Soldier Half Marathon (WW # 67 )

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!

This link was created to support active women!
*** JOIN US ***
Click  > HERE <  to see complete rules.

8 WEEKS and COUNTING

My Week At A Glance:

M   Rest
T    Ran 6 Tempo
       [1 w/u + 5 @ 9:16]
W   Ran 5 Easy
T    Rest
F    Rest
S    Ran 13 (Half Marathon)
S    Ran 6 Easy

Total = 30

I decided in my usual last minute way to run the Soldier Half Marathon in Fort Benning, GA.  I had heard nothing but good things about this race and its one big crazy hill known as "Drill Hill".  It would be half marathon #43 for me as I hope to complete 50 by Spring..  They offered packet pickup the morning of the race and any time I can sleep in my own bed is a huge plus.  However, with the difference in time zones it would make for an early start. 

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center

In typical fashion, I expended too much energy deciding what to wear.  As a Veterans Day weekend race, I wanted to be patriotic.  The forecast was 48 at the start -- IDEAL -- but also to be windy {boo}.  After an obscene about of internal debate, I went with my typical tank and arm sleeves.  I made a throwaway out of an old cotton long sleeve race t-shirt that I split up the middle, like a jacket, so I could get it off easily.  

A very nice race poster depicting the Avenue of Flags

The race was held at the National Infantry Museum.  This is a beautiful property and we started and ended by running through its Avenue of Flags.  In our bag was a lovely poster, a nice printed race guide, a Brook's women's cut tech shirt and a moisture-wicking hat that I adore.  Soon enough, we were off. During the recent Capitol 10 Miler, I ran the first miles too fast and paid for it.  My goal was to run strong the whole way and practice my pacing strategy for the Disney Marathon.  

I ditched my throwaway about 1.5 miles in and soon saw DRILL HILL.  Oh yes, it looked intimidating and the legendary Drill Sergeants were lining the sides shouting various "encouraging" words to get runners to the top.  I.did.not.dare.walk.a.single.step.  I gave high fives to the sergeants on my side.  Once I crested that hill and allowed my heart rate to settle, I felt great.  I spent a few miles holding my pace in check.  I assumed the rest of the race was flat and was later floored to see the elevation gain of 443 recorded on my Garmin.  Other than the one hill, it didn't feel hilly.  I did the math at the halfway point, thinking I would finish around 2:06.  It's then I decide to speed up a little. 

The course was simply beautiful.  Except for a few miles through the base's living quarters, we ran mostly on wooded roads and a trail out toward the river.  The full marathoners continued beside the river while us halfers turned for home.  Other than a pain on the top of both shoulders during mile 11 (a stupid overwhelming need to burp -- I know, TMI )  I had no real issues.  Both feet threatened to cramp but never made it.  

The last mile was a straight shot and I could see where we would turn in for the finish.  It seemed to painfully last forever, as final miles do.  I kept my eyes on a lady ahead of me and tried to close the gap, not looking at my watch.  As we ran back through the Avenue of Flags, I checked my watch and realized I might end up with 2:02+.  I sprinted hard to not get a :03.  It worked!  My official time was 2:02:55.  Whew!  No, it's not a PR.  But it's my best half time in almost 3 years.  It gives me hope that maybe there is still a shiny PR for this aging, injury-plagued-of-late gal.  I was 9th out of 66 in my age group.  

I negative split this race and finished strong...the number one item that makes a great race for me.  In addition, it was a perfect Fall day and I was outside doing what I enjoy most!  I loved everything about this race.  The race direction was spot on.  There were plenty of volunteers, most of them soldiers. There was a nice party atmosphere with plenty of food and beverages.  I also saw massages, lots of vendors, and you could tour the museum.  I had to think hard for something negative and here's the one thing I came up with -- due to the marathon, the traffic was still being stopped and it took me forever to leave. There you go!  Next year I'll just run the marathon and it won't be a problem.  

And that's a wrap!

Do you have patriotic running clothes?

What makes a great race experience for you?

An InLinkz Link-up