Well, I did it. Last year this time, I was supposed to have run my half-marathon but I broke my foot on a training run and it didn’t happen. I finally did a half marathon this summer but as a virtual run. Even though my original plan last fall was to do a virtual race, something about doing one in person felt like a legit way to say I’ve bounced back from my injury!
Route
The route for the Halloween Half Marathon went around through Morris Township, back towards Chatham before looping back. The course was two loops of the below. It was relatively flat, though had a couple of inclines that came outta nowhere!
Training
Training leading up to the race was going great — until the move prep kicked in. I underestimated the toll it would take on me — my body, my energy level and my time. I was committed though not to back out of the race! I was only able to run once the weekend before the race (10 miles) and none the Monday through Saturday before race day. Think this impacted how some of the race went for me.
I again used Hal Higdon’s Novice 1 Half Marathon Training. Having the schedule is so helpful for me to stay on track — and get me out of bed on those days where I’m not feeling it.
Race Day
We had some rain leading up to race day but the weather the day of was perfect. With the race happening on Halloween, I decided running in a costume was a must. I figured most people would be in costume. That assumption ended up totally being wrong — but I don’t regret my decision in the least!
I started off strong — much stronger than usual for me, even on a race day. Mile 1 was great for me — 10:05. It stayed pretty good up through mile 5.
At that point in the race, my right knee started hurting. I didn’t twist it or feel anything happen to it. More of a persistent ache. I tried to keep going strong but found myself alternating a lot between walking and running.
By mile 10, my knee refused to run. It became about keeping my pace as fast as possible to finish before the course closed (had a three hour max) but listen to my body enough so that I could make it the full 13.1 miles. In the end, I managed to do both — and with a free slice of pizza waiting for me at the finish line.
Overall, I had a great time. I’m bummed I don’t have a time that I’m super excited to share — or that matters my prior one. I do have records throughout though for personal best for 15K, 10 mile and 20K — so I’ll take the wins where I can get them!
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