Alpine half marathon - weather matters

As a spur of the moment thing, I read an article on this local half marathon (Lake Zurich) on Thursday, signed up that day, and ran it on Sunday. Part of the reason is that I finally had a free weekend, and also I wanted to see where I am fitness wise as I think my training has been going very well. Also, and not least, the weather was forecasted to be pretty chilly on Sunday. I love local races as you don't have to get there so early, they are not that crowded, and it's a pretty friendly atmosphere.

My PR in a 1:42:15 and I really wanted to beat that. THough it was a hard workout week, I took Saturday off and felt that helped me a lot. Race day was about 42 degrees at the start, nearly perfect. THe course is slightly hilly but nothing like Cary March Madness. I was able to start way near the front as most people hung back not wanting to be on the front line. The horn wouldn't work so the guy yelled Go.

I can't remember a race where I ran such consistent splits. They were 7:40, 7:39, 7:40, 7:39, 7:43, 7:49, 7:38, 7:47, 7:49, 7:39, 7:47, 8:07, 7:43, :48. I think for the 8:07, I mentally checked out a bit but got it back together for the last mile. It was a good feeling to see the 1:41 on the clock as I near the finish line. Time was 1:41:33 - new PR for me. This predicts out to a 3:33 for the marathon which is good since I usually hit the predicted times since I mostly train for marathons. 8 more weeks to train so I may just hit my goal of 3:30. This is a very good race if in the area.

Great spur of the moment PR!

Way to go, John! It is always nice to have an unexpected PR!

Sweet!! All that great training you have been doing over the last year is really starting to show!!

Alpine? Lake Zurich? Apparently in reference to the name sake city. Anyhoo, nice PR, John. Looks like you should have a decent chance to PR in your Marathon.

Spur of the moment is great. No pressure leading up to it. Great job and congrats.

You definitely thrive in colder temperatures. Very strong and consistent race, John!

Nice John, nice.

Great splits and congrats on the PR - makes me wonder if sometimes our heads get in the way of a good run sometimes! Good job.

Very nice! Way to rip out a PR on short notice. Maybe there's something to sneaking up on these things.

Wowee! Fun! And smokin'!

Ah...surpassed your Indy Mini PR....wonderful!

Way to go John! I thought I had already responded to your report but apparently I haven't. Things are looking good for a shiny new marathon PR. I hope it plays out as expected.

Thanks all for the comments! And Dot, you are right, I finally beat my Indy mini PR. I did not mean to make it sound like a PR was unexpected. The race was unexpected but I feel really strong so was definitely hoping for one once I signed up.