Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon Race Results

The short; PR BABY!! 

The longer version...

Sunday was the 4th annual Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon on Grosse Ile.  This was my first race of 2014.  I've run this race every year since its inaugural year in 2011.  This race holds a special place in my heart.  I PR-ed every year.  2012 I was 30 weeks pregnant when I ran it, so that was my half marathon pregnancy PR. 

Last year, I ran a 1:36:50. So this year I really wanted to see 1:35.  I would have been extremely happy with 1:35:59.  I wasn't so sure I could do it though.  This winter has been brutal for everyone training for spring events.  I didn't feel like I was in race shape to run a 7:20 pace for 13.1 miles.  I told myself that I would be happy with 1:40 or better. 

The morning was cold, with roughly 10mph winds for the first few miles.  I went out a bit fast with mile 1 being a 7:13 pace.  I felt good though.  I figured I would just run hard for as long as possible and then back off in the later miles if I needed to.  I ended up seeing a guy I met in Ann Arbor a few weeks ago and ran with him for most of the race from about mile 5.  He is a fast runner and my dad had told me that morning that "if you see Stuart, run with him for as long as you can". Stuart was just what I needed.  Even though we didn't really talk, it was nice knowing he was there.  The miles were tough, but I was able to keep pushing along.  The hardest part of the race was about mile 10.5 to 13.  The headwinds were stronger than the start, or they at least felt that way!  My pace dropped really low for mile 12.  it was my slowest mile of the day, but I was able to pick it back up for the last 1.1 miles.  Entering the GI high school track, running towards the finish line was one of the best feelings.  I could see the timing clock and knew I had crushed my previous PR.  I was pumping my fists in the air and could wipe the smile off my face.  I crossed the finish line in 1:34:03, 2:47 faster than my previous PR and well past the goal of 1:35:59!!  Stuart finished about 30 seconds ahead of me.  I thanked him and hugged him.  he didn't know it at the time, but he was a huge help in me pushing the pace for the entire run.  In fact, I think I hugged just about every person I saw and knew at the finish line.  I was (and still am) so happy!!  I really, really needed this run.  I most definitely feel as if I am ready to run Boston.  Not only run it, but hopefully PR!

Here are my splits.  They stayed pretty consistent.  I was really surprised with my middle miles!

Mile 1 7:14

Mile 2 7:17
Mile 3 7:13
Mile 4 7:10
Mile 5 7:09
Mile 6 7:08
Mile 7 7:04
Mile 8 7:03
Mile 9 7:03
Mile 10 7:08
Mile 11 7:13
Mile 12 7:22 - slowest mile of the day
Mile 13 7:13
Mile .10 7:09

Official Time: 1:34:03
Pace: 7:11
A/G Place: 1/99
Gender Place: 7/452
Overall Place: 58/855

The 2 Stephanie's post race.

Pre-Race Group Photo with the 5am runners & friends

So happy with my PR!  Best finish photo I have ever taken.

My PR face! :-)