Lake Effect 1/2 Marathon RR

    
       This past weekend my step-son's hockey team had Sectionals for hockey at SUNY Morrisville.  SUNY Morrisville is located in the middle of nowhere about 40 minutes from Syracuse.  The team had group discount for the Courtyard Marriott in Carrier Circle.  Naturally, when he has a tournament out of town I look for a race.  Well, it worked out that the Lake Effect 1/2 marathon was taking place the same weekend.  I registered early because I read that it would sell out quick!  I have not been very consistent in my training lately- I have been a cold weather wimp.  I had done a 9, 10, and an 11 miler is preparation but not very many weekly miles. 
       Packet pickup was at the Fleet Feet Running store in Syracuse.  It was a quick pick up and I was able to pick up a new Oiselle t-shirt.  I also picked up some Margarita Shot Blocks.  After that we headed to our hotel, let the kids swim and then headed to dinner.   We met up with my aunt, cousin, and her daughter at Ruby Tuesdays.  Then headed to my step-sons hockey game.  They won the game 14-1 and made it to the championship round.  One more win and they would get a berth to the state tournament. 

      The race had a late start Sunday morning.  10am.  Probably the only time that I wished for an early start as my step-son's game started at 12pm.  My mom and I  got to the race at 9:45 and headed straight to the bathroom and start.  I was on the line for about a minute before the gun went off.  I really wanted to be sub 1:55.  The course was out and back x 2 The first three miles were great 7:55, 8:14, 8:19,  we turned around shortly after 3 miles.  The way back brought us back to the start and little loop that brought us past the finish line 2 times.  These three miles were 8:21, 8:30, 8:25.  We headed back the way we started but this time the wind had picked up.  I couldn't believe how hard it was to run into the wind!  These miles were 8:41,9:06,9:01,9:37 (walked through a water station and had a margarita shot block which was frozen)  we had turned around and finished the previous mile.  Once I got through aid station and the wind wasn't in my face  we headed back to the finish 8:38, 8:56,  8:51 and the last .23 8:26 pace.  It was tough running by the finish line so many times and not being able to finish until the fourth time :)  Overall I was pleased with the 1:54:36 for the 13.1 which is 8:46 pace.  I have a goal to break 1:40 in the 1/2 this spring and this race made it feel doable because I didn't train well.  I loved the medals they gave!

         Afterwards my mom and I headed to Chipotle for reward meal :) After that we headed to hockey where my step-sons team won in triple overtime to advance to championship game and qualify for states.  They ended up losing in the championship game but the season just got two weeks longer!