Great Bay Half (SUB 1:30!!!)

Ok, it was only by 30 seconds, but it was still under.

Race Report
The day started off with a mile and a quarter swim. It was actually one of my better swims in quite sometime. I felt relaxed and very comfortable. After that I went home and grabbed some waffles. (low fat) So I was able to get some carbs and hydrate a little more.

I got to the race about an hour early so plenty of time to pick up my packed, use the B-room and warm up. While getting my packet I ran into a friend that I haven't seen in quite a while. He mentioned that he was hoping for a 1:30. I mentioned that I would like to be close to that as well.

After using the restroom three times (good indication of being hydrated) I warmed up and ran around 1.5 miles. I just recently started doing this, but it works so well. Get the cramps and/or aches done with before the start.

Standing in the pack I ran into my buddy again and actually ran into another GSTC member. Team representing!!! There was a pace runner with a 7 minute mile on his back, so I went over to him. Depending on how I felt, I did want to go for a sub 1:30. With this in mind, I knew I needed to start off slow to see how I felt and make the call from there. A 7 minute pace would put me at 1:32, so if I felt good at the halfway point I could go for it.

After two miles of running at a 7 minute pace I picked it up a little and felt alright. There was a slight climb and a water stop. I grabbed some water. I usually only grab water towards the end of a half, but I am trying to practice drinking water at races. So every water stop, I grab water now. I am also starting to grab gels as well for the same reason. So with a slight push and a mouthful of water, I am surprised to see the pace guy ahead of me. Back to plan A and trail for a little while.

As we get to mile 3 I spot a younger guy moving along at a nice pace. I jump on his pace and we slowly slide a way from the pace guy. More water and more hills. I am really surprised how close to the coast we are and the size of the hills. Yet again, more training for Ironman.

The runner who's pace I have jumped on has a triathlon shirt on, so I cannot help but think, if he can run like a runner, so can I. We literally bounce back and fourth for the next 6 miles and we hit flat spot in the run. I look over and say "finally a flat". He smiles and responds with, " I don't know how there can be head wind in all directions". We make a few more comments and then it is back to racing.

We pass through a super windy section and he slides in behind. Yup, he is drafting me and it is killing me. He's a smart runner who got an opportunity and took it. No hard feelings now, but I was annoyed at the time. Considering it was him who got me on pace, I am glad he was there.

We leave the flat area and I realize I have 2 more miles to go. The pace guy picks it up and I let him go a little. Once I see he is going for it, I jump on it. I look at my watch and realize I have 10 minutes to run a mile and half. I begin passing a couple people every minute or so.

I feel sick. My head hurts. My legs ache. This really sucks. I want to stop. I keep pushing. I pass another guy and he gives me a glare. He is older and breathing really heavy. He is giving me everything he has and I owe it too him to do the same. Did I mention how awful I have felt for the last 20 minutes.

I see my friends Darcy and Jay as I am making the final shoot. Darcy yells my name and I hang my tongue out to the side like a sick dog. I see the finish line with a 1:29:19. I push the last bit and make it in at 1:29:43.


I did it. I broke the 1:30 barrier. The pain during the last couple of miles really did suck. I didn't think I had anything left, but I did. It feels really good to accomplish this goal, but I need to realize this is just a small step in achieving my real goal. Ironman.

I spoke with the guy I paced off after the race. Come to find out he is a runner not a triathlete! He is running Boston next month, so he isn't just a runner, he is a great runner. This feels good.