Name: 500 Festival Mini Marathon
Date: May 7, 2011
Distance: 13.1 miles
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Course: Flat and fast (Click here to view course.)
Time: 2:15:16
Pace: 10:20
Data: Click here to view data.
Place: 13,522 out of 30,658
Division: 1,025 out of 2,759
Results Link: Click here.
Weather: 50°, mostly cloudy, sun early, rain late
Notes: For five miles, I ran almost perfect 9:20s, and I had dreams of a 2:02-2:03 finish. I felt strong and full of energy. However, after the tiny (though steep) hill on the track, I lost all my rhythm. After six miles in the 9:00s, I posted three miles in the 10s. The final four miles were in the 11s, and my finish time was 2:15:16. I just couldn't get anything going. I was told later that this scenario is classic of someone who didn't cover enough mileage in training. Due to a heart rate issue, doctors had nixed the last three-four weeks of my training. Therefore, I was running a race for which I was not well prepared. Under the circumstances, the 2:15 finish was very respectable. However, it was disappointing to have started so well, only to lose control of my body. The BEST parts of the day were the finish times of my former student Jessie and my Dad. They both completed their first half marathons, Jessie in 1:35:16 (and 13th in his age group), and Dad in 3:20:16. Way to go, guys!
Photos: 35 — See below.