I was excited to run the LSC for many reasons: the course was one rarely organized for a race, the Cave Hill and Cherokee areas are gorgeous, the hilly course would be a challenge for a distance run, and the medal would look pretty sweet in my collection! All those attractions in mind, the organizers for this race are the same crew that puts on the Derby Festival Marathon and they would not let this be a disappointing experience.
Packet pickup for me was on Friday, Veteran's Day, at the historic Galt House Hotel. I took advantage of the opportunity to have lunch with my beautiful wife before getting my goodies. For those traveling to Louisville, this was the perfect place to show the history and beauty of our city. The artsy Main Street, the waterfront, and the interior of the festively decorated Galt house are a few of the sights seen by runners. Due to a lack of direction, I went to the wrong tower on my first trip in the Hotel, but was accurately directed across the street. Walking through the old hallways was fascinating due to the old parlors and the vintage feel in the atmosphere. I arrived at the room to receive my packet. Unexpectedly, there was no walking around and talking to vendors - runners received their number, a stylish Adidas tech-shirt, and were sent on their way to explore the city.
Race morning was expected to be a little warmer than normal, with temperatures around 50 degrees. With a brisk wind blowing, the air felt much colder. This was a non-factor in my attire, mainly to avoid over-dressing. I was on my way to the Waterfront to embark upon another 13.1-mile journey.
Parking was a little tricky. Many of my local secret spots were blocked with barriers at River Road and Witherspoon, so I drove around a found a spot between the start and finish lines. I knew there was a good distance between the two locations and hoped to avoid the long walk back to the car. Once prepped for the run, I set out to find Thomas, and the Starting Line. While all the notifications we received informed us the Start would be on the North side of Slugger Field, at the corner of River and Witherspoon, we had to follow the crowd to get to the correct location. Once arrived we took our traditional pre-race picture, and stretched for a good race. The pre-race activities were ideal, with the harmony of My Old Kentucky Home, the singing of our National Anthem, and the Call to the Post, a tradition you will hear when visiting Louisville's own, Churchill Downs. The Garmin was ready, and the canon was fired. We were off and running. Here is how my race went down:
Miles 4-6: Into Cherokee Park, which would pose the greatest challenge of the race. If you know Dog Hill, you know this is an incline, perhaps greater than any in Louisville. I looked forward to the challenge, stayed loose and took on the tough hill. Up to Hogan's Fountain, then around to Cherokee Golf Course, we exited the Park on Cherokee Road, a much needed flat stretch before the gradual incline on Grinstead. My pace slowed a little, as expected, to 7:07/mi. Despite Dog Hill, I felt like I had plenty of energy for the rest of the race. I was feeling great and knew the biggest challenge was now behind me, or so I thought.
Miles 7-11: Gradually up Grinstead, along the other side of Cave Hill Cemetery, runners were rewarded with a downhill stretch along Baxter Avenue, toward Downtown Louisville. This was the toughest part of the run for me. I felt like we were in a wind tunnel that kept changing directions. Along Liberty Street, winds gusted, mostly in our faces. While the hills were tough, constant high winds affect posture and breathing, causing the runner to adjust or face a greater challenge. I attempt to take advantage of winds by positioning my body allowing the winds to push me. While not always possible, I felt like it helped a little. Obviously, I did something right, averaging just over a 7:00/mi pace.
Miles 12-13.1: The final leg of all races I run in are always the most pleasurable. Why? The sight of the finish line, the sprint on that final stretch to pass all possible, and, the ultimate, crossing the finish line and receiving the medal. This one was no different. We turned the corner for the final mile of the LSC Half marathon. I awaited the sight of the finish before I picked it up. With about 1/4-mile to go, I was running fast. On the approach to the finish, I heard footsteps, then notice someone using my same strategy. Like a photo-finish at Churchill Downs, we were sprinting for the extra place in the standings (He edged me out - he was a year younger!). Here are my Official Stats:
I was more than satisfied with my performance and, as expected, I was slightly slower than two weeks before. For some reason, the race seemed to go by fast and did not seem as grueling as normal. This validates the fact my training is paying off.
FEEDBACK FOR THE ORGANIZERS:
As us as people, races always have areas in need of improvement. If any resident-runners watched the news this morning, I think the Highlands would appreciate a more obvious sign or mode of communication to inform them not to park on the street.... LOL! Or, they could choose to read or obey the signs posted and avoid underestimating the Metro Police force.
(1) I would have had more signs directing runners toward the packet pickup. While I am sure the bellhops at the Galt House did not mind the constant questions, finding the packet pick-up room was a challenge. My positive side: I enjoyed seeing the vintage-ness of the Galt House, especially decorated for XMAS!
(2) Emails sent out could be more informative: Packet Pickup, Race Time, Starting Line, and Bag Check instructions.
(3) Email would have cured this, but when the Starting Line changes, let people know exactly when and where it is and where to park. I am not upset by charging for parking because I did not pay, but I can see the argument.
(4) The start/finish seem to be geared toward the travelers staying at the Galt House. For those that paid $5 to park, no shuttles causes a long, cold, windy walk back to the car. Perhaps a start on Main Street or shuttles would be good resolve.
(5) If I did not have a Garmin, I would not have known my distance on the first four miles of the run. I know renting the clocks could be tough due to the expense or acquisition. I would like to see signage, maybe at a water stop. A unique idea would have a person, wearing a t-shirt that says "Mile 1" or "Mile 2" or "Mile 3" calling out times/ splits. This would be an easy fix on one of the volunteer shirts.
(6) Lastly, the medal was maybe the best I have ever received, with Louisville's new skyline and dipped in maker's Mark wax like the bottles; however, it looks like the race date was covered up by the wax. If the plan is to dip the medal next year, I would move the date to the bottom of the medal.
 |
| Overall 1st Place Finisher Ryan Althaus |
As I said before, my 2011 year of racing may be over. I am considering a few other races but not sure if I will participate.
2011 has been an amazing year for running. I have completed ten (10) half marathons, three (3) of which were PRs, a 5K (PR) and a 10-Miler (PR). In addition, as of yesterday, November 12, I have run 1,208 miles in 2011 and 4,618 miles since July 26, 2007 where my pace was anywhere from 8:30/mi to 14:00/mi. I have come a long way in my hobby of running. I love this stuff and will continue to do it.
HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!
As always great job!!!
ReplyDelete