Another weekend - another week. This time is was Freedom's Run Half Marathon in Shepardstown West Virginia - a very hilly place to hold a race. The half marathonn is part of an all day event featuring a full marathon, Hlaf, 10k, 5k and a fun run. Race Director Mark Cucuzzella's - recent winner of the Air Force Marathon - hard work was evident in every aspect of the event - from Parking to after party everything was well thought out and geared for the runners pleasure and race pursuit. Great job and thank you Mark!
The weather was cold and rainy but after the humid conditions of last weeks Conestoga Trail Race it was a nice change and as proved later was a big determining factor in Matts race. I enjoy (for the most part) running and racing in rain so in no way did it detract from my enjoyment and from the looks on most peoples faces (aside from the usual "it hurts because I'm racing" look) they enjoyed it too. The full marathon winds through four National Parks - I believe thet the half only goes through two - and this is beautiful countryside (even the hills) that really makes a runner feel alive to run through. And I think I mentioned hills previously? There are hills! Fortunetely after a summer of Catctin and Last weeks Conestoga we were all well prepared for hills. And it showed as Matt smoked a 2:17 for a hugh 17 minute PR. Strong run Matt! This is after a week where both he and I were worried about "dead legs" from the effects of Conestoga and my (stupidly) adding goblets squats into my workout the day after the race. I worried about this up until Friday with my legs still sore. However race day - after the inital bottle-necking that lasted a bit longer due to the narrowness of the course begining and again on the C&O Canal my legs losen up nicely and I was able to run a 1:57 with the last 4 miles a nice clip with a pace into the low 8:00's (8:04 mile 12) and high 7:00's for the finish. For my second tough race in as many weeks I'm happy with this and it's great preparation for Baltimore's full and Stome Mill 50 in the upcoming weeks. Moca ran a 2:32 and on these hills after a very full and tough three weeks of racing (Air Froce Marathon - full,and Conestoga)that's a great run. Her schedule has been packed tight lately and these runs have served to provide the training for each upcoming race. Great job Moca!
I experimented with Jeff Galloway's run/walk method - something I often use in training but have never used in a road race before. My ratio was run 4 and walk :30 and it worked well after a little trouble at the start due to space and a crowded course. It served the exact pupose I had hoped it would - saving my legs for more training and allowing me to finish stronger at the end. The last 4 miles were walk free and faster then all previous miles. Really happy about that. This is the same plan I'll use for Baltimore and hopefully I'll have similar results.
Aside from the beautiful scenery, there was also ample parking and a great after party at the Bavarian Inn. A picture may surface of me holding a soft pretzle and a glass of beer. Only one of these was actually consumed and I'll let everyone guess which. I also got the chance to hang out with my friend Danny and see his beautiful wife (he married up) Christy who live in Shepardstown. Danny ran the 10k as a training run after injuring his foot a few months back and I'm happy to see him back on his (running) feet! Great seeing you guys!
So it was good day of running, racing and fun. If you haven't run this even mark it on your calander for next year. It's a tough, challenging course that will bring out the best in a runner. It certainly did for all of us. I'll be back next year for the full!
Thanks for reading!
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