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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / race report: space coast half marathon {11.27.16}

race report: space coast half marathon {11.27.16}

December 14, 2016      21 Comments

Here it is! The race report for my fourth ever Space Coast Half Marathon!

2016 marked the 45th anniversary of the iconic race in Cocoa, Florida, and it also meant than I am 80% through with the Big Bang Series. I committed to the series before ever running even a 5K, and I am pretty darn proud that I have stuck with it thus far.

Usually, Space Coast is my goal race: the one into which I throw everything. This year, I had to check myself. After my injury in January, things have progressed a little more slowly, and I’ve been a little more hesitant about pushing myself too hard. I’m sure a lot of it is mental, but in my head, it’s not worth aggravating my hip flexor. For the most part, it’s felt great, but I try to stay conscious of it.

After a great run at the Thanksgiving Distance Classic 6K (seriously, the best race I’ve had all year), I was feeling pretty confident about Space Coast. Not in a “I’m going to PR” way, but in a “I’m going to be strong” way.

I traveled to the race with my coach, Stacey, but I didn’t realize she had planned to stick with me for the 13.1 miles. I’m actually glad I didn’t know – we had talked a lot about having fun and enjoying the run, and then when she broke the news that we were going to be spending the next few hours in lockstep, I didn’t have enough time to get anxious about it.

Well played.

We arrived on Saturday afternoon and did a quick tour of the Expo before check in. It seemed a little smaller this year, but I was able to pick up the extra Gu I needed.

Our room wasn’t ready, and the Radisson Resort at the Port comped us each a drink at the tiki bar. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture and we enjoyed some outside time in the gorgeous weather.

When we did get checked in, we took a moment to rest and then headed out to Carrabba’s. I had done call ahead seating, so we only had to wait a few minutes for a table.

With full bellies, we returned to our room, laid out our clothes and worked on falling asleep.

We took the 4;15 AM shuttle from the host hotel to the start line. Gear check was a snap, and we were able to use real restrooms instead of the portapotties. The weather was meh: a little warmer and a little more humid than I would have like, but with such an early start time, I was hopeful it wouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Miles 1 – 3

I made a point of recognizing that I went out way too fast last year. Obviously, I had no interest in repeating that mistake, and I voiced that concern to Stacey. She agreed and we maneuvered through a ridiculously crowded start (we couldn’t even get on to the main street and had to merge into the runners), with intervals of 3:00/1:00.

It was still dark and we used the slower pace to watch our footing. What I didn’t remember from years past was how much the street rolled. It wasn’t anything you could call a hill, but there were subtle ups and downs.

Miles 4 – 7

Even though I had talked myself into being logical and not worrying about the PR, it was pretty demoralizing to see the 2:30 pace groups pass us. For a few minutes, I thought about kicking it into a higher gear and trying to catch up, but I knew in my heart that would lead to a crash and burn, so I shook it off.

Early in this set of miles, my hip started chattering. It wasn’t hurting and it wasn’t dragging, but it definitely had something to say. I mentioned it to Stacey, just so she would be aware. I had no interest in aggravating it – staying healthy trumped everything.

We made the turnaround at the halfway mark and started back. I was really pleased to see that our splits were very close together. I was barely looking at my watch at all, which is unusual for me (I seem to always watch and wait for those intervals). At around mile 6, I started sipping on my Gatorade and at mile 7, I took a Gu.

Miles 8 – 11

We were headed back and feeling great! At this point of the day, things started to get more crowded with the bulk of the half marathoners on both sides of the already tight course and the marathoners about to start adding to the traffic. I was hot but not uncomfortable. In fact, the only big issue was my hip started hitching a little. We got slowed up in a particularly thick bottleneck of runners, which gave me a bit of relief. Towards mile 11, at a water stop, I told Stacey I needed to just take a bit longer of a walk break to try to work out the kinks. Again, I wasn’t in pain, but I was having a harder time turning over that left leg and it was wearing on me.

I continued with little sips of my Gatorade and had two more packets of Gu. I probably didn’t need the third one, but I felt tired and figured I could try for an extra jolt. There was a “Booze Mile” set up on the outgoing side of the course, with shots and cocktails and bacon and pretzels, but Stacey escorted me right past that, both times. Because clearly, a little packet of jellied fuel is so much more delicious than a shot of Wild Turkey.

Miles 12 -13.1

The home stretch was lovely. Last year, I was long done, barely able to see, let alone hold myself upright and move forward. Not so this time. I was feeling good and my energy was fine. Before long, we were turning into the park and rounding the walkway to the finish line.

And with that, I completed my 10th half marathon.

We got beer,

and breakfast.

I met up with one of my fellow Best Damn Race Ambassadors (remember that code RUNPUGS save you $5 on any Best Damn Race event)

My hip worked itself out with some nice walking and stretching around the finish area: no harm done. And we are ready for the last year of the Intergalactic Challenge! (PS – huge thanks to Stacey for keeping me company for the morning. I couldn’t have don’t it without her).

All in all, it was a solid race. Eleven of thirteen miles were all within 20 seconds of each other, pace-wise (the other two were just a little slower due to the reasons listed earlier). For me, that was a huge accomplishment. I am known to go out too fast in an (futile) attempt to “bank” time, and then fall apart. While I currently lack the skill to negative split a distance event, I feel like I am figuring out how to progress to that point. Stay tuned on that.

The volunteers were wonderful as usual, but there was a noticeable downturn in course support from the families along the way. The course is gorgeous on its own, but it was always nice to have the extra cheers and motivational signs along the way. Extra thanks to those who did make it out for the runners – it was definitely appreciated.

I was able to walk away from this feeling like my race year had ended on a positive. And with 10 half marathons down, I’m ready to go for 15!

Do you ever set goals other than pace for a race?

Have you ever committed to a multi-year challenge series?

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Comments

  1. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    December 14, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    Running races with a friend is the best congrats on your race!
    Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Looking Back On My Year in Running 2016My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 15, 2016 at 2:43 am

      Thank you!
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: space coast half marathon {11.27.16}My Profile

      Reply
  2. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    December 14, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    What a great experience! I’ve heard lots of good things about this race. I’ve never done any sort of race series!
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Cold Weather and Winter Running Clothing Tips (Coaches Corner)My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 15, 2016 at 2:44 am

      It’s one of my favorites! If you ever get the chance, try it out!
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: space coast half marathon {11.27.16}My Profile

      Reply
  3. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    December 14, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    Congrats on a great race! I’ve heard so many great things about Space Coast. I just wish that it weren’t always during a busy holiday weekend when I want to be spending that time with family.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2016: My Year of RunningMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 15, 2016 at 2:42 am

      It’s a really tough time of year. It’s only just over an hour away from me, so it’s a quick in and out, but it’s still a bit of a struggle to make it work.I have one more year before I take a break.

      Reply
  4. Tricia Vaughn says

    December 14, 2016 at 9:35 pm

    I’m so glad you felt like the 6k leading up to this was a great race for you. Had my coach told me they were running with me the entire race I too would have been so nervous so it’s very good she laid it on you at the last minute!
    It is amazing how similar we are, I have always gone out trying to just do as much as I can an I always use to peter out! Keep working with your coach she’ll have you where you can negative split the entire thing! Oh and I agree, GU is better than a shot,…. not! Smarter but not tastier!
    Tricia Vaughn recently posted…Panama City Beach Half Marathon and HoLottaFun Girls WeekendMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 15, 2016 at 2:40 am

      Next year, I’m getting the Wild Turkey both ways!

      I know they say you can’t bank the time, but I can’t seem to make myself believe that. However, I saw how consistent I was this year, and have hope that I can build on it. I guess we can only wait and see.

      Reply
  5. Marcia says

    December 14, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    Congrats on half #10! I’ve run well over 50 halfs and the negative split thing is still pretty rare. Haha! As a coach I’ve wondered whether running with my athletes freaks them out. Sounds like it kind of does! 😀
    Marcia recently posted…New Balance Chicago Goodness and a GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 15, 2016 at 2:39 am

      It’s something I’d like to be able to do, maybe once. Maybe 🙂 I get very anxious running with people when I feel like I might be holding them back. I hate them seeing me struggle, and I don’t like feeling like the weak link. I train alone a lot and it’s hard to get used to being with someone. For some people, I think it can be a great and encouraging thing. I sometimes struggle with it.

      Reply
  6. Toni @runninglovingliving says

    December 15, 2016 at 1:43 am

    Congrats on half #10!!!! It is an amazing milestone! I want to run the Spacecoast half, I hear its awesome!
    Toni @runninglovingliving recently posted…New York City Marathon Weekend Day 3 #TCSNYCMarathonMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 15, 2016 at 2:34 am

      It’s definitely one of my favorites. I’ll be taking a little break after next year – Thanksgiving weekend is a hard time to race and I need some time off.

      Reply
  7. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    December 15, 2016 at 3:19 am

    WOOHOO!! Way to go!! I have my 10th half marathon coming up in February and can’t wait 🙂
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…The Best Fitness Gifts In Every BudgetMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Ariana says

    December 15, 2016 at 4:29 am

    Congrats on a strong race! I’m glad to hear your hip ended up holding out for you. I have a very finicky IT band that doesn’t like it when I go fast, so I totally feel your pain on the whole wanting to go fast but not wanting to damage things. My goal for 1/2 marathons is always to just have fun now!

    Reply
  9. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    December 15, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    So you know I always have a backup plan to have fun at a race, right? I’m getting to the point where maybe that will be my primary goal–I certainly achieved that with my races this year (ok, maybe not Sarasota). It’s been fun to watch your comeback after a rough start to the year. I’m looking forward to following you through 2017! Maybe we’ll even get to meet up one of these days.
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…The Decorated Runner: 2016 The Year in BlingMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says

    December 15, 2016 at 1:52 pm

    First, congrats on finishing your 10th half marathon! We get so used to it, we think it’s no big deal, but it really is!

    I’ve never even heard of a multi year challenge.

    My last half each mile (except for 3, which included the first & last) were all within 10 seconds of each other. It kind of blew my mind. Thank you, flat & fast!
    Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Must get faster — how?: TOLTMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says

    December 15, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    Congrats on ten marathons down! Injuries definitely cause us to be more cautious and in tune with our bodies- I think it’s a good thing. It’s awesome that you felt so much stronger at the end this year!

    Reply
  12. Yale Houghton says

    December 16, 2016 at 7:20 pm

    What a great Blog and accurate account of the course!!! I have to disagree on the Alcohol mile though… I did both, a beer on way out AND a shot of Wild Turkey on return, along with my usual amount if GU gels. LOL It seemed to have helped me, I had negative splits, the last 3 miles with a 9:30 pace on last. 🙂

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 16, 2016 at 7:32 pm

      I will tell my coach. She’s doing the marathon next year, so I will be unsupervised and be able to test your theory for myself.

      Reply
  13. Stacie Seidman says

    December 22, 2016 at 7:39 pm

    Yay! Way to finish strong! Holy cow 10 half marathons!? That’s a lot. I’ve done five and I’m not seeing 6 anywhere on the horizon. Congrats on a solid finish to the year!
    Stacie Seidman recently posted…What’s Up WednesdayMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 26, 2016 at 11:00 pm

      Ten in four years. So I’m spacing them out.

      Thanks, girl!

      Reply

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Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
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