Ocala Half Marathon 2012

What a beautiful day for running!!!! Today was the 15th annual Ocala Marathon and Half Marathon. This a smaller Marathon of about 130 and a Half with about 300 runners, They also have events on Saturday with a 5k and Kid races. Ocala is well know for being "Horse Country." The runners are lucky enough to have part of the course go through the beautiful countryside and able to see many beautiful horses and high priced homes.

                                                      
I signed up for this event in advance to get the low advance $45 price. Pretty low for a Half Marathon. Hopefully they will keep it low. Also with signing up I decided to purchase advance tickets $10 also for the night before Pre Race Pasta Dinner (more on this later). In reading the reviews (like I do for most races) this look to be a fun small event. Weather look like it was going to be great as I arrived on Saturday afternoon. Previous Race Expo, Packet pickup, and Dinner was at nearby hotel, but was moved to the Paddock Mall this year. Since I am just getting longer distance events this would be the first time going to an Expo and Dinner so I was looking forward to it. Previous years had good reviews of both. Well my interest in both quickly went away and an 'Unimpressed" rating!

First you arrive at the mall and enter through the Food Court. Outside they had an inflatable you walked under so good so far. Then you have to walk through half the mall to get to the (what was called) the Expo. Maybe my fault in expecting allot of vendors and stuff, but it was very small. I'm thinking 4 or 5 vendors and that was it. I have seen more at a 5k race. Okay let it pass and not spoil the event I said. So got my Packet, Bib, Shirt, and Dinner tickets. Packet was full of running magazine, race flyers, visor, and various other freebies. My favorite is the bright yellow Chiquita banana headband. Will not wear it, but great conversational piece. All in all not a bad packet. Nice teach shirt (a little small but was able to exchange) and also love the personalized Bib!! So things were looking up. Ah that is until the dinner!

Again maybe I was expecting more and since it was a low price event maybe I am being to critical, but another big letdown. The dinner was positioned in the back of the Food Court (this was not mention until about a week before the event so tickets were already purchased) and as I walked by on the way to the Expo I noticed about 30-40 chairs. I am trying not to be to negative, but no decorations for the event and all that was there was a salad plate (mostly just lettuce), some pasta noodle/sauce (ok this was not that bad), garlic rolls (hard and garlic the night before??), cake (again icing the night before), and lemon green tea  (no other drink provided--no water??). They had run out of spaghetti, but did have some a little later. If I had known it was going to be like this and at the food court I would have chosen to eat elsewhere. Matter of fact my son (my cheering group) did not touch and choose to eat at Chickfila instead. Beside the Space Coast Marathon in November where they have the dinner at Kennedy Space Center I will not buy dinner tickets in advance!! 

Okay let I know let it go and focus on the event. One reason I was looking forward to this event was being able to meet a fellow blogger Kevin from his blog http://halftriing.blogspot.com/ (check it out!). Was able to meet up with him and friend downtown before the dinner. Talked about different events and he talked about running Ocala before. I stated my goal for the race with the hills to get under 2 hours. He stated his goal was to get in about 2:15--YEAH RIGHT! More on that later!
.
 After recovering from the legs strains and pains from the end of last year I was looking forward to making of my bad performance in the Brandon in Dec (2:03:55). I knew doing an event with all the hills might not be a good idea, but I had already signed up. My son forgot his jacket (okay maybe I forgot) and it was going to be low 50s so we stopped by Walmart to but a cheap pullover for him. Arrive in plenty of time to hit the portalets twice, talk with Kevin, watch the marathon start, make sure my son knew where to ride his bike to see me, and make my way to the start.

My plan was the event was to run a smart "negative" split race. I was going to break it down into 3 sets of 4 miles. Run the first 4 miles in 36:00-9:00 pace, second 4 in 35:20--8:50 pace, and final third 4 miles in again 36:00-9:00 pace and then having enough for  the last 1 1/10 mile to make my second half faster than the first half. No PR planned with the hills, but running smart. Also just for fun seeing since I will go out slower to see how many "go out to fast" runners I can pass after mile 2 and not get passed.

Lined up and off we went. Started on the mall road and made our way through and then out to the main road CR 475A/27th Ave. At the 1/2 mile point I noticed I was running a 8:34 pace so slow down big boy. Slowed down to pass mile 1 at 8:50 so still a little fast. Made our way down, up, and down some more. Passed some beautiful pastures with some light fog as the sun was beginning to rise. As I made my way passed mile 2 and 3 I was right on pace, starting passing the ones who went out to fast. and keep listening to Kevin, his friend, and another runner that were about 15 yards behind me. Thought he was going out to fast for a 2:15 finish, but focused on my own pace. Reached mile 4 at 35:43 for a 8:56 pace so right on schedule and feeling great even with the couple of hills I passed. More to come of course.

Put on my headphones and picked up the Joy FM and listening to some Sunday morning Praise music. Great to see a beautiful morning with the sunrise, the light fog, and the horse countryside all the while listening to some great music praising our creator! Really got in the right frame of mind and made my pace come much easier. Kept picking off other runners as I passed mile 5 and made the turnaround. Saw Kevin just after turning around at about the 5.25 mile mark and did not hear him or his friends anymore o figured he dropped back some. Feeling good and started to pick it up through miles 6 and 7 slowing down only to get water at the aid stops. Came up to mile 8 at 1:19:19 so ahead of schedule by running a 34:36 4 mile with a pace of 8:39. Kept right on going and decided to go for the "negative" split by trying to run the final set of 4 the fastest.

One point on the aid stations. I thought they were well positioned, well manned, well stocked with water/gatorade/gel, and very friendly. My only complaint is they had stated they would have fig newtons, but all the saw was oranges and bananas. I asked at a few when I came up to them, but they acted like they didn't know what they were. No biggie I just popped in my gel at mile 5 and 10. Brought my own since did not want to try something new on the course.

Could tell today was a good day as I kept the faster pace up through miles 9 and 10 and out on Hwy 475C/32nd then 42nd st. Big uphill and also big downhill and I made my way back to main road CR 475A/27th Ave. As I came up to mile 12 I knew I would be way ahead of the goal time for the day and now was looking at PR!! Passed my son cheering me on at mile 12 at 1:43:48 which made my last 4 mile set at 33:29 and a 8:22 pace. Went through the 3 sets of 4 miles in 8:56-8:39-8:22 paces. Never done that before.

My son helped bring me in riding his bike. Up to this point I had passed 15-25 runners after mile 2 and had not been passed by any except for the fast full marathon runners. Then my son stated "Here comes that guy."
What? Who? Then I heard Mister "I'm going to run about 2:15" Kevin yell out "Here I come." Yep here he came and there he went. The only one I can remember that passed me for the Half after mile 2 was Kevin around the 12.5 mile mark. Tried to keep pace, but he was a man on a mission. Did not want to spoil my finish so made sure to finish strong with a final mile of 8:14. Saw the clock time clicking up to 1:53 so kick it into high gear to cross at 1:52:58!!!!! PR BABY!!!

Results clock states 1:53:01, but I am going with my Garmin time. Got my negative split also by running first half in 59:11 and amazing the second half in 53:49!!. A great run and a PR also by Kevin--great job!!

Okay Kevin you got me this time, but I will be ready next time!!!

I will say thou they do have the BEST trophies I have seen anywhere. The horse trophies are replicas of the horse statues from around town. Very cool!! Maybe one day I can get one, but knew there was no way I would get one today since there are fast runners here. Finished in 8th place in my age group. Love the 3 inch medal also--TOP NOTCH!

                                           Hey at least I got to sit next to the overall trophies!!!

All in all a great day that started off in the low 50s and ended up in the middle 60s. A very hilly course

with allot of beauty to look at. Well organized, well staffed, and well held.

I would do this event again (especially since I would love to get a horse trophy), but I know what to expect from the Expo and will skip the dinner for sure!!



Love those Christmas Gifts!!

With the increased mileage in 2012 I am getting good use out of my Christmas Gifts!!!

First for those days when I have "Long runs" I am using my new Nathan Sports Trail Hydration Pack Belt Amazon.com $29.75.

Did not know if I would like to wear the belt, but since I do not like to carry a water bottle I wanted to give it a try. After using it 3 times I really like it. It has (2) 10 ounce flasks to carry water/Gatorade. Have heard they are hard to get out of the belt or water can spill, but no problems here and I usually do not have to slow down to use.

It also had a front zipped pocket that had two compartments. I have carried my gloves (for when it got colder or warmed up later), gum (to wet my mouth), gel (for that 45 min boost), and a few other things in there.

I could see why some do not like the tightness of the belt or maybe it rubbing their sides, but have not had any problems with it so far. I like the idea of carrying the extra weight on practice runs so that during an event I will have less weight than I am used to. Will not wear during events of course.

The other Christmas present I received was the Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp--Amazon.com $17.86.

 After running with the Brandon Running group at night doing "Hills" workouts I figured I would get one for there. Also with the increased mileage in 2012 I wanted to have the option of being able run in the morning before work or after dinner. I use it with my visor instead of wrapping around just my head. It really helps light up the darkness and makes it easier to see the sidewalk for elevation changes, cracks, and tree limbs. Only problem is when a car is coming your way their headlamps make it difficult to see. Of course in that same breath it does make it much easier for them to see you running and we all need to practice  Safety First!!

Both are highly recommended.

Of course check out on-line both items and others to find out what would be best for your running needs!!

Training 2012

Off to a good start in 2012 with two weeks in the books as I train for the upcoming "hilly" Ocala Half Marathon on Sunday 1/22 and the Melbourne Half on Sunday 2/5. 

So far two weeks and just under 65 miles in the books.

Weekly training schedule looks like:
Monday -- Hills workout
Tuesday -- Rest
Wednesday -- Track or Tempo
Thursday -- Cross train/Bike
Friday -- Eazy short
Saturday --Eazy long run
Sunday -- Rest or as needed

This week's runs
Mon- (6 1/2 miles) 8:15 pace up hill

Wed -(6 1/4) mile warmup and then mile repeats 7:35, 7:43, 7:47 miles and 7:40 1/2 mile with 1/2 mile rest jogs in between.

Thurs-(4 1/2) bike

Fri-(2 3/4) Eazy short 9:00 pace

Sat-(11 1/2) Eazy long run 8:55 pace

Weekly total 31 1/2 miles

Next week will be slightly shorter total mileage with the Ocala Half event at the end of the week.

The MADD Dash 5k..A Resolution Run

The MADD Dash 5k Saturday January 7 Al Lopez Park Tampa FL

The MADD Dash 5k at Al Lopez Park in Tampa was in its 10th year. Last years review can be found in the Jan 2011 blog. This is was going to be the first race of the year for me and still coming off the hamstring soreness combined with some (running hills) calf soreness I was not sure I would do it. I decided after doing a slow jog on Friday that I would since I enjoy the events the Take ... the First Step group puts on and I was first in my age group last year. Could I repeat? Another reason was I wanted to run a good race at Al Lopez since I have not been happy with the two races I have run there. Not the times, but the overall race.

               Nice playground for the kids that come out to cheer parents on during the race.

It was a semi chilly morning in the high 40's (start time it was 48) accompanied by some overcast clouds made for a nice race. Did day off registration since it was unclear I would be running so arrived a little early. Registration was no problem. Signed up and got my shirt. Same design as the one last year, but this one was long sleeve--me like! Did not receive the "goodie" bag with coupons and flyers thou, so went to another table to get one of those.

LONG SLEEVE TEE!!

After putting stuff in the car I went to the park bathroom (nice instead of portalets) and went to warmup. During warmups I noticed one of the runners I see allot Sebastian H was warming up with his son. Had to stop and ask if he was in my age group yet since he runs so well. He had not had his birthday yet so good he was still in the group below me. Will be the last one thou.

My goal for the race today was to run a good race, but get out with any more injuries or make the ones worse. I have the "hills" of the Ocala Half marathon in two weeks so want to be healthy for that. The plan was to go out allot slower on the first mile (5k average around 6:25-6:35) and try to run a negative split. Like most runners I have run 5ks by sprinting a fast first, staying close in the second, and trying to hold on in the third. Need to improve this year to run more even miles. Even thou well below my usual 5k time somewhere between 22:30-23:15 final would be okay for today.

                                                   All paved street and sidewalk course.

Got my warmups in and got lined up at the start. Saw a few of runners that I usually are back and forth with so it was harder to line up back a little and know I was going to let them run off. A few instructions, comments on MADD, course directions, and off we went. Felt good with the start and did not feel like I was running to fast until my Garmin showed 6:27 pace at 1/4 mile. Starting slowing it down some and past 1/2 mile at 6:40 pace. Still to fast even thou I felt good. Funny I was making myself slow down, but passed 2 runners as I was doing it. My mind was better at ease as I passed 1 mile with a 7:20.

As we exited the park and ran down Hines Ave I passed two other runners with the next one a good bit ahead of me. Concentrated on my pace and reeling him in. Entered the north part of the park and remembered this is usually my problem area. I do not know what it is, but I lose my pace and time in this area as you make a long curve around the pond and head back towards the parking lot. As I checked my Garmin I noticed my pace was slowing down so focused on my "Pump, Lift, and Turnover" manta I say to myself. As I made the turn to go around the parking lot I glanced back to see a large gap behind me from the next runner. Coming out of the parking lot I passed the 2 mile mark with a 2nd mile pace of 7:39. Not good for one of my regular 5ks, but on pace for today.

                         No one in view behind me--now to catch the one in front of me!

Okay no one behind me that is going to catch me so let's focus on pace, finishing strong, see if I can catch the guy in front of me! Since I was not feeling any of the leg pains I started to pick up the pace to see if I could match or beat my first mile pace. As I made my way around the long curve on the south end of the park I was getting closer and closer to the guy in front. As I pulled within a few steps I noticed he looked like my age group so with running a slower overall pace did not want to take any chances. I surged past him with about 3/4 miles to go and kept picking up the pace. Came off the road portion and onto the finishing sidewalk portion. As I came towards the 3 mile mark I saw my pace for the third just off my first mile at 7:26 (vs first 7:20). With just a 1/10 left and enough room behind (just in case my leg started to hurt) I "opened it up" and went into a full sprint. Really felt good to finish a race here with a full sprint left for the finish. Crossed the line at 23:05 which is my slowest race here, but ran a smart race with the injuries, a close to even pace, and able to full sprint at the end without being tired after. Very happy with that!


Always good supplies of Fruit (oranges, apples, and bananas), bagels, bars, combos, water, and gatorade awaits you at the pavilion. There were about about 15 nice door prizes which they had already pulled numbers and had it posted for you to check--like that. Filled out my unofficial finisher card (you fill out info since it is not chip timed) and talked to fellow runners. They did a mile "fun run" and then time for awards.


Very nice trophies for overall (wow--13 yr old Daniel D won in a 17:04 time), master, grand master, senior grand master, and high school awards. Funny the high school winner's times were in the 30s which is high, but they guy and girl were the only ones in their age groups. Good for them. Noticed my runner friend Sebastian H won Masters (hopes he keeps winning that to keep him out of my age group). Started with older group and worked oldest to youngest.


Made the way I planned to run and stayed on the plan during the race so much better by placing First in my age group (and yes the guy I passed near the end was in my age group). First time I have repeated after placing first last year! Now it is time to plan on the Ocala race, but will continue to put this beginning of the race on my calender!!

2011 Recap

My first full year of running is in the books. Allot of running from a "newbie" standpoint covering 790 miles of races, slow jogs, hills repeats, track sprints, and long runs. As I get into longer distances I look for the total mileage to increase dramatically in 2012.

Some key notes from 2011:

27 races participated in

Placed in 18 of them

8 first place, 4 second place, and 6 third place

I achieved 2 5k PRs

I ran in my first 8k, 10k, and Half Marathon

Several aches, bruises, calf strains, hamstring pulls, and lost toe nails.

Goals for 2012

Increased mileage

Achieve PRs in each event distance I participate in

Participate in my first Full Marathon

HAPPY RUNNING!