IronColl races a half.

IronColl · Postby **IronColl** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 3:27 pm

The last time I have raced a half was in 2007 (my PB of 2:03), 10 months post partum and as part of a training cycle for a marathon. Since then I have had other achievements, but never a half at race effort, until today. Again I am 8 months post partum and training for another marathon.

It was a last minute decision to race the half since I have been struggling with the runs on the runs and have only been running 4 days a week with little tempo, speed or hills. Also, the registration was finalized before the long term forecast included the high of 30 degrees for race day.

Although I had my sights on breaking 2 hours I knew it would be a longshot and I had the main goal of setting a PB. I planned to hold 2 hour pace for as long as possible and then deal with the aftermath. Actually, I had intended to start conservatively but the pack just took off and although I tried to hold back I just couldn't so I modified the race plan.

2 months ago I raced the 10K in Calgary and finished in about 1:01. Today I reached 10km in :57 and halfway at just over an hour. I knew at that point that I probably wasn't going to make sub-2 but I still ran as strong as I could. I actually made up some time and was bang on pace at 14km but that's when things started to slow down overall. I do have hip and glute issues so I did have to stop and stretch a few times, although I tried to keep walking to a minimum. I thought back to the advice that Lightning gave me "speed up when you want to slow down" and I was able to do that about half the time. My pace was now a bit over a 6 min/km which was a struggle to maintain but I did run as fast as I could at that moment in time.

Overall I am very pleased with my race. I didn't break my PB but only missed it by less than a minute. Not too shabby for where I am in my life. I do think that the sub-2 will be mine one day.

Thanks to Hammie for the great advice (it worked!) to Lightning for the daily thoughts and to the bytches for encouragement.

Looking forward to seeing how that translates to the marathon 8 weeks away. I certainly am not interested in racing that one for time, but it is nice to know that it is a little more manageable now.

FishPants · Postby **FishPants** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 3:44 pm

Great job!! I am glad you decided to race it!

Also happy 8 month old today as well!

Spirit Unleashed · Postby **Spirit Unleashed** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 3:48 pm

You may be 8 months post partum; but aren't you also the mother of 5 or so and working part time? You rock! do a burpee bytch!

HCcD · Postby **HCcD** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 3:54 pm

Way-da-Go, in your race, IronColl ..... you now have set a benchmark to move forward from .... looking forward to following your journey on your return to the racing scene .. the first of many to come, I am sure ....

Postby **Marg** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 4:18 pm

Wow. 8 months post partum and you're pulling this off... so impressed by you.
You are such a powerhouse, San Fran will be awesome!

Miss*Smiles · Postby **Miss*Smiles** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 4:30 pm

Marg wrote:Wow. 8 months post partum and you're pulling this off... so impressed by you.

This

You are amazing!!! Xox

PinkLady · Postby **PinkLady** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 4:33 pm

Amazing! Congrats, momma!

Jo-Jo · Postby **Jo-Jo** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:22 pm

Marg wrote:Wow. 8 months post partum and you're pulling this off... so impressed by you.
You are such a powerhouse, San Fran will be awesome!

What she said!!!
You Hot Running Mommas impress the heck out of me!

scrumhalfgirl · Postby **scrumhalfgirl** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:31 pm

very very impressive!!!

now stop having babies so you can get that sub 2! priorities, people! :wink:

Jwolf · Postby **Jwolf** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:34 pm

I'm pretty sure the babies are done?

but not the improvement.

Way to go ironcoll!!

purdy65 · Postby **purdy65** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:44 pm

Wow! Awesome report IC! Congrats!

Hammie · Postby **Hammie** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:54 pm

Great run today - I'm glad things worked out :wink:

and it was nice to see you at the finish! Congrats!

Tori · Postby **Tori** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:59 pm

Awesome job! I think this bodes well for San Fran.

La · Postby La » Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:59 pm

HiPerformanceSpirit wrote::D

You may be 8 months post partum; but aren't you also the mother of 5 or so and working part time? You rock! do a burpee bytch!

Mother of 3. It just seems like 5. :lol:

You rock, IC! Can't wait to eat cupcakes with you in San Fran!

Sorry I rounded your time up - I didn't realize it was gun and not chip time.

AndyM · Postby **AndyM** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 6:36 pm

Congrats Ironcoll! You raced a solid and very smart race. I'm excited to see what you can pull off for your marathon!

RA. · Postby **RA.** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 9:08 pm

Nice race today, Colleen! Can't wait to see you finish that marathon in 8 weeks!

Lightning · Postby **Lightning** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 9:26 pm

Simply awesome! You are a super-strong runner and I love that you just gave it your all to see what you could do! Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! Such a pleasure reading about your accomplishments. You are an inspiration to not only the mommies on here but EVERYONE!!!! Keep up the awesome training and positivity!

anners · Postby **anners** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 9:32 pm

HiPerformanceSpirit wrote::D

You may be 8 months post partum; but aren't you also the mother of 5 or so and working part time? You rock! do a burpee bytch!

+1

Well done. You are a huge inspiration to me.

trixiee · Postby **trixiee** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 7:25 am

Way to go IronColl!

Robinandamelia · Postby **Robinandamelia** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:32 am

You did great, congratulations!

IronColl · Postby **IronColl** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 9:15 am

Thanks everyone! So sore today and I am wondering why my upper body hurts.

HiPerformanceSpirit wrote::D

You may be 8 months post partum; but aren't you also the mother of 5 or so and working part time? You rock! do a burpee bytch!

Like La said it just feels like 5!

scrumhalfgirl wrote:very very impressive!!!

now stop having babies so you can get that sub 2! priorities, people!

That is a very excellent idea! Consider it done. I hope there are still many runs to get faster.

CinC · Postby **CinC** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 11:53 am

Congrats on a good race!

Ironboy · Postby **Ironboy** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 2:58 pm

Fantastic race. Good job!

QuickChick · Postby **QuickChick** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:22 pm

You are such an inspiration Colleen!! I'm so impressed that you ran so close to your pb so close to having a baby. I can't wait to hear how you do in San Fran!

pts · Postby **pts** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 6:19 pm

I honestly can't think of anything to say other than AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME! I bow down to you, hot momma (of 5 or so!). :lol: