South Shore Half Marathon Race Report
I originally had 18 miles on the running schedule today, and when I saw some Grayslake Running Club members were going to Milwaukee to run the South Shore Half (which cost less than $14 to enter, by the way), I thought, why not?
My goal was to run 8:45s and set a new PR, then run 5 miles afterward.
One of those things did not happen – the second one! I’m okay with that (I think. Maybe.).
My official time was 1:54:40, which is funny – it was one second off of my goal time of 1:54:39! I took 3 minutes and 7 seconds off of my previous PR of 1:57:47.
Update: my official time was actually 1:54:06! The clock just read 1:54:40 as I crossed (and I thought that was my official time, but it wasn’t). So I actually took 3 minutes and 41 seconds off my previous PR.
And here’s how it went down… this is an well organized, but somewhat informal race, that gets a lot of runners – 850 last year and at least 600 this year. The race is NOT chip timed, so I walked for about 45 seconds before I crossed the start line.
The race website says this about how hilly the course is “There are several hills on the course, but no major ones to worry about.” That is A LIE. This course is ALL HILLS. ALL. THE. TIME. I mean, check out the freakin’ elevation map:
Sigh. Maybe that is not hilly for Wisconsin people? Anyway. The course is an out and back on a bike trail, so it was a bit crowded at first. BUT, that really helped me keep my pace (being so close to people)! I did really well in miles 1-7, and thought, “This is easy!”
Mile splits:
1: 8:53
2: 8:24
3: 8:33
4: 8:27
5: 8:27
6: 8:30
7: 8:38
I knew I was banking extra time in the first seven miles and I was excited about it. Foreshadowing – I didn’t know I would need it.
Also, I should mention I tried something new (big race NO NO) for this race – I didn’t run with my belt. I pinned my GUs to my pants (had to read about how to here – ended up taking one GU at 5 miles), and took water at the stations. That actually worked out well!
But what happened at mile 7? I kind of started to fall apart. I didn’t feel that tired, or that out of breath, and I didn’t feel bored… I am not sure WHAT it was. But, I slowed down. I walked through two water stops, up part of a HUGE hill, and a few other times. Sigh.
8: 8:55
9: 8:34
10: 8:57
11: 8:39
12: 9:28
13: 8:58
13.14: 1:05 (7:54 pace)
Garmin stats here, note, it was in the 40s and perfect out!
I didn’t even have it in me to sprint at the end. Thankfully I banked that extra time, and crossed the clock at 1:54:40. Phew!
This course is actually really pretty. It’s right next to Lake Michigan, and goes through some open areas and some forest-y areas. Some parts were muddy though!
My legs and new shoes got all muddy. Ha ha.
You don’t get a medal for running this race, but you do get a pair of gloves!
After the race I took another GU and met up with one of the people I rode with to run my 5 miles… I went out on the course and we caught up with Bobbi, then ran back in with her… then said “eff this I am done running.” Sigh. I guess I will have to run my 18 this week. I feel like a lame-o for not doing my last 4 miles of my 18. Whatever.
We went inside and got some snacks, then headed back to Illinois!
This is a nice, small race, and I would do it again! I would just be better prepared for those damn hills. I want to run a flat Half Marathon now!
And it looks like I have some more work to do on racing… I am just NOT that good at it! Sure, I met my goal, but the last 6 miles were a mess!
Themocracy
Congrats on the PR! You ran so so well! Don’t feel bad about not getting the extra 4 miles in! I hate hilly courses but you did awesome all things considered!
Thanks!!! 🙂 I just can’t believe those hills. I need to quit being scared of hills and train on them. And it’s not that I am scared of the hard work, I am scared of injury! I know you can understand that 😉
YAY on the PR!!! And I was HURTING that last mile – you have no idea how glad I was to see you, so even though you didn’t get your extra 5, I am RIDICULOUSLY thankful that you chose to run me in. It was such a great day!
btw, mile 7? was when you had to start negotiating around runners coming AT you in the crappiest part of the trail. it probably took a lot of your “wind” away.
Probably! And I think maybe I should have taken two GUs. I think I was just a bit delirious and out of it. Oh well. It was an awesome race. I can’t wait to read your report!
Sounds like a good race to me! I wouldn’t worry that you didn’t run the full 18 – you ran harder for those 13 (and faster) than you would have the full 18, so I think that makes up for it a bit.
Love the pic of you modeling the gloves!
WELL DONE! I say major kudos and congrats to you! That’s a great time. Hope you celebrate tonight, by the way!
We totally celebrated! Went out to dinner and everything (at our fave burrito joint, ha ha).
Thank you! 🙂
CONGRATS on the PR! That’s amazing! YAY!
Congrats on the PR! Don’t worry about the last 4 miles.
Congratulations on the PR! I also like seeing that you use pace bands too– very few people I see have pace bands on. I love ’em!
Thanks!
That pace band really came in handy. I looked at it every time I passed one of their mile markers to make sure I was on track! You using one for CU?
Nice job on the PR!! Holy hills!
Great job! You must be doing something right with the racing, You are breaking PRs left and right! 😉 Congrats on the PR
Thank you!
I am trying to train really smart this year and actually doing speedwork and all that crap. I think that is what is doing the trick! 🙂
Congrats on the PR! If you want to run a flat half marathon, you should head over to Fargo! 🙂
Thanks!
Hmm, Fargo… it’s about a 10 hour drive. That is tempting though! hee hee 🙂 I think it is actually the weekend my family is coming out here – 5/21, right?
It is about 10 hours for us too…worth it though. But yes, it is on the 21. Bummer. Keep it on the calendar for next year though!!
OH MY GOSH!!! Great job! So jealous 🙂
I don’t think I would have it in me to run another X miles after running such an awesome race. I would just want to bask in the glow of hitting a PR like that. So, no worries. You’ll get in those extra miles some time.
Mess? What mess? You did great! And whatever the official final time was, it was definitely a PR, so congratultions on that!
Congrats! What an awesome impromptu race. Love that it was only $14! 🙂 You rocked it!
Congrats on the new PR!! Any race that is only $14 is super sweet, too!
way to go PR!
and omg, i thought those were spider veins! glad it washes off =)
Good Job! 🙂 You should have told me you were coming I could have come to watch! Congrats on the PR!!!
Thanks! I will let you know the next time I am in Milwaukee for a race – I wasn’t sure if you would be there this weekend. I know for sure I will be there 10/2/11!
Congratulations on your PR!! That is awesome and Im so happy for you. I so wish I had more of your spontaneous personality. You decided to run a race a few days before and then got a PR on top of it!! You rock! I think you should keep this running buzz and good feelings for a long time. You should be very proud of yourself. That really is an awesome time and you have gotten better at racing. I know you dont think it was your best race but you are always learing things from every race which will make you a better runner in the long run. Hope you are having a great Monday!
Aww, thanks Laura! You are too sweet to me 🙂
Congratulations on the awesome PR! You are having a really good racing season, for sure!
That course elevation is scary. It’s so bumpy. I would have died, for serious!
I’m not sure how I missed this post until now. Congratulations on the PR!