It is official, my training regimen and race preparation during the summer needs to seriously improve. The race started at 8:30am at the end of June - that alone should have warned me it was going to be hot and required additional training. All races provide you with a course map and the ability to view the course elevation so you can see how flat or hilly the course is. Although I reviewed the elevation map, I certainly did not appreciate how steep the hills were going to be. Although the elevation changes did not look too bad, they certainly were steep; I felt I was running through the mountains, not Fairfield, Connecticut.
Although this was a much tougher race than I anticipated, it actually was pretty enjoyable and I can happily say that I feel I earned my time of 1:59:56. Normally I would consider my time a little disappointing, but I had to push myself and with 2-3 miles left I knew that if I ran hard I would break 2 hours. After starting the race too fast (sub-8 minute pace for the first 2.5-3 miles), I hit the first hill and I quickly realized it was going to be a tough race; around the halfway point I decided that the 2 hour mark would be my goal for the race.
Although this was a much tougher race than I anticipated, it actually was pretty enjoyable and I can happily say that I feel I earned my time of 1:59:56. Normally I would consider my time a little disappointing, but I had to push myself and with 2-3 miles left I knew that if I ran hard I would break 2 hours. After starting the race too fast (sub-8 minute pace for the first 2.5-3 miles), I hit the first hill and I quickly realized it was going to be a tough race; around the halfway point I decided that the 2 hour mark would be my goal for the race.
Overall the race was pretty enjoyable despite its difficulties. The starting line “village” was right on the beach to the Long Island Sound – the only downside is that when you check-in you end up with sand in your running shoes. The race took us through suburban Connecticut, mostly through Fairfield, which is mostly made up of traditional New England homes tucked away in wooded areas. The downtown area reminds me of an traditional small town where people slowly drive through, or walk to if they live close enough. Families say hello as they pass on the sidewalk with their children in tow on their way to dinner or to get ice cream.
Given the relatively small size of the race (3500 people) the turnout was incredible. Throughout the race groups of people were cheering on the runners, even if people they knew were not running by at the time. Families were out on their front lawns or driveways cheering on runners and enjoying the weather; some families even handed out water or Gatorade. The fire department was out every couple of miles spraying water on the runners that chose to run through it to help cool them down. Ordinarily I steer clear of getting hosed down when I run, but after about 8 miles it was hot enough that it was welcomed. The water immediately shocked and cooled down my body, almost re-energizing me. It definitely helped me finish the race strong, even if I was soaked to the bone.
The last 3 miles I started to slightly cramp in my right hamstring and above my left knee, causing me to have to walk for a minute or two every ¾ of a mile. When I hit the twelve mile mark, I knew I had about 9 minutes to finish if I wanted to break 2 hours. I ran hard, but cramped again with a half a mile left and had to walk it out for a minute or so. I sucked it up and kicked it in, crossing the line at 2:00:29 on the race clock. I knew I had gotten close to breaking two hours based on my official time (when I crossed the start and finish lines), but was dying for water so bad that I did not dwell on it too long. After wading through the families, runners and spectators, I found the water and drank about a gallon in 2 minutes.
After consuming all the food and drink they had to offer, I decided to test the water of the Long Island Sound; let me tell you that is some cold water. It felt great on a sunny day after the run, but I definitely don’t suggest it on a regular basis . . . of course I could just be spoiled by the warm waters of Miami Beach.
This race reminded me it is good to be pushed; that even if the result is not what you originally thought it might be, it still can be a victory. Now I get to enjoy 6 weeks off until race number 8 in Providence, RI. Catch you in August.
Given the relatively small size of the race (3500 people) the turnout was incredible. Throughout the race groups of people were cheering on the runners, even if people they knew were not running by at the time. Families were out on their front lawns or driveways cheering on runners and enjoying the weather; some families even handed out water or Gatorade. The fire department was out every couple of miles spraying water on the runners that chose to run through it to help cool them down. Ordinarily I steer clear of getting hosed down when I run, but after about 8 miles it was hot enough that it was welcomed. The water immediately shocked and cooled down my body, almost re-energizing me. It definitely helped me finish the race strong, even if I was soaked to the bone.
The last 3 miles I started to slightly cramp in my right hamstring and above my left knee, causing me to have to walk for a minute or two every ¾ of a mile. When I hit the twelve mile mark, I knew I had about 9 minutes to finish if I wanted to break 2 hours. I ran hard, but cramped again with a half a mile left and had to walk it out for a minute or so. I sucked it up and kicked it in, crossing the line at 2:00:29 on the race clock. I knew I had gotten close to breaking two hours based on my official time (when I crossed the start and finish lines), but was dying for water so bad that I did not dwell on it too long. After wading through the families, runners and spectators, I found the water and drank about a gallon in 2 minutes.
After consuming all the food and drink they had to offer, I decided to test the water of the Long Island Sound; let me tell you that is some cold water. It felt great on a sunny day after the run, but I definitely don’t suggest it on a regular basis . . . of course I could just be spoiled by the warm waters of Miami Beach.
This race reminded me it is good to be pushed; that even if the result is not what you originally thought it might be, it still can be a victory. Now I get to enjoy 6 weeks off until race number 8 in Providence, RI. Catch you in August.
