Lyncburg and Patrick Henry Half Marathons 2014 - My August Bliss

My race experience - 5/5 for both races

Lynchburg half marathon and Patrick Henry Half marathon, these two are my best half marathons. My best times are reserved for these two races. Last year, one was my first half (PR) and the other was my best time (again PR), so I had high expectations from both the races. Both of these races are supported by local running groups and encourage local runners to get their best times. The weather too is mostly the same, ideal for morning half marathons. Also being part of marathon training team, August is the high time to test your half credentials. After good rest in summer my injuries were mostly gone. Even though I visited a doctor, who could not find much wrong with me other than more rest for my legs.

The Patrick Henry half was on August 9th, and this time Corey and his wife Maria also signed up. I heard a lot of Corey about Maria, who runs faster than Corey and her initial pace is really amazing. It is always great to have good company for the races.

It was raining on the race day morning. I sat inside my car which I parked just near the start line till Corey messaged me. We were talking with our umbrellas open till the start was announced. There was no chance to remain dry for the race as it was still drizzling. As soon as we started, Maria picked up pace and went ahead. Corey was with me and maintaining pace in the paved road to the island. We had good 3 miles, and then came the hill. After some time I asked Corey to go ahead because I did not want to release all my energy running the hill. I walked just like last year but faster. 

Crossing finish line in rain

After the SAG at the hill top, I picked the pace. I knew what to expect from the route. It was rolling hills and I had to run the loop twice. I walked at SAGs drinking water and did not walk or stop at any other point. As I was reaching mile 7 turn around I saw Corey and then saw Maria. After completing the second loop I knew I was doing well for a PR by good margin. As I finished mile 10 I had good chance of making it under 2:15. The drizzle helped, as I was not feeling hot. I continued running back from the island and finished my run in 2:13:19 PR which was 10+ minute improvement on my previous PR at Patrick Henry.

Mike and I at mile 1.5

I was happy with my performance at Lynchburg, but I knew I could do better at Patrick Henry. At Lynchburg I had no PR in mind, but now I wanted to improve what I got in Lynchburg, 

On the race day morning, I met Corey and Mike. The weather looked good so I was positive.  We started together but Corey was gone much ahead before the first mile, so Mike and I ran together. We maintained 10 min mile for first few miles. Mike said that we were going faster than needed, so we reduced a bit. We were together for first half with a good pace but then Mike was getting tired. He asked me to go ahead after SAG around mile 8.

I saw my watch and my pace was almost in the range of PR, so I picked up some pace till I reached the mile 11 hill. Coach Tom met me at the hill and ran some with me, and then I continued. As it was the second time, I remembered that the hill would continue after a false slope. That helped me. I met Blair at top of the hill, who encouraged me to keep going. I looked at my watch. It was 2 hrs and I was reaching 12 miles. 

Corey and I at the finish

Tina and my sprint to the finish

I continued with my pace and I was reaching the team meeting point I met Tina. As we turned to finish we could see the finish line. Tina said something like 'Let’s pick the pace' and then we ran as fast as we could. I almost reach 6.5 min mile for that short distance, and finished strongly and got my new PR of 02:12:28. I beat my PR by 50 secs. 

I love these two races which are very similar and happen at exactly the right time in the MTT training cycle. I wish to keep improving every year though these races.