Say that title five times fast. This past weekend I completed the River Run Half Marathon in Cleveland. This was a carefully chosen race based on a strong recommendation from a fellow runner. After looking at the course and seeing that it was primarily flat and mostly having a slight down hill grade, I knew this was the race to add to my schedule. Not only was I going to complete this race, but I was going to attempt to PR. I wanted to put everything out there on the road so that I knew I gave it my all if I were to come up short. My PR time to beat was 1 hour 57 minutes and some change completed a few years ago. This would be my fourth half marathon this year and I would need to shave off 4 minutes from my fastest one this year alone. I was up to the challenge.
Race day was around the corner and the forecast was calling for wind and lots of rain. Based on the day before, the rain with the added 20 mph wind gusts could be a complete bummer for a race. Up to this point, we’ve trained in squelching heat and humidity. I was struggling with what to wear so I wouldn’t get too hot, but wouldn’t be shivering at the start. If my toes get cold, I would never get them warm again.
The morning of the race, I was psyched to see what the weather was going to be like an hour north. I filled my new hydration flasks and started to get a little nervous about the course. Those pre-race jitters can really do a number on a person. We hopped on the bus to take us to the start line and drove through most of the course. It was a very windy course through the metro parks.
Time to start the race. I line up midway through the pack and wait for the start. When the sound goes off, I take off and throw my jacket to the side. I went with the pack and we hit that first mile at 8:15 pace. I wanted to average an 8:50 to hit my goal so I knew I was pushing it a little much. I just kept going with how I felt and pushed through each mile. There was a volunteer at every single mile marker calling off times, which was motivational for me. At mile 4, I quickly grabbed water at the aid station and when I looked up shortly after I spotted an eagle in a tree. I was so excited that I actually pointed it out to other runners, but everyone around me had their headphones in and up too loud. I was one of the few runners without ear buds and just enjoying the scenery around me.
Mile 6, I needed to get some GU and water. I had started to cramp in my sides and was having difficulty breathing while running. I knew that if I got some water and food (I don’t eat before a race), I would feel stronger and can push on. At this point I had settled into a comfortable 8:30 pace anyway. I continued to push myself through each aid station and around mile 9 was confronted by 3 young deer. They were trying to figure out a way to cross the street amidst the sea of runners. They decided to cross right behind me, which I was thankful for them not running into me!
Mile 10 and 11 came and went but I was starting to have more cramping issues. Only this time I was in need of a bathroom. Around 11.8 miles, I found a port-a-potty and made a stop. A minute later and I was back on my route to finish the 13.1 mile course. The finish line was just around the bend and I heard the announcer say 1 hour 55 minutes and 15 seconds. I was slightly crushed. I thought I would beat my goal PR and hit just under 1:55. I ended up crossing at 1:55:45 with a chip time of 1:55:25. Definitely a PR! 
Two things played into my time, the bathroom and the course being slightly longer than 13.1 (my watch and my friend’s watch both said 13.25). I probably could have hit 1:53….maybe next year. This was a fun course beautiful scenery and lots of support at each mile. There were ample water stops and bathrooms with lots of post race food options! The shuttle back to the car wasn’t a long wait and we were able to get into warmer clothes right away!
I would recommend this race to anyone wanting to push themselves and hit a new PR.
Next scheduled half is in November, but I may run a full before that….we shall see. As always, be confident, be fit, be you!!!!
confidentandfitmom 