Race Report - Monster Dash 1/2 Marathon

I ran my first legit half-marathon race last Saturday - that's just the running part, no biking preceding the run. The Monster Dash Half Marathon...they also host a 10 mile, 5K and 5K-9...about 8000 finishers. No, I did not wear a costume. Next year I'm thinking of dressing up as Wilma Flintstone. Who woud like to be my Fred?

www.teamortho.us


I set a few goals for the race which I "trained" for about 7 weeks using the RW 2:00 or under article/plan (Sept or Aug issue?) as a skeleton. I put in the long runs, but I wasn't very diligent about the mid-week runs as I love spin class and the pool.


1- 2:00 or under (this was my dream goal)

2- To finish strong (my primary goal). I am usually a great negative-splitter, but I wanted to let it all out, make it hurt and work towards being less conservative as I have been for 32 years.

3- To build my running-leg strength throughout the training as running is my weakest link.

4- See what I needed for recovery if I truly did finish strong...


Results:

1- 2:08:00

2- Put my head down and pushed the last 5 miles, especially the last 5K...2 runners passed me and I passed 242 runners. My last mile was around 7:54 pace (trying to remember as I type this without my garmin report in front of me). I was very, very pleased with this. Now, can I push this earlier in the race? At what point?

3- I surprised myself on the long runs and am confident they are helping to build a stronger running base for me.

4- A little stiffness, nothing major (ice baths and foam rolling are regular events for me). Elliptical and some biking Sunday and Monday, took Tuesday off due to sooo little sleep the night before, Wednesday back to my usual Wednesday routine (spin class followed by 60 minutes on the treadmill) no problem.