Race Report: Chilly Half Marathon

Thanks to everyone for your advice regarding my taper for the Shamrock Marathon. I think I will run 16-18 miles this weekend instead of the planned 22. I think my legs need the rest, and I won't get any benefit other than psychological from running the 22.

This past weekend I ran the Chilly Half Marathon in Burlington Ontario. I ran this race last year, and it held my current half marathon PR, so I wanted to come back and run it again. Its a flat route, and the back half of the race runs along Lake Ontario and by some really nice homes in Burlington.





I went into the race with no expectations really. A PR is always nice ofcourse, but once again the weather forecast was ominous. On Saturday they were calling for -12C and -22 with the windchill (10F/-8F with windchill)... I know, freaking cold!! And I was freaking out a little bit.

Not because I was worried about my time, but because I am a wimp when it comes to the cold!

Thankfully when race morning came, the Sun was out in full force, and it was cold, but it was manageble. I brought my Balaclava just in case but I didn't end up needing it. In fact, I kinda overdressed. I had my base layer, top layer, and then my windjacket. But I was OK with being a little warm since I *hate* being cold. There were crazy people with shorts, trust me, it was not short weather!


The race was really crowded at the start. Apparently they had 400 more runners in the field this year, and I found it a bit frustrating weeving through masses of people, including walkers walking 4 abreast! People, line up at your proper pace! This went on for nearly 3 miles (5K), so it was kinda of difficult to settle into a pace and find some road space.


The race went OK, but I have to admit I dread half marathon a little. Pushing yourself for nearly 2 hours at lactic sucks, and I felt nautious and had upper back pain the whole way. I just kept thinking, this will help you peak for Shamrock.


Overall though I felt OK with the run. I have been a little worried that most of my training has been on indoor tracks and on the TM, and I have been running outside only when the weather permits, which has been rare this winter.


I gave the race an honest effort, although I think I could have pushed harder. This morning I woke up with no quad pain, so either I heal quickly or I could have ran faster, but either way, here is the result.


21.K/13.1 miles/1:57:35(chip time)/8:58min/mile/5:34min/K


So nearly two minutes from my PB, but factor in the cold, and the fact that I ran alot the previous weekend, I think I am happy with my result. Well to be more honest, maybe a little discouraged, I have felt a little like I have regressed the past few weeks, I know sometimes this happens in marathon training cycles. I hope I can repeat this at Shamrock twice (and that it is easier..).


After the race, it was great to see Marlene, (I also got to say hello the previous day at the expo). Thanks for volunteering Marlene, and it was great seeing you at the finish!

Hubs and I went out for beer and food later with some Running friends, and that is the best part of running local races!


Hope you all have a great week! Thanks for reading!


P.S - Canadian bloggers running ATB - how about a pre or post race meet up? Post in comment section below if you are interested!