Race Report - Ridgefield 1/2 marathon

The weather was really nice - high 60's and sunny - an unexpected treat from the forecast of just rain. My sisters Liz (left) and Jen (middle) were also running today and sister Cork was on the course to take pics, cheer, and hang out. This race was a 'must do' for me to break my streak of sitting on my ass. Since IMLP I've done two 7 mile runs totaling 14 miles all-in. That's, um, not much. I have a 50K race in 3 weeks, a 60K a few weeks later, and a marathon 1st week of Jan. So enough is enough, time to get out the door.

The game plan was for Jen and me to run it together in the 2 to 2:10 range. She's done about as much training as me in as many months. Liz is fast so she was going off the front on her own. I've run this race once before a long time ago, maybe 1999 or 2000, don't remember. The race is awesome. It is a small venue just over 500 runners and the course is a flat and fast double loop through a quiet part of Ridgefield with little to no traffic. Jen and I ran together as planned but our mile splits were too fast. I wanted 9:30's but we were clocked an 8:50 out of the gate and then a couple 9's. Jen reminds me of my old running partner. He would run just an inch or 2 off my shoulder in the lead, and that inch would make me feel like I had to catch up....and the cycle would begin spiraling to a faster and faster pace. Most of the run was an easy pace so I was talking with Jen and catching up on events. As we ran by some lady on the side of the road she smiled at us and called me a Chatty Cathy!!! What the hell! I don't think I like that much!

At mile 9 or so I ran ahead hoping there was an off chance I might finish in under 2 hours. Mile 9 was around a 9:10, mile 10 was a 9, mile 12 was an 8:50, and the last 1.1 was probably in the low 8's. I ran so hard in the last mile I thought I was risking a pull but it was a downhill finish and sub 2 was going to come down to seconds. I made the last turn and heard "if you can hear my voice you can still break 2 hours" over the loudspeakers...and sprinted to the finish for a 1:59:48. Going sub 2 was completely unexpected given my low fitness. I am ecstatic with the results and my legs are very sore (even 2 days later as I write this). It was a great kick start to my cram session for my 50K coming up in 3 weeks. Out!