Fox Valley Half Marathon (09.20.2015)
Over the weekend I ran my first road half marathon since the end of May (North Shore Half Marathon) & although I went into this race hoping for a PR, the over arching goal was to start my taper for my upcoming third marathon.
- First time running in Fox Valley area & it was surprisingly beautiful!
- Supportive volunteers!
- My first time running with a pacer!
- First race of the Chicagoland Triple Crown series done!
- All of my gear worked fabulously – especially my Orange Mud Hydraquiver Vest Pack 2!
Here area my key “take aways” from this race!
THE GOOD: Another PR!
As I said before – I was hoping for a PR, but this was not the goal of this race.
With that being said I was able to take 9 minutes plus off of my last road half marathon!
I feel great & well prepared to head into my next marathon – The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon.
THE BAD: Bees.
My family has a history of reacting poorly to bee stings & the warm fall weather had the bees out in full force.
To me there is nothing worse than bees swarming the aid stations & the finish line goodies – especially, after running my fastest half marathon & my legs responding like limp spaghetti noodles. 
AND THE UGLY: Rebel in disguise.
This was my first time ever running with a pacer & it was a learning experience.
Apparently, I respond better to positive versus negative encouragement. *This was not surprising to my Mom – at all!*
Ian (my long-time friend & pacer) was great sport about it all & by mile 11 we had it figured out with our friendship still intact. Although, I think he will think twice before snapping his fingers & telling me to quit dragging ass again! *Disclaimer: There may or may not have been expletives involved in a snarky response. LMAO.*
Every time I started to fall slightly below my target pace – Ian would either say or motion for me to pick up the pace – sometimes there were “positive” tones & other times there were “not so positive” tones. It took me a good 3 or 4 times of it happening before I figured out what was going on (& I was more than slightly amused with myself), but every time some “not so positive” tones were used, I subconsciously slowed down slightly more. And the exact opposite happened when positive tones were used! 😛
As I said – we figured it out by mile 11, a new PR was reached, & I now know how to tell pacers how best to manage me! 😉
SUMMARY:
I feel like this race was the kick off to the last part of my race season & I’m thoroughly happy with this year of running so far!
In the next two months, I will be running two more marathons & at least one more half-marathon before taking some time off to rest prior to 2016: Year of the Ultras!
Every Mile Becomes a Part of Me 