Frederick City Half Marathon is a very enjoyable race - from a fairly "fast" course to scenic surroundings and enthusiastic volunteers the race really brings a small town flavor is a major event. It was a toss up for me this year between Frederick and Maple Lawn Half which we ran last year - this too is an enjoyable race although the course is definitely hillier then Frederick. Not that that was a deciding factor - no the great looking warmup jacket was the deciding factor. Oh, and the chance to do the Maryland double when we run Baltimore Marathon in the fall. Warmup jacket and an extra medal - those were deciding factors.
I didn't have a definite goal starting the race - sub two and I would be satisfied, break 1:55 even better and pr (1:52.49) and I would be really happy. Ok, I pr'd but feel a little unsatisfied -1:50.12 is over a two minute pr but I can't help but feel that if my legs weren't beat from last Sundays Triple Crown then this course could have given me a sub 1:50 - maybe even 1:46. My legs failed me a bit on the hills (speed wise) and my pace dropped a bit in the middle to late miles. Not unhappy - but still.
Danny had a big race with a 7:00 pr and has reason to be proud. As does Moca who had a 6:00 pr despite the fact that she was taken to the medical tent after the race. She strained her upper back somewho and we both think that maybe it was more kettlebell related then running. Still she went out after the race for a 3 another 3 miles - North Face 50k is less then a month after all. Our great friends Judith ws cheering the runners on as was Thomas who lives right by mile 9 on the course. Really helped to see (and hear) from these guys - thanks! And heal quick Judith, we miss you out there! Matt was missing in action due to work duties but will be back for North Face as well (if not sooner) Lots coming up!
So it was a successful race al the way around - and very enjoyable. Excellent weather to run in with just a hint of mist to help keep things cool(er). On a side note I wore my Vibrams (Bikilas LS) and used the Galloway run/walk/run method with a 6:00 on/:30 off ratio and hit several of the early miles in the low 8:00's. I think I could have took it a bit easier in those miles and finished stronger but who knows, maybe not. Maybe next race will be a 5/1. Either way I enjoy the method and dount I could have run much faster without it (didn't use it last half when I hit 1:52).
So that's a wrap - stay tuned for the Endless Sumer 6 run in two weeks!
Thanks for reading,
Eric
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