Last Saturday was the third annual Wisconsin Half Marathon. Back in the fall, Erin and I made genius plans to run the Illinois Half Marathon the week before and this one the next weekend. Our logic was that we run 13 miles back-to-back during marathon training, why not run two races back to back?
Genius.
I also feel the need to run this race every year, since Steven and I ran the inaugural as our first half marathon, and did really well. We went back last year and didn’t do quite as well. I figured this year would be fun and easy – I wasn’t trying to PR, a bunch of people from the running club would be there, and I got to run it with Erin!
Medals from 2009, 2010, and 2011
The weather ended up being nothing like predicted – it was supposed to be overcast and rainy, but it was warm and sunny (in the 50s), until we stopped running, and the temperatures drastically dropped (in to the 40s?). But that didn’t really affect my running (just how cold I was after the race). Anyway, long story short, the run (pace) was easy, but my Illiotibial Band was pulling on my knee and making it ache until about mile 8. Erin asked how I was doing around mile 3 and I told her that if it was a training run, I would probably stop. I thought I saw a DNF in my future, but dammit, I wanted that medal, and Erin reminded me that I didn’t really warm up until mile 8 at the half marathon the weekend before. So the last 5 miles of the race felt better than the first 8.
I DO NOT remember posing like that! I do remember pointing at Erin and saying to the photographer “We’re together!” but apparently he didn’t get the message.
The funny thing about this race is that it has been the same course all three years, but it seems hillier and hillier every year! Ha. I am just happy I didn’t bonk like last year. I finished in 2:05:21, which I think is pretty good for a “fun” run. You can see my garmin stats here.
It was fun that so many people from the club were there. I got to see my friend Terry finish his first marathon (in 3:33:something!). And many people in the club set PRs so it was fun to share their excitement! Erin had a few friends running from her club too, who also set new PRs. Maybe next year I will set a half marathon PR on this course. Or maybe Steven will want to run it again!
It’s been a few days since the race now, and my IT Band feels fine. I recovered from this race much quicker than I did from the half marathon the week before it!
I really want a cheese medal….
I’m so glad your ITB is feeling better!
Nice job! I so want to do that one but so far no dice–hopefully next year.
I hope so too! 🙂 It’s a well-run race. And if the out and back part doesn’t bother you (or the small hills) you’ll love it.
That is a great photo of you from the race! It’s too bad the photographers didn’t get one of us together but at least you have a decent solo one. I look like death in most of mine.
Have you gone for a run yet?
I ran two miles during lunch. I felt good except for the whole 85 degrees and feels like 89 with humidity. Uh, May?
LOVE the cheese medal. And a totally awesome race photo of you!
Thanks 🙂
Glad your IT band is feeling better! That’s a fantastic time!! Great photo of you and amusing that you weren’t actually giving the photographer a thumbs up. hehe.
Ha! I was trying to describe it as not really hilly but very incliney <— new word. Lol. I really like and would do it again. Very well put together race. And * think I saw you as I was heading to the turnaround.
Nice job on the half! Very ambitious to run back to back halves! You look great in your race photo!
That is a great time for a “fun run”! I’m glad your ITB wasn’t being so wonky that it messed up your race entirely.
So, do you think you’ll do more back-to-back halves?
Thanks. In the beginning, I really thought I was going to have to stop. Then the pain just went away. Weird. Probably not good, actually!
You know, I think I will do more back-to-back halves, just not register for them way in advance. We had to register for CU because it closer, but I don’t think Kenosha ever did! (Funny, since you and I were talking about whether or not it would)
I hope you have fun at your full this weekend! 🙂
Congratulations on your back to back half marathons – sounds like they went really well – to me you are fast, even on a day you supposedly take it easy!
Would you do Illinois again? I think that I-challenge is cool!! My friend who lives there did the 5K too… I think I might just get over one day and do that race (I am a U of I alum so I really should do it, right?)
Thanks! I would totally do Illinois again. Well organized and a nice course. I think the full might even be fun. You should go out there next year! I would totally meet up with you!
Wow, awesome job Kim! That is a fantastic time!
too cute! i love those medals! maybe next year….
Nice job on the half! That medal is awesome!! 🙂
Awwww, the race where we first met!! I love that you do this every year and keep collecting those cheese medals. 🙂 Congrats on another half!
Thanks! When are you going to come run this one again? 😛
I love the cheese medals! I want one!