Dress rehearsal success
A collection of medals and bib from the whole family.
There are so many things about the Runner’s World Festival weekend that were just simply amazing. It was truly a weekend to celebrate running and runners of all levels.
With so many other things going on this weekend with my wife and son running, as well as the first-ever #RunChat meet-up, running a half marathon today became a small part of why I made this trip to Bethlehem, Pa.
Scott and I discussed how we’d approach this and probably never really came up with a plan other than go out somewhat easy and see how we feel. For me, my ultimate goal was to finish at a marathon goal pace.
For the Richmond Marathon I want to do between 3:40 and 3:45, so that meant I was aiming for 1:50-1:52:30 today.
The results …
In a word, I nailed it. I couldn’t be more pleased with how it all transpired.
Scott and I had a nice conversation going on for about 6 miles in a 8:30-8:40 pace through what was essentially mostly uphill. Around mid-way the conversation drifted off and we just got into our own separate zones.
Around mile 10 I picked it up and rolled off a strong final 5k with my miles right around 8 minutes each.
I screwed up early by accidentally stopping my Garmin, so I’m not sure how much of a negative split I rolled off, but it felt great to push it toward the end. So many of my races this year have been missing that.
I struggled in the 2nd half of the Blue Ridge Half, Cleveland and even the Virginia 10 Miler to some degree. My 5k in July had a weak finish as well.
Today, though, I set out with everything I intended to do and I can’t wait to see what that means for Richmond in 3 weeks.
Scott and I after the race - the medal-biting is for everyone!
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Nice job David! Congrats to you and the family on your races this weekend
Great race!
Way to go! That is an awesome time. I’m so glad you enjoyed the experience!
Congrats. Today’s run should set you nicely for the marathon in Richmond.
You are a rockstar!!! I see all your running on DailyMile and you never cease to amaze me! Great job David!
Awesome all around! Very cool that you got Scott got to race together too! Your shirts are pretty rad too. Congrats!
Awesome weekend!
awesome job dropping the hammer! You’re going to crush richmond!
I’m green with envy over the entire weekend. Darn adulthood responsibilities.. grumble