About Me

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Half at the Hamptons Recap

Half At the Hamptons Recap…


There are a couple things I had not considered going into this race.
1.       I have not done a race more than 4 miles since May 2010
2.       I have not ran more 7 at one times since Jan ( I have been having to split up my long runs due to my husband’s schedule)
3.       I have not done a longer race in the winter
4.       I have never done a race as a training run’
5.       I am too competitive to do a race as a training run

These maybe some of the reasons this race sucked for me.  Or the fact is was like 14 degrees with wind gust up to 40 mph ( they did die down a little before the race).  When I got to the  race, it was so cold that I couldn’t feel my face once I walked the tenth of a mile to the hotel where registration was.  I totally freaked myself out waiting for the race to start.  I was seriously considering going home… good thing I am too cheap to forfeit the registration money.  Once the race started at 10am…it was a bit warmer.  The view was great and it was a very well run race.  There was plenty of toilets to use prior to the start and two potty stops along the race.  There was also water stops every 3 miles and they handed out gu/ hammer gels at mile 8. 
Mile 1 9:47
Mile 2 9:30
Mile 3 10:27
Mile 4 11:20 ( took a gu and  some water)
Mile 5 10:48
Mile 6 10:56
Mile 7 10;38
Mile 8 11:04
Mile 9 12:15 ( Took a gu and extend walk break)
Mile 10 11;22
Mile 11 11:58 ( getting discourage I was so off of my goal time
Mile 12  12:22
Mile 13 11:32
The Last .32 10:15 Pace
2;27:01 (chip time)
The course was great with some nice rolling hills that went through some beautiful neighborhoods.  The volunteers were great and there was lots of crowd support.  And my favorite was running the last 4 miles along the beach.  It had the making of a wonderful race but I was not there mentally. 

I decided it instead of getting upset about the race I would use it as a learning experience.  The following things are things that I will look into or change my next half.
1.        Fueling this included prior to the race.  Since the race was later than I normally run I think that I should have eaten more.  I typically have an eggwhite sandwich start running within an hour of the race.  This time I ate at 6:30 and the race did not start till ten
2.       I need to start practice positive talk in general but especially during running
3.       I have always used GUs and they give me some good energy but they cuase me to burp and feel them the whole race .  I need to look into some alternatives.
4.       I need to find some more running partners I hate running alone.

How do you fuel prior and during a race?
What did you learn about in your last race?


5 comments:

  1. Good run nonetheless. I fuel prior to the race by eating oatmeal, 16oz. of water, and a 1/2 can of Mountain Dew. I haven't ran a race since the summer so I am getting nervous about what pace I will try to run.

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  2. I love the fact that despite your pre-race considerations you still ran the race! That's awesome! I'm not sure I'd have done the same.
    My current pre race fuel is a half bagel with light cream cheese/jam. No protein I know but this is what works for me. I also have my morning coffee in hopes that moves things along (if ya know what I mean) prior to my long run. My longest run to date is 10 miles (no long race yet for me), but I fuel before and during with Sportsbeans. I've tried Gu and just can't deal with the texture. I do like GuChomps sometimes but they are just harder to chew (I have braces and they stick).
    My last race was an 8k...I had stomach issues. I learned that sometimes happens and not to let it get me down. I also learned to not go out too fast.

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  3. I wish that I would have run in to you. I think that the 10 am start time is hard as well. I had my normal sandwich, (Ezikiel bread, almond butter, nutella and bananas) then had a 1/2 of a bar before the race.
    It was a beautiful course, i guess it is the same course as the smuttynose half too. IT is so hard when you are off your consistent running schedule. good for you for sticking it out and finishing. Using it as a training run is good practice.
    As far as gels etc...I use hammger gel, but my friend swears by 2 or 3 mini granola bars.

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  4. The conditions sounded super unfavorable!! Yuck! Racing is such a learning experience and you already have notes and how to improve next time! Good job Karyn!

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  5. My last race I didn't fuel at all. I had a glass of cold green tea when I woke up (late) and dashed to the race. But it was only a 5k so it wasn't too big a deal. I am very excited to start running some longer races though!

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