Race Recap: Oshkosh Half Marathon

This past weekend, I headed back to my roots in central Wisconsin to run the Oshkosh Half Marathon.  This is the second straight year I ran Oshkosh (2011 race).  It's not often that I duplicate races but the Oshkosh event is priced right ($40) and comes with with free hotel and babysitters (my awesome parents!).  Plus my hubby gets to run the 5k at the same time.  He's been running more often lately and it paid off... he ran his best 5k time on Sunday!

I love running on familiar grounds from the past.  I used to live and work in downtown Oshkosh (during my college summers), so running there is always an enjoyable trip down memory lane. The course is pretty flat with some nice scenery through the UWO campus, Riverside Cemetery, South Park and neighborhoods.  I personally love the part along the water on the Wiouwash Trail (especially this year since it wasn't a flooded mess of mud).

You never know what April weather will bring in Wisconsin.  Last year we ran in rain, sleet and snow.  This Sunday, it was beautiful sunshine with perfect running temps in the low 40's.  Chilly enough to jump around pre-race but super comfortable while running.

The morning started with a quick meetup with other area bloggers... I love me some Wisconsin girls!

Jennifer, Kim, Rachel, me, Lish, Michelle, Sarah

I think we're ready to go!

The race started and my legs felt great, fresh after two days of rest.  I was only a couple miles in and the battles in my head immediately started.

"I just don't care. 
I could care less about my time today.
I just wanna run..."

"If you don't give it a decent effort, you're going to be disappointed.

 It would be a shame to waste such a perfect race day/course.

Push through it... Don't think. Just run."

"Channel your inner Shalane... Cold Execution."

I fell into a pace that was just one step out of my comfort zone. I wasn't pushing, but no lolly-gagging either.  I was quiet practically the entire race.  Typically I'm tossing out cheerful "thank yous" and "good mornings" to spectators and volunteers.  This morning I just was not myself.  I found myself easily annoyed... with runners who cut me off or did the whole leap-frog passing thing. At one point, a runner crossed the course right in front of me and I completely plowed her over (not on purpose!).  Mile markers were missing so I didn't even track my splits.  I had no idea of where my time stood and didn't really care.  I didn't take water and forgot to GU until mile 8.  Definitely not my typical race mode.

My legs and body felt fine the whole race.  I'm probably in my best running shape ever right now.  But I just couldn't get my head and heart into the race.  Yet somehow I pulled out another sub-2.  I came around the last turn and saw the clock started with a 1... so I gave a hard sprint to the finish line. 

I had no idea what my finish time was, but I knew it was close to my Myrtle Beach PR.  I almost felt guilty... how could I PR on a race that I didn't give 100%?  Well, I didn't.  Later that day, official results were posted.  I tied my standing half PR - right down to the exact second.  I couldn't even do that if I tried.  

Official Chip Time

1:58:16

(average 9:01 pace)

#32 out of 88 age group

#209 our of 619 female division

#580 our of 1209 overall finishers

I don't mean to sound ungrateful.  One of my 2012 goals was to run a sub-2 half marathon and I've done it three times now.  Anytime I get below that 2 hour mark, it's much appreciated.  However knowing my own capabilities, I know I could have done better.  The fact that I was bounding up and down our steps the next morning is a clear sign that my legs had more to give.  And then I ran a 5 mile recovery run at a 9:19 pace the next day... opps.

With 11 days to go before the Wisconsin Marathon, it's given me a lot to mull over.  I need to clear my mind and get the run-joy back in my heart.  I can't go 26.2 without it.