Posts Tagged ‘race review’

You are here: Home » Tag: race review

14 Nov 2016

Rock n Roll Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Blaine's Running Journal, Blaine's Weekly Review, Marathon Training, Racing Recaps | Comments Off on Rock n Roll Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon

This is 1/2 Marathon #2 for my Marathon Training.

Unfortunately I messed up the training weeks and this one fell into my speed training weekend.

Last weekend was the 3 hour run and next week is my four hour run. So I kinda jumped out of my schedule and added another long run this weekend for the Rock n Roll.

 

So is this marathon worth it?

Well, I really don’t know how to tag this one. With over 30,000 runners competing for space down the Las Vegas strip, it can get crowded over the first few miles. But, I must admit, the starting line was much more organized than the Disney World 1/2 Marathon a few years ago.

We arrived after Snoop Dog’s concert, just as the sun was setting. We decided to walk to the starting point, forgetting, once again, that everything is big and far in Vegas. At a brisk walk, it took about an hour  to get to the start from our hotel. So by the time we got there, I already had 5k under my belt and I was sweating (we are in the desert after all). But all was good and and we were eventually ushered out to the starting line and everything went smoothly.

The first few miles were crowded, and with all the excitement my pace was a little too fast. But I felt great and ‘convinced’ myself that I could run like I did 5 years ago.

I kept my pace up and ran down the strip and past our hotel (the Encore) just before the 10k marker.  I also stopped a few times along the strip to take videos and photos of the various bands like Kiss and Elvis playing along the way. Plus I always enjoy talking to some of the volunteers at the hydration stops.

Then we started getting into downtown Las Vegas and that’s where things started to go bad…

It was my first time downtown and it was little too dark on the side streets. Unfortunately, I sprained my ankle on a road reflector when switching lanes – and that resulted in an instant ‘time to walk’ attitude.

This was mile marker 10… two hours into the race. Still an easy 2h 45m finish even with a sprained ankle, or so I though!

Next came complaints from my bladder. Darn it. Why now!

So my new mission was to look for a port-a-potty. Unfortunately, there were none to be found. I ran and hobbled for ages and soon it became my only mission in life! So I had to take some detours off course, find a place to sneak out, find a restaurant, a McDonald’s, or a construction site.

Then to complicate matters even more, there was no water at the last 3 water stations. I give the volunteers credit of trying to fill up cups as fast as they could, but how could that happen!?! What is everyone behind me going to do?

Well, no matter as I was almost home.

However, with the search for a toilet (more than once) and lack of water at the remaining stations, it took me an additional hour to make it hobbling to the finish line.

Did I break 3 hours? With all the extra pit stops? Uhm… nope!

3.5 Stars

  • 5.0 Stars for organization at the start
  • 4.5 Stars for the course
  • 4.0 Stars for entertainment along the way
  • 2.5 Stars for the ending (no space blankets, bananas/water only)
  • 1.5 Stars for port-a-potties along the course
  • 2.0 Stars for water along the course

 

31 Oct 2016

Niagara Falls International 1/2 Marathon

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Blaine's Running Journal, Blaine's Weekly Review, Marathon Training, Racing Recaps | Comments Off on Niagara Falls International 1/2 Marathon

One of the advantages of training for a marathon is to add a few 1/2 marathon during the Long Run portion.

I can do this because my running pace is fairly slow.

When my training calls for a three hour long run, I can sign up of a Half-Marathon and not be worried that I didn’t do enough time on my feet.

 

Niagara Falls International is a beautiful course. The run starts in Buffalo, goes over the Peace Bridges at the boarder, loops onto the Niagara Parkway and finishes up at ‘The Falls’.

The 1/2 Marathon starts along the parkway and you can easily forget about running, as you enjoy the trees with sparsely lined homes on the left and the river on the right. There was even a paddler keeping pace with me for a little while.

Of course, the weather could have been a little better for the run. The rest of the week was beautiful, but during the race it rained. Not a bad rain, but enough to get instantly soaked, cold enough that you need a few layers, and windy enough that you need glasses to keep the rain out of your eyes. But, hey, we all have to experience this type of run sometime, no?! And with the scenery along the course and lack of thousands people trying to pass you (like the Disney races), every moment was enjoyable.

To top it off, the last 3k is slightly downhill to the finish line. So I decided to sprint the remaining distance. But… it was a big mistake as running full speed down hill is not a good idea for my knees. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem for most runners. But, being 55, having a torn meniscus,  and being over weight does not make me ‘most runners’. Next time I think I will just keep my pace.

I came in over 3 hours and was actually shocked at the slow time. I planned on breaking the 3 hour mark based on my pace. However after everything was done, I realized that I miscalculated my pace for a 3 hour half. I was thinking it should be ~ 9 min/km pace (a very very long run training pace), so I was pacing around 8’40”. In reality, it was supposed to be under 8’31”.

Oops! Well that’s okay.

It was a training run, after all – and I did get a nice shiny metal and had an enjoyable experience.

 

20 Sep 2012

Disneyland 1/2 Marathon Racing Recap

Tags: , ,
Posted in Blaine's Running Journal, Racing Recaps | Comments Off on Disneyland 1/2 Marathon Racing Recap

Distance: 21.9km Time: 2:59: Pace: 8’10 kCal: 2,841 Heart: 140/155 RPE: 3 Type: 1/2 Marathon for fun

Well the Disney ½ marathon and coast-to-coast challenge are over.

My goal was to run it in under 3 hours with character stops along the way. But silently I was thinking 2h45m. It didn’t quite happen that way.

Of course, it took well over an hour to run the first 5k, but that’s what you get when standing in line to get your picture taken with Daisy and Aladdin and Captain Hook and Thomas Train and … you get the picture. And of course there was the nature-related pit stop!

It would have been nice to just keep running around Disneyland and California Adventure a few more times, but it was time to head out onto the streets. Besides, with all the distractions I may have never finished!

 

At Mile 6 – the sun was making things hot, but not the 90°F plus temperature I was expecting.

At Mile 9 – I had so much fun running into the Angels Stadium and seeing the crowd, that I totally missed the mile marker.

At Mile 10 – I realized that it would all be over soon, as there were no more lines to get into! I must admit I was a little disappointed to hear that Chip and Dale were not going to be around this time. I was soooo much looking forward to getting another photo shoot with them to match the one taken in Orlando.

At Mile 12.5 it was time to head to the finish line. I still had lots of energy and decided to put on a great finishing show sprinting to the end (and of course bumping into those that suddenly stop right at the finish line!). Donald Duck was there to great me and give me a high five. But before I could get my hand out, I got sideswiped by 3 teens as they ‘jumped’ all over him. Poor Donald…

Total time 2h59m – HA!
Under 3 hours… Just like clockwork.
Of course it took another 3 hours to leave, since the battery was dead in my car. But alas, that’s a story for another time.

Thank you Disney.
We had a great time and those medals?
They sure look mighty nice!

 

06 Mar 2012

The Orlando 1/2, Happy Anniversary, and more…

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Blaine's Running Journal, Blaine's Weekly Review | 2 Comments

The sun is out, the days are getting longer, and the flowers & dagwoods are starting to bloom. And after a few months of long hours put in for work, it’s time to take back control of my life (on the running side at least!).

It’s true that there is no excuse for not getting out and being active. You have to make the time. For me, it’s been challenging. 16 hour works days, 6 days a week makes it very challenging. But the work is under control now and I’m looking ahead to see what the new year brings.

For now a little recap of the last few months.

Jan 7 – Walt Disney 1/2 Marathon
It wasn’t my best and my pace was slower than the Portland Marathon, but with over 20,000 people cattle-herding towards a single onramp for the highway… a fast pace is not something you can or want to do.

Then there are all the stops to take pictures with Mickey, Mini, Pirates, GI Joes, and every other Disney character that you could image; they all came to life along the route. Running down Main Street and through the castle was amazing – as well as running though Epcot. However, I was hoping we would run around the lake at the international pavilions, but it wasn’t meant to be.

The most want-to-forget part was waking up at 3, getting on the bus at 3:45, and geting into the race corral before 5am. It was soooo coooooold! Thank goodness my wife suggested we snitch the red blankets we got on the plane down and use them while waiting for the race to start!. It was so cold that she ran with hers for 8 miles before dropping it. And then she took off even faster to ran the whole thing non-stop (not bad for absolutely no training since Portland). Of course, I took the leisure route, stopping for pictures, and asking for an acorn or two. I realized after a few close calls tripping over so many feet that it’s not possible for a big guy like me to squeeze through the crowds.

It was a lot of fun and we’re looking forward to the Disneyland 1/2 coming up in September. That one’s much more closer to home, so there’re be not jet lag issues. No speed records on this one either, asI’m hoping to get some family shots in with Chip n Dale again!

 

Feb 5 – Happy Anniversary

It’s been one year since I started on this journey.

Was it worth it? Yes. Absolutely. I’ve met a whole new side to living and it’s given me a more positive outlook in life (though I’ve always been pretty positive).

Have I lost any weight? Well… Yes and no. I’m actually the same as before. And in downtimes from injury, I start gaining. But the key it to be consistent and to have a happy, healthy lifestyle. I’ve gotten the happy part down pretty good. Still working on the healthy (eating my vegetables) part!

Do I have any additional goals for this year? I’ve started cycling. I’m still looking for a place to swim (other than a cold ocean with sharks). A triathlon is in the works. A few halfs and another marathon at the end of the year as well. I’ll get those all posted at a later date.

But, my immediate goal is to get out there to start running regularly again and to get back into shape.

 

Mar 6 – 1000 Miles (Almost)
Last year I had set myself a small personal goal to run 1000 miles.

I came in at 908 (1461km), a little short ‘cuz of my knee injury. But the good news is that I broke to Level Black (5,000km) with Nike+ They even sent me a free new footpad to say congrates. Now that was cool!

I’m hoping to break the 1,000 mile limit this year though.
So, I’ll keep you posted.

 

The Jelly Bean Race

Just needed to add this in.

Last year I did Jess’s Jelly Been race.
Well it’s coming up again this year over Easter week (April 1-8). It’s a virtual race and free to enter.

It’s a great way to get out there with no pressure. So if you’re signing up, let me know. I’d love to hear how you do.

 

 

 

03 May 2011

Cinco de Mayo 10k Race Report

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Blaine's Running Journal, Racing Recaps | 3 Comments

Distance: 10.07km Time: 1:09 Pace: 6’51 kCal: 971 Heart: 146/166 RPE: 6 Type: 10k Race


Last Sunday I ran the Cinco de Mayo 10k event Reaching for the Cure.
This was the first 10k race towards my marathon training, and I must admit that while it wasn’t the dream race I thought it would be, it was a great learning experience.

If you want to get the point-form of what I learned, scroll down to the bottom. But if you want to see some cool pictures and learn more, read on…

 

The Day before the big race

Yup – it all starts the day before. Why? Because I was so excited! The OC Marathon was happening on the same day as my race (Sunday) and that meant a really cool Health Expo with lots of great stuff.
Read the rest of this entry »