Trent/Waldron Glacier Half-Marathon 2013 – Race Recap

Two things I learned today:

1. Half-marathons are hard, but they do not compare to a full marathon.

2. I am not in shape to run Mayor’s Marathon in June. I had been considering run the full marathon in June, but I learned today that I am not be in the shape I’d like to be, so I will spend the summer preparing for the Moose’s Tooth Marathon (which is more commonly known as the Humpy’s Marathon because that’s what it used to be called) in August.

I was excited to run the half-marathon this morning. Probably because I ran it with my sister last year and PRed last year with a 1:31.

A gorgeous day to run a race today! It got up to 70* F today!! Woohoo! That might be the 10th day I’ve experienced 70*F in Alaska in 5.5 years. . .yes, it is very sad.

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The race started at 9 a.m., so I got up at 6:30 a.m. to eat some breakfast and get ready. Craig and I left our place a little after 8 a.m. Love the conveniences of racing in the same town you live in and at a race that’s small enough that doesn’t require special transportation to the start.

Deep concentration before the race; I promise I was not mad. I get pretty serious about my racing. A sparkly BIC Band to hold my hair back.DSC_0021

I spent about 40 minutes warming-up with about one mile of light jogging, a lot of stretching, and a few striders right before the start.

Body Glide really does work! I chafe between my legs easily but haven’t since I started using Body Glide. It is amazing stuff, people!

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I decided to wear my CEP Compression Socks today along with my Mizuno Wave Rider 15s. I honestly haven’t decided if the compression socks help when I race, but I figure they can’t hurt! I do truly believe they help with recovery though!DSC_0023

The race started promptly at 9 a.m. I started too far back and had to weave around a lot of people at the start, but that’s my own fault for starting towards the back.

Like I said, a gorgeous day to be outside running! Bonus points to those who can find me. (Look for the compression socks.)DSC_0034

As with any race, the first few miles are easy, and I always think, “I should run faster because I feel so good.” But then, as we all know, that slowly changes the farther into the race we get. Mile 3.5 and still feelin’ good.

I tried to be conservative at the start because I know I don’t have a lot of training miles under my belt yet. I tried to stay around 7:20/7:30 minutes/mile, but it was hard because I felt so good. DSC_0036

This race (as many of the races in Anchorage are) was an out-and-back course. The race was run on the Chester Creek Trail which runs along the creek (obviously), goes through the woods, but definitely lacks spectators, so it gets to be a mental game for much of the race. I even ended up listening to my iPod, which I’ve never done before, to try and distract me; I’m not sure it really worked though.

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Mile 9.5 where Craig gave me my Clif energy gel.DSC_0057

The last few miles of the race were tough, and I was definitely losing steam. It was on the warmer side; I think it was close to 60*F when we finished, but it did not bother me too much. I was so happy to be running in the sunshine and warm weather. I just kept thinking that even though I was ready to be done, this was nothing compared to how I feel at the end of a marathon!

Craig was the camera-man and made sure to take a lot of pictures for my blog. Overlooking the Westchester Lagoon. DSC_0059

Pushing it in for the last few yards. DSC_0083

Tired and exhausted but the feeling of pushing your body hard is something I love. It’s weird, I know.

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When I got home, I ran another 3 miles for a total of 17 miles for the day. That last mile was tough! I was running in ‘E’ having only had one energy gel the entire 17 miles. But I figured it was good practice for the marathon.

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When I got back home, I was not hungry but knew I needed the calories. I started with this Gatorade carb energy drink that was liquid sugar. It was so incredibly sweet, I only ate half of it. I got it free at the Boston Marathon.DSC_0118

Then I had the other half of this Luna Blueberry Bliss bar. I had half of it before the race. These are my go-to bars before and after running.  DSC_0127

And a plain piece of bread with vegan butter sounded good, but this Parmesan Basil bread from Great Harvest was a little too flavorful. I do much better with bland foods after a hard workout. DSC_0128

After refueling and foam rolling, I took an ice bath and then shopped online at Nordstrom since everyone is talking about their sale going on this weekend. I’m on the hunt for a maxi dress and wedges. Anyone have any recommendations?

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Stats from the Trent/Waldron Glacier Half-marathon

Date: Saturday, May 25, 2013

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: Westchester Lagoon, Chester Creek Trail, Anchorage, AK

Distance: 13.1 miles

Time: 1:38:41

Average Pace: 7:32 minutes/mile

Overall place: 45/233

Female place: 13/130

Age group (30-35) place: 3/21

Hi, I'm Michelle

I love running around the lakes of Minnesota, running after my two boys, and racing anything from the 5K to the marathon. I have been blogging here since 2010 when I ran my first marathon. I finally secured my sub-3 hour marathon after trying for 8 years.

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7 Comments

  1. 5.26.13

    I love low key local races 🙂 That is an awesome time!! I also love your skirt.

  2. 5.26.13

    Nice job, speedy lady!!! How funny that I ran into you on the course!

  3. 5.26.13
    mmserra93 said:

    I am just starting to train for a half-marathon. Can you give me any pointers/advice?

    • 5.27.13
      Michelle said:

      Most definitely. But. . .there’s so much, where would you like me to start?

  4. 5.28.13
    Krissie J said:

    Congrats on being 3rd in your age group, miss speedy! I’d kill to run as fast as you on even your less-trained days. 😉 Good work!