty close to each other. Our group leader and I congratulated each other with a hug, he carried us through 90% of the race, and he finished kicking hard because of me.
Feeling mentally drained, but otherwise great after the race. Looks like I'll be wearing racing flats for anything half and under from now on.
Chip Time: 1:32:18 (previous PB 1:36:48)
Pace: 4:22/km
Overall place: 36/468
Mens 20-29 place: 7/38
Woke up at 4:00am, fell back to sleep at 5:30am. I hate it when that happens. 8:30am, the alarm goes, and I contemplate hibernating for the rest of the year, but no dice since I need to go pick up my friend for the race.
I have not had a satisfactory half marathon since 2008. It had also been a year since my last half marathon. I was very optimistic about this one though, as I had been training consistently since the start of August. In all, I missed only 3 runs and stayed injury free. With some last minute reassurances from Turd Ferguson and Richie-Rich, I wore racing flats for my first time in a race. After a 1km warm up jog and some stretches, it was off to the start line.
Goals
Goal A: 1:35:00
Goal B: Die in the process of trying to go sub-1:35
Secret goal: Sub-1:33:00
The Race
Bang! Off we went from Eau Claire Market into the chilly 1 degree morning. The ritual jockeying for position mostly completed itself by the time we crossed north onto Memorial Drive. I settled into a pack of 5 runners: Our leader was a guy in his 40's with a camelback (Goal 1:35, hoping for 1:33 - same as mine, perfect). A 30's guy in a green jacket. The veteran marathoner in his 50's who was aiming for 1:40, but for joined up with us for company. And a lady also in her 30's doing only her 2nd half marathon, with the goal only to see how fast she would finish.
For 10.5k, our crew held together over rolling hills along the river. Despite the course being a "detour" due to construction, it was more scenic than the old course. We made good at a 4:25/km pace. At the turn around point, the veteran guy and I had to stop for a moment and wait for water. We got dropped from the group...
Over next kilometer, I slow reel the group back in, and finally dashed the last portion of the catch-up - too many runners were now coming the other way on the narrow path. Sadly, the older guy was gone from the pack for good. Through the next 4k, we keep picking off runners, but soon enough we lose the guy in the green jacket. Just 3 of us left at this point.
At 16k, the leader of our pack makes a move and kicks up the pace on us, I barely hold on, and the lady is still with us, but now quite a bit further back. It was a good move though, as we gained a few more places in the process. Here, I had four things in mind:
1) Turd said: the last 5k SHOULD hurt if you're doing it right
2) I need to make a move on our leader
3) I need to keep my form relaxed as might right calf was getting a bit tight.
4) Get ready to drop the hammer on the big bridge across the river, 600m from the finish.
2k left, I make a move on our group leader, and take over our pack. He hangs on really well though, and it is my turn to lead the charge as we pass 2 more people leading up the big bridge. The ramp is steep, and I use it to my advantage to get by another 2 people. After that, it was a mad sprint to the finish and I pick off another guy in the process, but missed the last one by less than 2 seconds - if only I had another 100m. At the finish, I found out our group of 3 finished pretty close to each other. Our group leader and I congratulated each other with a hug, he carried us through 90% of the race, and he finished kicking hard because of me.
Feeling mentally drained, but otherwise great after the race. Looks like I'll be wearing racing flats for anything half and under from now on.
Chip Time: 1:32:18 (previous PB 1:36:48)
Pace: 4:22/km
Overall place: 36/468
Mens 20-29 place: 7/38
Okanagan 10k Oct 2010 - 42:37
Last Chance Half Nov 2010 - 1:32:18
ATB 2010 - 2:27:55
Victoria Marathon Nov 2009 - 3:42:38
Last Chance Half Nov 2010 - 1:32:18
ATB 2010 - 2:27:55
Victoria Marathon Nov 2009 - 3:42:38
Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Awesome!
Way to make it hurt- in the right way. Congrats on the huge PB.
That 1:30 will fall next year for sure.
Way to make it hurt- in the right way. Congrats on the huge PB.
That 1:30 will fall next year for sure.
Support me in my fundraising for the Boston Marathon, Boston Public Library team:
https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign ... iferwolf11
https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign ... iferwolf11
- turd ferguson
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Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Nicely done. I was there with Hammie's DH and kids but didn't know who you were. Great race.
"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so." - Douglas Adams
Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Wow! Looks like those racing flats are magic for you. Congratulations!
Sandra...Air Force wife & Professional Kid Wrangler...I knit to stay sane, I run to eat!
2012 - year of perseverance, endurance, survival, and earning blackmail material for life.
My running log: http://www.runningmania.com/forum/viewt ... 18&t=44092
PB's:
Army Run HM (Sep 18, 2011) - 1:55:14
2012 - year of perseverance, endurance, survival, and earning blackmail material for life.
My running log: http://www.runningmania.com/forum/viewt ... 18&t=44092
PB's:
Army Run HM (Sep 18, 2011) - 1:55:14
Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Nice. Next time, it will be under 1:30. I find that running in a pack is great for a good time. Always use flats for a race under a half. Great way to end the year.
Edward
January 2012- New Year`s Day Marathon and Run4Rkids 6 Hour Ultra
February 2012 - Melbourne Beach Marathon
March 2012 - Around the Bay
April 2012 - Paris to Ancaster Cycling Race and the "No Wimp" Challenge 21k and 50 k in Michigan
May 2012 - Sulphur Springs 50 k
June 2012 - Niagara 100 k -first ever DNF
July 2012 - Badwater Ultramarathon (crew member)
August 2012 - Beast of Burden 50 Miler
September 2012 - Run for Heros Marathon
October 2012 - Vulture Bait 50 k
November 2012 - Road2Hope Marathon and JFK 50 Miler
December 2012 - Have to find a race to make it an even dozen.
January 2012- New Year`s Day Marathon and Run4Rkids 6 Hour Ultra
February 2012 - Melbourne Beach Marathon
March 2012 - Around the Bay
April 2012 - Paris to Ancaster Cycling Race and the "No Wimp" Challenge 21k and 50 k in Michigan
May 2012 - Sulphur Springs 50 k
June 2012 - Niagara 100 k -first ever DNF
July 2012 - Badwater Ultramarathon (crew member)
August 2012 - Beast of Burden 50 Miler
September 2012 - Run for Heros Marathon
October 2012 - Vulture Bait 50 k
November 2012 - Road2Hope Marathon and JFK 50 Miler
December 2012 - Have to find a race to make it an even dozen.
Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Thanks all!
Turd (man that feels inappropriate calling you that) - We should try to meet up with Hammie to do some winter runs, that way we won't be all strangers! Any other maniacs in town?
Turd (man that feels inappropriate calling you that) - We should try to meet up with Hammie to do some winter runs, that way we won't be all strangers! Any other maniacs in town?
Okanagan 10k Oct 2010 - 42:37
Last Chance Half Nov 2010 - 1:32:18
ATB 2010 - 2:27:55
Victoria Marathon Nov 2009 - 3:42:38
Last Chance Half Nov 2010 - 1:32:18
ATB 2010 - 2:27:55
Victoria Marathon Nov 2009 - 3:42:38
Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Nicely done - I was watching near the turnaround, but since I don't know what you look like I couldn't spot you! Saw a couple of speedy people in racing flats, though - one of them must have been you.
That 1:30 should be within your reach next year. Congrats!
That 1:30 should be within your reach next year. Congrats!
2014: the year of new awesomeness!
Rogers Insurance Run for L'Arche Half March 22 - done
Calgary Marathon Wild Rose 50k June 1 - done
Stampede Road Race 5k July 6 - done
Magrath sprint tri July 12 - done!!
Jog for the Bog 10k July 27 - done
Seawheeze Half Marathon August 23 - done
Subaru Banff Sprint Triathlon September 6 - done
Blitz Duathlon September 21 - registered
Portland Marathon October 5 - registered
Rogers Insurance Run for L'Arche Half March 22 - done
Calgary Marathon Wild Rose 50k June 1 - done
Stampede Road Race 5k July 6 - done
Magrath sprint tri July 12 - done!!
Jog for the Bog 10k July 27 - done
Seawheeze Half Marathon August 23 - done
Subaru Banff Sprint Triathlon September 6 - done
Blitz Duathlon September 21 - registered
Portland Marathon October 5 - registered
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Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Excellent. that's a nice time. it sure makes a big difference running with a quick pack like that. glad the flats worked out for you - now there is no going back. well done.
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Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Tarsals wrote:Thanks all!
Turd (man that feels inappropriate calling you that) - We should try to meet up with Hammie to do some winter runs, that way we won't be all strangers! Any other maniacs in town?
There's lots. I'll post something in the next day or so for a full moon run next weekend.
"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so." - Douglas Adams
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Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
wow, that is an awesome pb!! sounds like you ran it perfectly. congratulations!!
"You're an ultrarunner, normal rules don't apply to you." (Doonst)
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. ~Epictetus
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. ~Epictetus
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Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Fantastic! Your on your way to the 1:30 target. I got to get me some flats!
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Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
OMG!!!!!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Athlete....Maniac 973....Marathon Maniac 6645
Live the most amazing life you can live - La
marathon runners are awesomeness personified - Ian
Bucket list: http://www.tassietrailfest.com.au/
http://ultramonk.blogspot.com/
Live the most amazing life you can live - La
marathon runners are awesomeness personified - Ian
Bucket list: http://www.tassietrailfest.com.au/
http://ultramonk.blogspot.com/
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Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Congratulations, sounds really good!
No one cares what I would do; therefore, I can do anything!!
I ran 42.2k; Let's see the other donald try to trump that
I ran 42.2k; Let's see the other donald try to trump that
Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Congrats on the stellar PB! perfect day for the run - I'm in Calgary too (and run much slower than you do - but my DH is in your pace category!)
Race Hard. Race Happy.
Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Congrats on the wicked PB!
Colleen
Iron Sherpa Travel - Triathlete and Travel Agent!
Curious what I am up to? https://www.strava.com/athletes/5493183
Iron Sherpa Travel - Triathlete and Travel Agent!
Curious what I am up to? https://www.strava.com/athletes/5493183
Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Great PB!
I wanna live like there's no tomorrow
Love, like I'm on borrowed time
It's good to be alive, yeah....Jason Gray
Running is a conversation with your body. Sometimes you listen and sometimes you tell it to stop whining and do something. - Ian
Love, like I'm on borrowed time
It's good to be alive, yeah....Jason Gray
Running is a conversation with your body. Sometimes you listen and sometimes you tell it to stop whining and do something. - Ian
Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Congratulations, on a smokin' PB ... Isn't it amazing what light and fast racing flats do for the mental edge !!!
Race Results: http://itsmyrun.com/index.php?display=p ... unner=HCiD
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Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Well done, did you have wings on those racers ?
Dave
Dave
'10 ATB 2:27, Boston 3:43, Missga 3:42, Sulphur Spring 25k, Niagara 50, ITT,Toad 50, Marine Corp M,
09 Chilly 1:43; ATB 2:37, Boston 3:50, Missuga Mara 3:49, Run for Toad 25k 2:22, Oakville half 1:51, Detroit 3:45
'08 Chilly 1:42; ATB 2:31; Miss Mara 3:43, Westover, Erie (DNF), Detroit 3:36
'07 Chilly 1:45, Detroit 3:50
'92-93 Half 1:27; Detroit 3:10, Boston 3:56
09 Chilly 1:43; ATB 2:37, Boston 3:50, Missuga Mara 3:49, Run for Toad 25k 2:22, Oakville half 1:51, Detroit 3:45
'08 Chilly 1:42; ATB 2:31; Miss Mara 3:43, Westover, Erie (DNF), Detroit 3:36
'07 Chilly 1:45, Detroit 3:50
'92-93 Half 1:27; Detroit 3:10, Boston 3:56
Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Well done! Sounds like you raced it perfectly.
Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Awesome work Tarsals!
Those flats gave you and edge!
Congrats on a huge new PB.
Lisa
Those flats gave you and edge!
Congrats on a huge new PB.
Lisa
It's not the size of the dog in the fight...it's the size of the fight in the dog! 11K Marker post - 2010 ATB.
Introducing 2017
GoodLife Half Marathon.
TBD
Introducing 2017
GoodLife Half Marathon.
TBD
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Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Congratulations on PB...amazing!
-
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Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
WOW!!!!
Huge congratulations on the PB and smashing your 'secret' goal.
Well done.
Huge congratulations on the PB and smashing your 'secret' goal.
Well done.
On the books for 2017:
50th Birthday!!
Boston Marathon- April 17th what a day- DREAM COME TRUE
Run for Water 10K- May 28th
Scotia Half - June 25th
Trail River Run half marathon- Sept. 30- CANCELLED
MEC 10K Race 10- Nov. 5
50th Birthday!!
Boston Marathon- April 17th what a day- DREAM COME TRUE
Run for Water 10K- May 28th
Scotia Half - June 25th
Trail River Run half marathon- Sept. 30- CANCELLED
MEC 10K Race 10- Nov. 5
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Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
That's some nice racing tarsals!
Re: Tarsal's Last Chance Half - First Chance in Racing Flats
Mid_Packer wrote:Well done, did you have wings on those racers ?
Dave
Sure felt like I was flying!
mcshame wrote:Fantastic! Your on your way to the 1:30 target. I got to get me some flats!
I don't have a basis for comparison (last half was a year ago) - whether it was all physical or psychological at that, but boy did I feel light on my feet!
Okanagan 10k Oct 2010 - 42:37
Last Chance Half Nov 2010 - 1:32:18
ATB 2010 - 2:27:55
Victoria Marathon Nov 2009 - 3:42:38
Last Chance Half Nov 2010 - 1:32:18
ATB 2010 - 2:27:55
Victoria Marathon Nov 2009 - 3:42:38
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