Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.
Here’s what I’m thinking about today:
- My Last Half Marathon
What else?
Did you know that I PR‘d?? LOL
There was one at my March half but not at this one unfortunately 😦
And I didn’t expect to…
Why?
- My last half marathon time was 2:20:49.
- I struggled to finish that race.
- I ran a 5k race the past two weekends (instead of my 12 & 10 mile scheduled long runs.)
- I didn’t do any LONG training runs (besides that half 3 weeks ago or any during the previous training cycle.)
- I lazily did not run four days during the week preceding the race.
- But I ran a 3.5 race just three days before the race.
- I did not feel mentally prepared to run a fast race.
- My Garmin keeps re-setting to zero after 6 miles so I would have no watch to gauge my pace.
- I always walk at all the water stops.
in this case, it was free beer
So insanely, I set out to run my 26th half marathon (on my hubby’s birthday no less)
It turned out to be my easiest half marathon and my fastest.
Why?
- Cool weather conditions
- No expectations
- Ran by feel rather than staring at my watch
- Paced myself behind a lady in a pink shirt
- Flat course
- Lot’s of rest so fresh legs
- Just a fluke?
It was so effortless that….
Maybe this is my fastest time (2:06:52) or maybe not.
Time will tell.
I have a few shorter races planned for the summer.
I would love to PR in a 5K (before I’m too old to.) Unfortunately my current PR race doesn’t exist anymore so I have to find another one.
-
- 5k – 27:11 – PR (Sept. 2014)
-
- 27:26 (May 2016)
I have registered for two more half marathons before the end of the year (Girls Weekends away for both):
- October 1 – Wineglass
- November 12 – Las Vegas
I may squeeze in one or two more. Who knows?
For now, I’m treasuring this memory:
Happy Running! Ever wonder how you got your PR?
I definitely wondered how I got it at PCB — that one I didn’t really train for either — but as I keep pointing out, training is cumulative and not linear, either. And sometimes the stars just align. I’m glad they did for you (doesn’t look like they will for a dry run on Monday or almost any day next week).
I worked really hard for it prior to NOLA, but it was still a massive surprise considering the conditions.
PRs are nice, and I enjoy them as much as the next person, but I would have given up on running a long time ago if that were my only reason to run/race!
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I agree. I never race for a PR nor do I work hard for one. It’s more important to have fun running. Then again, I might if I paid money for a coach.
You never know about the weather. At least I have the whole day off so I can squeeze a run in at some point in the day (hopefully).
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WOW! That is awesome!! Who knew? Your legs just wanted to run! My PR was back in my 20s, and honestly, I don’t remember the race! It is 2:29, a time I haven’t come close to in recent years. Not sure if I will again, but either way I’m okay with that 🙂
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You never know. Every race is different. You may get faster or not. As long as you are out there and moving, life is good.
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I love this 🙂 It seems like that how it goes, when you aren’t really trying or expecting everything just comes together! It is a fantastic half time!! I would love to get back to that, but I always wonder if I’ll ever feel that good again…never say never though.
I love when you find someone to pace with visually in the crowd. It helps me a lot and I have not been able to do that with intervals. (as easy)
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It was a surprise and it may never happen again.
You never know….you may be fast again or even faster…
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Congrats!!! Great job!
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thanks!
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