Miami Beach Halloween Half 2013 . . . the one that almost didn't happen

I wasn't entirely certain I could handle a half marathon in October, when my tri season wasn't ending until the 2nd weekend in November.  But alas, hubs and I committed to the do the Miami Beach Halloween Half.  I worked this race last year and it looked super fun--lots of people dressing up in costumes.   In the weeks leading up to this badboy, I was secretly hoping for a new half marathon PR.

Then my oldest son got sick. Then I spent the whole week coughing up a lung and fighting a horrible sinus thing.  Brad got sent out of town on a whirlwind two day business trip.  I didn't sleep.  I was pretty sure that not only was PR NOT happening, I was probably going to be taking my first DNS (Did not start) because I couldn't walk around the block without feeling like I was going to die.

The night before the race, I took nyquil and spent most of the night sleeping in a chair (AGAIN).  I resigned myself to the DNS, but decided to pack my race clothes "just in case" because I knew I would regret it if I didn't.  We always work these races, so even if I wasn't racing, I was still going to help out.  I was undecided until 30 minutes before the race started.  It was SUCH a beautiful day.  I finally decided what the heck.  It was 4 miles from the start to where we ran by the finish line for the first time.  If I felt bad, I would just stop there.  Dead Last > Did Not Finish > Did Not Start.   So I got dressed.

 We were supposed to be Gilligan and Mary Anne, but I failed getting Brad the signature hat and didn't really do it to the full extent we could have.

I started off SUPER slow, just willing myself to get warmed up and *not die*.  At this point I had zero expectations and just wanted to enjoy the moment.

The view as we passed the finish line the FIRST time (mile 4).  I was feeling good, and kept going.

 And all things considered, THIS was a beautiful way to spend a Saturday morning.  We had to run half a mile on the beach on the way out, and then the same half mile on the way back (around mile 11).  No biggie on the way out.  On the way BACK on the other hand . . .

At about mile 5, I felt INCREDIBLE so I decided to pick up to my goal pace.  I knew PR wasn't happening, so I decided to make this a training run and go for a negative split.  It so happened that my music stopped working, so I ran 3.5 miles between a 9:25-10:25 min/mile pace. (Fast fast fast for me) I was feeling ON FIRE.  And then, two things happened.  # 1 was that there were no water stations  for 3 miles.   #2 was we turned on to the famous Lincoln Road, which is APPARENTLY not my cup of tea.  I did not dig the detour, I was thirsty, and I crashed quickly.  I slowed down and never got my mojo back.  I know nutrition was an issue, because I wasn't feeling well and didn't eat like I normally would have leading up to a race. 

Back on the beach stretch I got to hang with Dr. Dribble , which was fun and entertaining.  Even HE had to carry his balls across the beach stretch. 

And THEN came the biggest letdown of the race . . . we had to run PAST the finishline AGAIN for the last 1.5 of the race.  All the way to the site of the after party.  Then turn around and run BACK to the finish line.  No secret to those that know me that I am NOT a loop girl.  I am an out and back girl.  I don't run by my house because I WILL quit.  This was totally because of a last minute course change the city required, but it was PAINFUL.   My mental toughness was gone.  I walked way more than I should have. I was SO GLAD when I finally crossed that finish line.

My time for half marathon #3 was 2:36 and change, just under a 12 minute mile.  Not what I was hoping for going in, but not as slow as my first half.  It was a total learning experience.   Things I learned:
-Speed work pays off.  I CAN maintain a faster pace for a prolonged period.  All of my tempo runs have been in the 3-4 mile range, and if I expect to maintain a faster pace for 13.1, I need to start upping my tempo runs.
-I actually stay on pace better with music.  I think from now on, music is for the last half or so.  Or maybe the first 3rd and last 3rd.
-I still need to carry my own water, because if I don't drink, I crash.
-I can ABSOLUTELY kill my run at Miami Man this coming weekend, and hopefully do it under an 11 minute mile pace if things go well.  I CAN RUN FAST(ER) if I focus. 
And, your TMI for the day . . . if you run with a head cold, it drains, and it causes tummy trouble. NOT FUN.

Recovery coming off this race was not great, simply because I felt so crappy after that I didn't even stretch like I should have.   I have felt under the weather for the week and a half since, and haven't really done much of anything.  Mostly because Miami Man is this weekend, and as my "A" race for the year, I want fresh legs.  Another thing I learned about myself is that scheduling too much to close in means I end up undertrained.  I haven't really trained since the first week in October, between recovery from the Columbus Day Tri, this race.  Soooo ready to be done with Miami Man so I have two months to just FOCUS on miles and speed before Ragnar and the spring half marathons.

Hoping YOU had an amazing October.