As I mentioned Friday in my ‘return to blogging” post, it’s is Fall Race Season. Or as I like to call it, “Sunrise Season” – on account of how many sunrises I’ll witness in the next few months!!
In my quest to stay on top of my race recaps (and get back in your good graces) I present to you – the 2016 Hogsback Half Marathon
Kathy came over Friday night for an early morning drive up to northwestern CT – and it was an early, wine-free night of reality tv.
Got up dark and early to make my oatmeal and have time to digest it before hopping in the car. It’s really a pretty drive, once the sun comes up. I was aiming for good parking, if I can be honest! And, whaddayaknow, I got it! #Rockstarparking.
Picked up bibs and shirts and got back in the car since it was chilly out! We had signed up for the early start (which is an awesome benefit to this race!) so didn’t have long to wait before we headed UP THE HILL to the start line. We picked up Kim and Tom on the way. Kim was starting early and I figured I’d see Tom later when he passed me (spoiler, it was around mile 11.5!) It was a pretty decent group of early starters and we had our own pacers. 2:45 and 3:00. I was going to try to keep 2:45 in my sights but stick to my 30:30’s as long as I could hang in there.
I managed to keep up my intervals and everything felt pretty good most of the way. I’m working on breaking in the shoes I plan to wear for Marine Corps but they are causing me some issues…so we’ll have to see what happens. If I need new shoes I need to get them pronto!
This is a beautiful ‘country’ course — an out and back of sorts along a river. This year for the first time there were a few families out in the yard cheering runners on. The run takes place on country highways but there isn’t a ton of traffic. The first finisher passed me around mile 5 – the next runners showed up when I stopped at mile 6 to take off my jacket! There was a HUGE gap between them – amazing!!
Course elevation – first half is my favorite!!
Tom caught up with me about mile 11.5 and stayed with me a bit but he had a plan and took off after a few minutes. At some point, I had managed to let the 3 hour pacer catch me. Ruh-Roh!! Picked it up again but she passed me for good on “the hill” – about a quarter mile incline. That I walked up. I had given up on my goal apparently.
Heading across the dam to the finish line I passed Kathy! I don’t think I’ve ever beat her in a half!! Though, in her defense, she said her hamstrings were tightening up..whatevs, I still beat her!! haha And then I saw Kim and Tom waiting on the side of the bridge so stopped for a second – mainly to point out that I was beating Kathy! Then, ta-da!! The finish. And it turns out that I only missed my goal by 48 seconds.
Small sample of the post race eats! Ziti, chicken, meatballs, cornbread muffin, TWO kinds of Rice Krispie Treats!!!
Post race is one of the best ones out there!!! LOTS of homemade food – chicken, pasta, cookies, muffins…NOMS. And great raffles. And time to hang with friends. And puppies. Did I forget to mention that there are puppies? The charity partner for this race is Running for Rescues and there were a few puppies visiting and hoping for a furever home. I don’t think I’m ready for 2 dogs yet…
And now I’m going to try something new for these recaps – maybe it will stick and maybe it won’t!
Welcome to The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
The Good
1. Early start ya’ll! When you register, there’s an option to register for an early start if you think you’ll take more than 3 hours. And it’s been a couple few years since I’ve finished under 3. The only caveat is that you get disqualified if you finish faster than 2:20 since this is the RRCA Championship event
2. The outfit. Please. (Tantrum Jette Skirt and Tantrum Lotta Love top – converted to Eclipse Tank in Marine when I took off the jacket!)
3. The post race party. The RD and her family do all the cooking and baking. Plus this year there was a new baby!! Congrats Kelly!
4. The medal.
5. The charity. Running for Rescues. Dogs dogs dogs. My house loves the dogs!!
6. My time – only missed my goal (per my MCM plan) by 48 seconds
The Bad
1. Newer shoes that I’m breaking in for Marine Corps. Found a bruise at the base of my Achilles tendon post-race. Need to figure out what to do
3. My time – missed my goal by 48 seconds.
The Ugly
1. This Hill. Mile 12.5 ya’ll.
2. Post-race crampy legs. Walking around helps
So, I really had to reach for the Bad and the Ugly cause this is really a well-run, fun, small race with a great family-like atmosphere
Except the Ugly. I really do hate that hill.
outrunningthefork 
Tell Me Somethin' Good!!