Presque Isle Half Marathon, Erie, PA

Quick recap: This is a half marathon that encompasses one loop around Presque Isle - a peninsula that juts out into the lake from Erie, PA. I've run this race several times so I know it well, and it generally attracts runners from all over northern Ohio, PA, and western NY state. There are generally a lot of summer people like myself as well. The course is pretty easy with just enough roll to keep it from being pancake flat and an equal mix of sun and shade. Since it was almost 75F at the start, the shade would be welcomed.

Because of the hear/humidity/dewpoint and the fact that I ran the Boilermaker 15K the previous Sunday, I did not wear my Garmin so I have no idea what my splits were/are. I tried to be conservative in the beginning and when the miles got hot (sun) from about 7.5 to almost 11, I made sure to walk through every water stop (like in a marathon) taking two cups of water or one water and one Heed, and making sure I got the fluids. Although my 365 Competitors singlet is might fine, it probably did not want to be that drenched so quickly!

At mile 11, the shade returns and I tried to just hold on in the heat. I had passed three women who passed me back at the water stop at mile 10.5, but I quickly caught them back and held them off through the finish. Even with mile 12 seemingly endless as you can see the finish almost the entire way (final mile is the flattest and on a bike path along the lake), I was able to finish pretty strong and cross the line in 1:47:09 Official - good for 1st in my AG, 11th overall, and 3rd Master overall.

After I crossed the line, I immediately veered to the right and went straight into the lake, and weird of weird, it felt great to be in Lake Erie!

I looked up my last couple of year's worth of runs at Presque Isle and was pleased to see that despite the heat and humidity (it was 83F at the finish and went up from there), I ran one of my faster times over the course. I guess it pays to have learned how to run in the heat after all these years.

That is an awesome race Michele! Amazing!

Ok someone had a kick ass race. 1st in AG 11th overall is fantastic. Must have been so nice jumping in the lake after.

Seeing the finish line from a mile out is tough mentally. Kind of got focus on right before so it never comes into your sight.

What a wonderful race CONGRATS!

PS: Thanks for sporting the singlet. Send me pics if you get them!

Nice job Michele. That was an impressive performance in the heat. Your experience and toughness paid off for you.

Keep up the great running!

Awesome job Michele. Way to go!!!!

Nice race and congats on the AG win. Nutt'in wrong with Lake Erie

Great job Michele especially in those conditions. Congrats on the AG win.

Sorry, Kenny - no pictures from this race that I know of - in fact I never even saw a photographer on the course. It is still a small race in its mentality which is why I like it so much. The Erie Running Club is a great organization.

Michele, great race! Thanks for sharing.

Way to go Michele and congrats on the AG win!

Somebody already mentioned this one .

Nice work 'L' and way to kick it.

Nice run, Michele...and hardware to boot! Congratulations on the AG and Masters placements...well done!

Wow, congratulations on taking 1st pace in your AG, Michele.

This is a great time and AG win, Michele!

What can I say other then congrats again for another awesome race and AG win! I want to be like you Michele, I think I just found myself a new hero! You are on

Fantastic! 1st place in your AG is a win.

1st in your AG is nice, but I bet that plunge in the lake felt even better.

Reminds me of the final leg at DWD.