mas_runner's Army HM

[mas_runner]

This was my third Army Half Marathon and my seventh Half Marathon in total. Since my Marathon debut at the end of May I had trouble getting back to the volume and intensity that I was running in the first 5 months of the year. My children were at home with me all summer and then I started a new job in August, so time was at a premium and I wasn’t able to run with any great regularity.

I knew the race was going to be tough, but I decided to test just how much endurance I had by running it a pace that felt quick but not excessive. The weather was perfect, cool with a cloudless sky, and after a quick warm up and porta-potty visit I was in my start corral and ready to go.

After a slow start due to crowding I got into my stride and speeded up on the downhill portion of Wellington Street. Soon enough I was tackling the first hill of the course along the Ottawa River Parkway and was feeling strong and relaxed. We turned at the lights near the Remic Rapids and could now see all the racers behind us, it was quite the sight to see the mass of humanity that had turned out to race. The Army run is a special one, it is a celebration of all the brave men and women who have served our great country so well and allowed us the freedoms that we enjoy and take for granted every day. The race itself is to raise funds for the families of soldiers who have been killed or injured in the act of serving Canada.

Splits – first 5kms
1 – 5:03
2 – 4:41
3 – 5:01
4 – 4:49
5 – 4:54
Total – 24:28

Heading back towards the War Museum it was time to tackle hill number two and as we turned to head into downtown Gatineau I took my first gel. The downtown portion of Gatineau felt tough with quick turns and a few steep up and downs but it wasn’t long before I was running up and onto the Alexandra Bridge to return to Ottawa. The hill coming up off the bridge was tough, but the crowds were immense and really helped drive me on.

Splits – second 5kms
6 – 5:04
7 – 4:58
8 – 5:03
9 – 5:10
10 – 5:03
Total – 49:46 (25:18)

After a pretty quick 10kms I felt my pace drop considerably but kept pushing and responded well. As we climbed up towards Rideau Hall and ran behind it I really started to struggle, it wasn’t a surprise that my endurance wasn’t there, but with 7kms still to run I took my second gel and just kept looking ahead, pushing myself on without being too worried about the final outcome of the race. All I told myself was to keep running and not to let my complaining mind trick me into giving up.

Splits – third 5kms
11 – 5:18
12 – 5:09
13 – 5:16
14 – 5:30
15 – 5:20
Total – 1:16:19 (26:35)

The mind over matter battle continued until the end of the race, quite a few runners were now passing me, I wasn’t concerned about that at all, I just kept picking out distant targets and told myself to run to them, I had no idea of what sort of time I was on pace for, but when the 1:50 walk/run bunny passed me at 18 km I figured I would try for sub 1:50. Unfortunately, the continuous 1:50 bunny passed me about 1.5kms later and although I tried to hang with him and his pace group, my legs and lungs wouldn’t let me. Soon enough though, I was approaching the “1km to go” marker.

Splits – forth 5kms
16 – 5:13
17 – 5:26
18 – 5:29
19 – 5:33
20 – 5:39
Total – 1:43-39 (27:20)

The end was close (but not in sight as it only comes into view with about 200 meters left). I ran as hard as I could and stopped my Garmin on 1:50:22, a very pleasing result in the circumstances, I had hung on and gutted it out. Sure I could have run a far more conservative race, but I wanted to really test my endurance and practice the art of running on very tired legs. It’s a bit masochistic but I felt I would get more out of the race by running it this way, rather than taking it easy and then speeding up at the end.

Splits – last bit
21 – 5:32
256m – 1:11 (4:46/km)

Now I am excited to get back to regular training and take in a few fall races now that the weather is cooler and perfect for running.

[Hammie]

I know exactly what you mean about having trouble getting back into things since the marathon in may. Despite all those challenges, that sounds like a well run race. Congrats, & looking forward to hearing what's coming next.

[PinkLady]

It’s a bit masochistic but I felt I would get more out of the race by running it this way, rather than taking it easy and then speeding up at the end.

I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but this is such a *guy* thing to say!

I don't think anyone would say you took it easy today. Congrats on a strong race, Mark! I was pretty impressed by the crowds too, way-to-go Ottawa!

Let's hope this weather keeps up for a bit, it's unbelievably perfect for running.

[HCcD]

Nice ...

[chunkymonkeymelonhed]

Congrats Mark.
Always a pleasure to read about your successes!

[canalrunner]

Congrats on your run

[scrumhalfgirl]

Glad you had a solid run, despite the training set backs. Enjoy fall running - it's the best!

[MikeM]

Congrats on a great time on minimal training and a well executed race.

[purdy65]

Great job! It was a terrific day to be out there on the race course.

[Robinandamelia]

You did great, congratulations!

[Kelodie]

Sounds like you know exactly what you're capable of in the shape you're in right now. Do you have other racing plans this year?

Good job out there!

[abirdd]

Way to go Mark!! I think using the "distance markers" really helps on the end of the course.

Hopefully you'll get back into the swing with the beautiful fall weather upon us, and I look forward to seeing you at some point this fall or winter.

[Miss*Smiles]

I only dream of running as quickly as you did this race.

Way to go!!

[Ironboy]

You must've been pretty close to me!

Solid race. Good job!

[kpoire]

Congrats!