1812 Challenge and Half Marathon
By Tristan-OH
This past weekend I traveled up to northern NYS to visit family, and run in a race for the first time in New York since I was in high school (that'd be about 20 years ago). I was really thinking about cancelling, or dropping to the half since my training had not really prepared me to race 18+ miles this year. I had a good base, and a couple good races earlier this year, and with such a long drive to go there I figured I might as well just attempt the whole thing even if I had to go easy. I missed my last long run 2 weeks out, and also the last week prior to the race I ended up only running a single day (5 miles) so I was definitely on the under-prepared side of things. On top of that my schedule has been hectic flip flopping from nights and day shifts, and I was coming off my last night shift Friday so my system was a bit out of whack as well.
The course was relatively flat from Watertown to the historic 1812 battlefield on the shore at Sackets Harbor. It was not a loop, and actually had a slight net loss of elevation with just a few smaller hills. Roads were all paved, and I raced this one barefoot like usual. For the first time since my days in cross country my parents were able to spectate, and also grabbed some great photos for me so I have a few to share! And no watermarks or outrageous prices!
A medium sized race for me, about 350 in the full 18.12 challenge and I think they estimated about 800 people signed up total for both distances. I got there with plenty of time to get a warm up in and some stretching, then make my way to the starting line somewhat up front. Also bumped in to someone I went to high school with, who is now an excellent runner and took 4th place overall in the women's division and won her age group. Also one of my best friends from HS was spectating and his wife was racing the half marathon.
The race started out smoothly and I ran together with my friend Jenna for a bit. She's beside me in the blue shirt above. Wasn't too long we came to the first downhill and I forgot to warn her I let loose on the downhills and we got separated. I figured she'd catch me later, but somehow I was running especially fast. Its like I kept up my downhill speed once I hit the bottom and just kept going. Perhaps the lack of much recent running had my system really charged up with energy, but I was running around 7 minute pace and feeling good! I knew that was way too fast, but figured I'd just ride it out while I could. Plenty of miles left to slow down later if I need to!
Weather was great, mostly sunny, 60's, just a gentle breeze off the lake, modest humidity IMO. Just a wonderful day for a race. Plenty of aid stations, music, and entertainment along the way and just nice views of the countryside.
The miles ticked away slowly, but I didn't run into any major issues. I was going to check my time at 13.1 but missed it and caught it when I hit 13.25 miles... at 1hr 38 min and 39 seconds. What? With the extra tenth or so (and my Garmin had been right on every mile thus far) I had just beat my fastest half marathon and I wasn't even straining or out of breath! At that point I became determined to keep it up and finish strong. Still a long way to go but the majority of it is over. I did slow a bit but still maintained times in the 7's for most of the race. My folks were near the end in Sackets Harbor and caught a few pics of me...
Making my move approaching the finish line. Just passed the fella in white.
My dad didn't even realize it but got my mom in the pic, there on the right in black. She is running over to the finish line after I passed where she was at (which is why her hair is all up in the air lol).
Passed the other fella.
There is my mom again!
Showing off the bottom of some well worn soles.
My son and I after the race.
Unfortunately, I missed out on even an age group placing... missed it by almost 3 minutes. Maybe next year! 17th overall (out of 349) I am very happy with!
They didn't list the pace anywhere but I that is 7:28 min/mi which bests my fastest half time too.
Soles held up fine!
That afternoon my dad and I went into the Sackets Harbor Brewing Co and had ourselves their 1812 amber for the occasion. Well actually I got a flight of all their brews too
Brought home a sixer of 1812 and one of their Thousand Islands Pale Ale and also bought me an 1812 glass at the packet pickup and expo, and the two combined made a great addition to the home made ribs and home made beans dad made for our celebratory dinner.
Had a fantastic time. And it was a good race, great course mostly closed off to traffic, plenty of aid stations, some music and entertainment along the way, great volunteers and organizers. I will try to make this a yearly event. Especially considering how hard it is for me to get training mileage in, this is a better long race option than a full marathon for me. Seems that races between 13 and 26 miles are practically non-existent, but I thought this distance was perfect!
Some more history on Sackets Harbor from Wiki: