Everyone will be Rock'n Roll'n at the beach this weekend...It's the
Rock n Roll Half Marathon weekend at the Beach...Virginia Beach that is! Great weather is predicted and fun party time for all on a Labor Day weekend...the last big weekend before most schools start!
This will be my first RnR half but my third half marathon. Last year about this time I was watching the events, wishing I was running...which prompted me to get it in gear and start training for racing. Up to that point I would run occasionally, sporadically, never more than 6 miles and had never entered into a race. Well, I had run a 10K way back in the 80's for my ship's team...can't even remember what my time was. My first race...last year...was a half...the Fleet Week Half ...I was ambitious...very ambitious. I thought I was still young and could do a half by jumping into training for about a six weeks doing five mile runs with a long run of only 7.5 miles and with a goal of 1:45...secret goal of 1:30. I did finish in 1:45:58 or there abouts so technically I did get my first goal but I cramped miserably at the 12 mile mark and limped to the finish but with some satisfaction of finishing.
What's my goal this time...I'm not telling...well you know I'm trying to break 1:30. My last half was the Dismal Swamp Stomp back in mid-April with a time of 1:32 and change and I think I can better that time...we shall see. I seem to be in the second corral and had hoped to be in the first...I thought I had put 1:30 as my expected finish way back in May when I registered. Packet pick-up starts today and I will check to see if I can move up...If not my bib number is: 2250.
Oh...Today I am 52!
Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!
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7 comments:
The 31st is your bday? It is Ryan's Birthday too! Cool! Happy Birthday and have fabulous race! Here's me doing the cheerleader bit: Gooooooo Charlie!!!! (and I do a giant toe touch and then wave my hands around and then bounce and clap, bounce and clap--look all perky and cheery.)
Yup...the 31st...Thanks Natalie...tell Ryan happy birthday too.
LOL!!! :o) That's probably the bestestest cheer I have every had!
You take care of yourself and get well!
Charlie
Happy Birthday Charlie and have a great race! Rock'n'Roll is a lot of fun, but try not to get carried away in the early miles. Coming back over Rudee Inlet bridge you'll hit a wall of noise as you turn onto 5th Street. Every year I get carried away and forget that there's still 5 miles to race!
Try to stay in control as you head north on Atlantic and save something for the final 2 miles on the Boardwalk - the hottest, suniest and toughest part of the race :)
Good luck once again. Can't wait to read your race report...
--Steve
Thanks Steve!
And thanks for the advise. The first half of the Shamrock Marathon was almost the same course but we ran down the boardwalk heading north and then coming back the second half heading south. The toughest part for me is not to be a jack rabbit at the start...I was hoping for a 1:30 pace group but they only start with 1:45. I think Andy from SC will be running my pace so I will try to stay slow with him the first few miles.
Good luck to you too Steve...have a great race!
Charlie
I stalked you! Great job 1:38! Can't wait to hear. Hope you had a great time and a fun weekend. Was it hot? You are so going to kick some MCM ass in October.
Thanks Ms Natalie!
Not the time I was expecting/wanting to do but it was a nice day for a race and a great weekend though. I'll post a race report shortly.
Charlie
I'm looking forward to the report Charlie! Thanks for your comment by the way...
I think the half marathon is one of the hardest races to race. It's so difficult to get the pace "just right". 1:38 is a great time in the still challenging conditions. You still have 8 weeks until Marine Corps and plenty of time to peak for the big race!
Keep up the good work,
--Steve
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