It's been a few years since I've ran a paved
half marathon.
You can call me lazy if you want to.
I'm pretty satisfied with my PR in that
distance, and haven't felt the need to do what it would take to improve it, (abandon
my family completely and move to a running commune).
Despite my laziness, The Cottage Grove Half Marathon is on my radar for my first race of 2016.
There is just a little bit of climbing along
the route; but, overall, it drops 200 ft and should be a PRIME smaller race for
anyone looking for a fast downhill half PR (anyone but me!). And, with Eugene Marathon around the corner, it would be a fantastic tune-up race!
A couple of girlfriends and I have been able
to get to the course to do some preview runs. We shared smiles, sweat and
laughs-- as well as views like this!
Maybe running slowly will make the sights even
more enjoyable?
I can't think of a better place to run a paved race...
I can't think of a better place to run a paved race...
I'm not as prepped as I would like to be for
this race (which is only 2 weeks away!), and am running much lower weekly
volume and shorter long runs than in past half marathon training. But, I have
had some very good tempo runs, and a nice 16 miler.
A PR is probably an unrealistic goal for me this
time around, (unless my feet sprout wheels), but I still want to see what I have
in me for the day.
Now… would you cross your fingers
for sunny weather on March 5th?
I'd like to see the ambulance coming before it
picks me up at the finish line!
Sounds like a great tune-up race - the beauty of nature with the ease (it's all relative!) of a paved race.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tina! I know what you mean about ease.. Compared with some trails :)
DeleteI hope so, but even if it isn't my day, it'll be a fun day with friends!
ReplyDeleteHappy HM Raina, now that you have learned to dream, make it higher
ReplyDeleteThank you Severo! I'll see what my body can do on race day. I'm not typically one to settle! I have a cold this week and I'm hoping my training will be enough to get me to the start in decent shape. :) i'm trying not to eat too many goodies while not running a lot of miles!
DeleteFingers crossed for perfect weather for you! Love the pictures, looks gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you Beth! If we have weather like during our training run it will be an incredible race day !!
DeleteHave fun with it. It looks beautiful and you should enjoy yourself. All my best for a good day Raina.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Greg!! Sending you healing wishes!
DeleteYou got this! You're gonna crush it 👊🏻. A 16-mile long run for a half is fierce! I'm also so excited for you to run the Eugene marathon!! Gonna live vicariously through your speedy legs :).
ReplyDeleteoh! I must have been confusing. I meant that it will be a great race as a tune up for Eugene, for people in the area. I am going to be at Eugene Marathon to support a few friends, but am not planning to race that day! Maybe I should rethink those plans though :)
DeleteHope you get a beautiful day, sounds like a fun race
ReplyDeleteIt should be fun either way, Robin! Beautiful weather always helps though! Fingers crossed ♥
DeleteAlways love your blog posts Raina! You've put in some great training! Have a great race!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Dawn! I always appreciate your encouraging comments and support.❤️
DeleteFingers and toes crossed for ideal weather Raina. Being a net downhill course, I reckon you should go for the PB - you're in good shape and you don't get many opportunities like this.
ReplyDeleteI'll try, but it's going to be tough on lower MPW, and higher weight!
Deletelooks beautiful! I will send some Arizona sunshine your way since we are already over 90!
ReplyDeleteIt worked! We didn't have sun, but we also had a rain-free race window :D Thanks so much!
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