Soldier Half Marathon (WW # 120)

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Soldier Half Marathon

Fort Benning, GA

November 18, 2017

Half Marathon  # 47

Last year I thoroughly enjoyed the 2016 Soldier Half Marathon and vowed to run the marathon this year. Well...that didn't happen.  Other plans were made and revised.  Life happened.  Injuries happened.   I am a little disappointed as this was the last year they'll offer the full distance. Originally scheduled to run Vegas, I doubted I'd be able to fit in this half.  But when Vegas didn't happen, I thought...maybe.  Throw in the fact I found out my southern sole sister Teresa and her Major Hubs were going to run it and that "maybe" became...well heck yeah!

Due to the time zone difference, this race required a crazy early wake-up call.  Even so, I prefer sleeping in my own bed.  I arrived one hour beforehand.  I would need to find parking, go through security, register and get my swag, stand in the restroom line, walk back to the car, go back through security, and get to the start line. These logistics are what make me nervous -- never the race itself.  Let's just say there was a bit of a fiasco at registration which left me with little time to spare.  I was glad to get a hat because I forgot mine!

The swag included a poster, awesome moisture-wicking hat,
and a women's cut technical T-shirt.

I connected with Teresa and Hubs and we lined up in the middle.  It was about 40 degrees but would warm up quickly.  I had a throwaway long sleeve T-shirt on; split up the middle for easy removal.  Teresa and I ran together for a bit.  Knowing the famous Drill Hill began in mile three, I wanted to run easy until I crested it. Surprisingly, it was not the same big hill as last year.  In fact, the course was different in the early miles. No worries -- they threw in a suitable replacement hill.  Although it was much longer (a full mile up) it didn't seem as steep.   The Drill Sergeants were there to help us to the top.  One fell right in step with a guy to my right.  I'm happy it was not me.  I giggled at his choice of words and kept running...a bit faster!

While running the few miles on base, I heard what sounded like gunfire a couple of times which was a bit unsettling.  You have to remember this is a true military base.  Their training would not stop for us.  I am very appreciative of the many, many soldiers who worked this event.   My favorite segment was the big down hill.  Yep, those Drill Sergeants were there too!

Being my first half since June, I had no expectations of being anywhere near a PR.  After a year with various injuries and time off, I ran the Battleship 12k last weekend at a 9:31 pace and hoped that would translate to a solid effort below a 10:00.  It did.  My average pace was 9:51.  Sadly, the altered course measured a quarter mile too long so my official time will not reflect it.  {Pet Peeve -- don't get me started!}  I actually don't know my official time as I didn't check at the race and they haven't been posted. 

The start and finish runs through the Avenue of Flags.

Overall, I was happy to run strong with no cramping or other issues.  It was a gorgeous fall day.  You know I'm solar powered -- I was happy to be outside doing something active.  The miles passed quickly and pleasantly, if you can call those last few miles of any half  pleasant.    Even though some of it was due to the added distance, it was still a little hard to swallow being over 8 minutes slower than last year.

Moving on...

National Infantry Museum's entrance.

The post race party was nice with plenty of food and drink options.  I saw people lined up for massages as well.  I only ate a banana and pretzels as I planned to visit with a family member for lunch.  We hung out a little while and took a few pictures but Teresa and Hubs also had to leave in order to check out of their hotel.  I'll let Teresa tell you about their experience, but let me say I'm very proud of both of them.  They nailed this race as part of their marathon training!

There is something about this race that I love.  Perhaps it's the zero traffic.  Perhaps it's the fall foliage.  Perhaps it's the beautiful wooded roads that take you up to the base and back down.  Perhaps it's getting a glimpse of base life.  Perhaps it's the motivating Drill Sergeants.  Perhaps it's the winding trail beside the river during the final miles.  Perhaps it's the Avenue of Flags.  Perhaps it's the impressive National Infantry Museum.  Perhaps it was just running with friends.  Perhaps you could say it's all of the above.  Whatever the case, I'll be back!

t

And that's a wrap!

Have you run a race on a military base?

What do you think makes a great race experience?

What are you training for?

An InLinkz Link-up

Soldier Half Marathon (WW # 67 )

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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