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New Balance Fall Classic Half Marathon Race Report


The New Balance Fall Classic Half Marathon was a great day for me! The weather was cold, windy and rainy but that didn't stop me from getting a PB. My previous PB was the Pacific Roadrunners First Half in 2000 in a time of 2:08:28 (back then I was in the 25-29 Age Group). That was also the first half marathon I ever ran. Since then I was able to run everything from a 2:10 all the way to a 2:20 a couple of years ago but never anything under 2:08:28.


My goals for Sunday were to:
  1. run under 2:08
  2. run 2:00
  3. run under 2:00
The race started out quickly and mostly downhill as you can see by the chart below. Once the first 3kms were done, I settled into a solid sub 2hour pace. The course is 2 loops which can be boring but also helpful when trying to set a consistent pace. I started to slow down around the 16-18km mark but had 'banked' a few minutes with my faster start time so I still felt I could come in under the 2 hour time.
I used the pacing feature with my Garmin 405 which clocked me at 1:57:31 for the 21.1km distance. However, as many races are, this route I suspect was about 100m longer than the 21.1km distance. My net time was 1:58:15 which made me very happy!



Here is a photo from the official photographer's website. Thanks to the Sugoi warehouse sale and my flashy Newton racers, I think I look pretty stylish also. I don't care what anyone says, red and hot pink DO go together.
Now, I don't want to jinx my last race for 2009 but virtually ALL of my races this year have been PBs.
My previous Marathon PB is 4:32:56 from the Vancouver Marathon in 2001. This was also my first Marathon and I have never come close to beating that time since.
Will Florida be lucky for me?
Happy training!

Comments

Jamie said…
Great race. Congrats on the PB!

And did you have your twitter name put on your race number? Too funny! I had to do a double take.
sneakersister said…
Congratulations Erin!!!! I knew you could get under 2 hrs, you're right, this has been an incredible year for you! I'm very happy for you that you were able to make your goal, and in such stylish fashion to boot!

I hope 2010 tops 2009 for you. Keep up all the great work.
Lora Abernathy said…
My gosh, girl, you are fast! Congrats on that PB!
Stuart said…
YAY! Great job on breaking the 2:00 mark! Next stop 1:50!
Matt said…
Congratulations Erin on fantastic effort and great result!
Runner Leana said…
Wow, Erin, that is a huge PB! Congratulations!!
Jasminn said…
That's awesome, I'm in complete awe of your race year. And of course you look stylish, pink and red rock!

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