This will most likely be my last post before running the Half-Marathon--and I am getting excited. Right now, it's about 6:30 am and I can't fall back asleep knowing that we have to pack and drive up there today.
My thoughts on the race? I don't have any specific goals for this race because 1) I'm trying to enjoy it and 2) my main focus has been on the Breakers Marathon next month. In the very back of my head is a nagging thought about beating my PR of 1:53:41, but I think I've successfully talked myself into being OK with not PRing at this race if it means doing spectacular at the Breakers. On the other hand, I have gotten stronger and faster: my long run last weekend was 16 miles, which I ran on a hilly Central Park course at a pace seven seconds faster than my Half-Marathon PR. So while I'm not concentrating on PRing, it might just happen anyway.
There is also the issue of weather. Tropical Storm Hanna is supposed to hit New England this weekend--Saturday to be exact. However, it looks like it might be to the benefit of the race. The rain is forecasted to not start until 1pm, well after the race finishes; but the heavy clouds will roll in overnight, meaning plenty of cloud coverage for the race. While the cloud coverage brings 90% humidity (wtf? That's crazy Florida type humidity) it'll also hold the temps in the low 60s (compared to the high of 80 forecasted for today).
Also....thank you guys for the thoughts on the tininess of the race field. I think it'll be interesting and fun because it will be a totally different kind of beast than what I'm used to. However, there are some drawbacks due to the size that I've already found: I don't think there are port-o-potties on the road (you can imagine my feelings toward this), no medals (boo), and they won't be closing the roads (yikes on-coming traffic, good thing I trained for this, sort of). But the only thing I see as a major issue for this race is the hills. Miles 1-3 are essentially all uphill, and then mile 7 and 8 are about a 300 ft climb to a peak at Mile marker 9. Nothing I can't handle, it's just stuff I don't want to handle.
So that's it. I'm looking forward to this race and visiting Vermont for the first time. The playlist is good to go, I've done my pre-race check of all the factors (did I really spend that much time writing about the weather?), and all that's left now is to pack and drive up there. See you on the other side of the finish line!
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P.S.--My drive up to Manchester will take me through Albany, i.e., Marcy-ville. If I see some crazy chica with a gigantic cup of Dunkin Donuts with two little girls in tow I will quickly snap a picture with my cell phone and run in the other direction.
8 comments:
I'm sure Marcy will enjoy your paprazzi-like stalking!
Good luck with the half! I hope Hanna's rain misses you and you have a dry half.
Have a great time! You will do GREAT!!! Oh. Hanna. At least you won't get sunburnt! :o)
High fivers from A-town! LMAO! I'll be kidless though. I don't let them out of their dog cages until after dark.
Hopefully the weathermen are right on with their predictions. Damn weather!
GOOD LUCK HOMIE!! If nothing else, enjoy the scenery. The leaves should be nice up there right? They're turning fast here so you'd think . . .
Should coordinate a blog reuinion for a group bathroom shot.
I'm jes sayin'...
Well, Good Luck. By being so relaxed and goal-free, just watch yourself smash that goal. No pressure though.
I'm heading up to Albany this weekend too, and attempting to PR in a 5K up there. HA! Not happening.
Good luck with the half!
Hey sRod... GOOD LUCK on the half. Don't even think about the time or anything. Just kick some ass and then look at the watch after you cross the line. You may be in for a full surprise.
As of this morning right now, its so muggy that you couldn't cut it with a knife.
Will look forward to your post-race report.
How'd you do?!?!
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