Wisconsin Marathon/Half Marathon
Since 2009 have participated in this event.
2009 was my first marathon and I vowed then to never run another one. That didn't last long.
Since then, I have kept with the half marathon each May.
Wisconsin Half Marathon by the year for me:
2016: 2:16:18
2015: 2:18:42
2014: 2:32:35
2013: 2:27:59
2012: 2:26:00
2011: 2:22:32
2010: 2:50:46
2009: marathon distance 6:07:03
This year not only was a PR for the course, but the half marathon PR.
RACE RECAP -
Training leading up to WI this year was nothing unusual. Steady long runs, speed workouts, and strength mixed in with 70.3 training (the last two years they have overlapped).
The test for WI came at the South Shore Half back in April. If I could handle the snow, wind and ice then, I could handle whatever WI course was going to throw at me.
Along the way, I virtually trained my uncle Ron for his first half marathon. Providing him workout plans and suggestions from foot ware to diet to running gear.
Uncle Ron arrived in town on Friday afternoon. In true runner style, we took him out to Villa de Carlo for pizza! Yum!
We were joined by fellow runners Amanda, Patty, and Justine along with my amazing partner in crime, Erik. Great conversation, food, and runners stories.
Race day came at 5am Saturday morning. Weather looked to be a great day for a run. Temps in the low 60's with a slight breeze from the north. BRING IT!
Uncle Ron met at the house and we drove down to race start together. There we met up with the amazing KRC group (constantly growing!).
2016 KRC group
Uncle Ron and I before 13.1
Race plan was to go out at a 9:30 pace and hold until I hit the turn around at Carthage. From there I would drop to a 9:45 to the finish. That would put in me under my 2:18 goal (2015 time).
I took off feeling good, strong, and ready. I met up with Pam, Patty, Diane, and Dominic around mile 2 and hung with them for a while.
Mile 3 Uncle Ron passed me and was looking good! So proud of him!
Mile 4 brought on the first bathroom break. In and out quick. Back through downtown. By this time, the wind had picked up. So much for a nice breeze. As I headed towards Common Grounds I heard my name. There was my amazing coach, Andrea Hirth and fellow cheer squad Katie Nuniz ready for high 5's. The push for the long stretch to Carthage began.
Mile 5 gets me to Simmons Island where sand starting to pelt me. The wind had picked up enough that sand was air born.
Mile 6 brought the worst part of the half, Kennedy Park Drive. Pot holes have pot holes. The city tries to fill them in, but its not ideal for running on. I managed to finally look down at my Garmin to see what I was pacing at. Since I was against the wind and pushing hard was expecting a 10min pace. To my surprise I was holding a 9:40. Woohoo! Not bad for against the wind and sand.
Passing the Bandshell brought the toughest part of the course. Alford Park Drive and the wind straight off the lake with the added sand storm. yay!
Mile 7 was tough.Wind was getting to me and sand in face wasn't helping.
Turn around point at Carthage was a welcome sight! The wind was now at my back and I was free to let loose.
Mile 8 I was hit with the sand storm again. Yum.
Mile 9 my time was slightly faster thanks to the wind and my legs feeling pretty good. It also brought on the 2nd bathroom stop. ugh!
Mile 10 brought me back to Simmons Island and more sand. I also noticed the familiar pain in my left foot. Awesome. The hill on Simmons Island reminded me I had tired quads.
Mile 11 brought me back through downtown and to familiar faces! Once again Andrea and Katie were there cheering us on. Thanks ladies.
Mile 12 turn around again at Anderson Art Center and back into the wind. CRAP! I actually said that out loud when I got to that point. It was nice seeing Tom Cutts there to cheer us on!
As I headed back into the wind my legs and foot were telling me they were just about done. With a mile to go, I dug deep. Eventually the pain in my foot made me walk a bit. The wind and pain showed in my time. Back down to a 10:30 average. I was ok with that.
As I got closer to the museums I spotted another amazing runner Chris Roberts. He had already finished and was cheering us on and waiting for his fellow runner and triathlete wife (Katie Roberts). Quick high five from him and I turned the corner and headed to the finish line. The last half mile to the finish proved to be tough. I was motivated by the crowd, familiar faces, and the need to finish.
I turned the corner into the finish line and noticed the clock. It said 2:17 and counting. Was I ok with that? Did I have a choice at this point? Well, it would still be a PR, just not the one I was hoping for.
As I crossed the finish line 3 amazing people greeted me. Big thanks to my mom, dad, and uncle Ron for welcoming to the finish.
It was over. 13.1 miles for the 8th time done. My garmin showed a 2:10, but with two bathroom breaks and a walking bit, I was ok with what the timing clock showed.
To my surprise, my official time was 2:16:18. Happy and content.
As walked back to the car, I felt the right quad tightening up and my left foot was screaming.
By the time I got back home my leg was super tight and my foot was sore.
Shower and stretching in short order.
Time to recover and enjoy family time.
SWIM again
The week between cheese and chocolate I did another 1.2 mile swim.
With a 2:01/100yds average I got it done in 44:03. Not bad. Felt good.
Chocolate Ride (62miles)
The plan, ride 62 miles. Seemed easy enough.
The wind was back. Ugh.
I got this. Its only 62 miles.
I started off strong. First 5 miles under 20 min. All was good.
Well, at least until I headed north. Thanks to a north west wind, my cadence changed and my speed dropped like a rock.
Miles 6-10 were tough and windy. Averaged cadence was about a 67. Low and not good. Another 5 miles in 20 min. At least I kept my average pace.
Miles 11-15 more wind more cold. First rest stop was at 11.9. Quick bathroom stop and snack. Back on the bike.
Miles 16-20 Another 23min for 5 miles. ok kept the pace. positive. Cadence dropped to 61 and speed dropped. Stupid wind and cold. By the 2nd rest stop on its way!
Miles 21-25 First up, rest stop. Feet were FROZEN! wind was starting to really get to me. Seriously considered call it a day. But, what would coach say? toughn' up cupcake. Back on the bike. Fastest 5 miles in 19:16.
Miles 26-30 slowest miles. 3/4 of these miles were against the wind. ugh. Got it done, but right leg was starting to hurt. Quad telling me it not happy. Every time I raised my right leg the quad screamed NO MORE!
Miles 31-35 one word. WIND! heading west put in me facing the NW wind almost head on. Slowly I made my way west. Quad hurting. Seriously not happy.
Miles 36-38 Rest stop #3 came at 38. Done. I couldn't go further. I didn't want to risk the injury and set back for IMWI. I was driven back to Burlington high school.
Knowing not all rides will be great, not all training days will rock, I took this ride as that. Another day in the saddle. The bright side, no soreness in my butt or foot. Pleased with that.
Here is to better days. Stronger training. Longer rides.
Happy training!
