13.1 mile, Half Marathon
1:36:09 7:21 Pace
September 26, 2009
Hollis, NH
Nothing like Autumn in New England for a long race through a small town. This half took a route through the rolling hills of Hollis. I say rolling, only because a ball would roll down the hill. The last two hills at mile 9 and mile 12 were a bit more than rolling.
I was planning to run this as a pacing run, to lock in my marathon pace. I was definitely on for the first 8 or so, and 10 and 11 felt good. I was running comfortable 7:10 to 7:15, rolling hills up and down included. The last two hills, though, I thought I was moving, but they just took a lot more out of me than I expected. The area I usually train...as in for miles in every direction...has no hills. Completely flat, railbed paths and coastlines. I really need to get me some hill training.
Nevertheless, I felt good and was able to pick up the effort at the end. I need to plan a time of the year when I'm not pushing for a marathon, just to see what I can do when I truly race 13 miles.
Overall, this was a good race for me. I felt strong the whole time, and am looking forward to Tulsa in a few more weeks.
The post-race food was interesting. Probably the best apple cobbler I've had, with slices of sharp cheddar. I've heard of this before, but never actually tried it. Turns out, it's great. I'm already planning my Thanksgiving dessert.
