2012 Mercedes Half Marathon - Race Season Begins

I registered for the 2012 Mercedes Half Marathon back in November with a couple things in mind: (1) Ames and I would have a relaxing weekend away from home (2) Temperatures will be prime in the South's winter season. Well yes, we relaxed in Birmingham, Alabama, although more than expected. Our new addition to the family, Barbet Cali, went with us. So young and full of energy, we did not want to leave her in the hotel without us, so we relaxed in the hotel with her. Cali was so great in her first experience on the road, I think because Momma Ames' is so great with her. As we ventured throughout the hotel and in the surrounding "potty" areas, people commented on how beautiful she was and asked all about her. Then, came the second expectation, the temperature, which ended up the coldest day yet in their winter season. Whew, it was chilly and I knew race day would be much colder.

Shortly after we arrived, I went to pick up my race packet in downtown Birmingham, where my perspective of this city took an immediate turn downhill. The packet pickup was about three miles from our hotel, Aloft (super nice and pet friendly!), and the drive there was smooth; however, when I arrived downtown, traffic was atrocious! Parking was tough but I managed it. So I'm walking down the sidewalk to the Boutwell Auditorium, where the packet pickup was staged, when I feel a liquid hit me from above. I looked up, where I can only assume she did not know there was a sidewalk below, a girl had dumped a drink from the second floor of a parking garage, with a direct hit all over me! I was immediately furious although she apologized.
I got past that bad experience and arrived at the expo where I picked up my packet. The earlier experience made me want to get back to the hotel so I did not stay too long. One great adjustment the race organizers made for the cold temperatures was adding gloves to the end of the packet pickup line. Although they only had one size, this was a great effort by the staff.
I arrived back at the hotel where Ames and Cali awaited. I vented a little about my experience then went to pick up dinner. I saw a little more of the area we stayed in, Homewood, which was very nice. I picked up Jim and Nicks Barbecue, a sponsor of the race, and it was fantastic! After dinner we watched the intense UK v. Vandy game and I got my gear together. Although I knew the morning would be frigid, I was confident with where my training and commitment had me.
Race morning came and I headed to Downtown Birmingham. A little less traffic but a lot more cold. Morning temps were in the 20's so I waited a little longer than normal to head to the starting line. I arrived about 45 minutes early and the people were pouring in. I never found an exact amount that ran in the race but overheard a mention of 4,500 (smaller than I expected). There is not much to say about the start. With no prayer or National Anthem, I had my own mental preparation and I was ready to go. Here is how it went:
Miles 1-3: Although very cold, I maintained a steady pace for the first quarter of my race. Normally, during the colder temperatures, my pace will slow, especially at the beginning because loosening up is tough - not today! I watched the mile splits and I was hitting some great paces! I felt really good and had no breathing problems. My one hinderance during this stage of my race was at the second hydration station. I grabbed a Powerade from one of the volunteers, took a drink, and puked a little. The drink had not be mixed all the way and I got the graininess, then got sick. It happens, although it should not! Pace averaged 7:06/mi.
Miles 4-6: The second quarter of the race was similar to the first, although a little more of an uphill climb. Pace average was the same and I was coasting along the streets of Birmingham. I felt really efficient and knew I could carry this on through the finish line.
Miles 7-10: Runners were elevated through the third quarter of the race. We went through some nice neighborhoods and the campus of University of Alabama-Birmingham. This was this most scenic part of the race. Normally, when running uphill, you will get to an intersection or turn a corner and be rewarded with a downhill - not here. Although the pace kept up, the incline seemed never-ending. Pace still was maintained at 7:06/mi and I earned it. Then came the start of the final quarter of the race........
Miles 11-13.1: Building up to mile 11, if I need it, is when I eat a few Sports Beans, put my head down, and let my pace unleash. I did that here but experienced an issue. Temperatures were so cold, the Sports Beans had frozen! I vividly remember eating four, two for each side of my mouth, and they were solid. The beans clumped in each side of my mouth. I had to stop and walk to hydrate and make the beans more chewable. My pace took a hit on mile 11, averaging 7:41/mi. While this is not slow, it made a different of about four seconds in my overall race pace. I got back going and I was cooking with gas, nearly making up for my "speed bump." Mile 12 averaged a 7 minute mile while, the final mile, 13, averaged about a 6:50/mi pace! I was ready to get this one over and sprinted toward the finish where I was rewarded with a Mercedes Emblem Medal and a hat, but no chocolate milk... Here are my results:

Division Place 16 of 249 
Overall Place: 119 of 4500 
Sex place: 94 
Overall Time: 1:33:16 
Overall Pace: 7:08/mi 

I felt great throughout the Mercedes although temps were chilly. My pace was surprising, but was a result of my commitment to the love of running as a hobby. Many hinderances were possible with the cold weather and the new environment; however, none could hold me back from crossing the finish line and conquering my 13th state! This race was plain, lacking a water ways or a bridges or anything that stood out in my mind. The race was well-organized, had the most hydration stations I have ever seen, the food sponsor Jim and Nick's BBQ was amazing, and the medals and finisher's hats were excellent!

FEEDBACK FOR THE ORGANIZERS:

• I cannot comment on the scenery too much because everything looked the same through out the race. We ran through UAB's campus and through some neighborhoods, but as and out-of -towner, I needed more. 
• Please be sure to mix the powdered mix with warm water and add ice. By the "puking incident," I can only assume the powder Powerade was mixed with cold water so it did not dissolve. It hurt a little. 
• Advertise more highlights so runners have more to look for. Yep, I'm faster than most, but the atmosphere is a motivator for me and a deterrence of the pain. I'm glad the food and the finisher's awards were good or I would've been unhappy with my journey.
• I did enjoy the finish line but add the Refuel with Chocolate Milk folks. You will get another booth that is fun and appreciated, takes pictures and hands out the best reward possible - chocolate milk.
• Lastly, the results posting is that of a small scale race. Finding my name was tough, printing my results wasted a bunch of paper and ink, and I could not save my personal performance. I had to copy and paste to a Word Document and print in my own format. My suggestion, GIVE finishers certificates through Brightroom or have Verizon use their technology to print finisher's receipts out that show splits and overall time and pace. 

I liked this race for a few reasons but I cannot say I would pay to travel there again. The race itself was great: not over crowded, well-organized, cool rewards and a fairly easy route. But Birmingham, I did not fall in love with. I had bad experiences with people and did not see anything too attractive. If I do go back, Homewood is the place I will stay due to the niceness of the area. I would have liked to see the Civil Rights museum and some other attractions but only something like the NCAA tournament would bring me back.
As for me, the IU Alumni Half is next on my list, I guess, 3/31/2012. I am disappointed with the organizers because they took the finisher's medals away and will hand out beer pint glasses. I registered early and recently received an email informing me of this; however, the organizers will not issue a refund. What does this say for the race? - to me its says its for people who drink or collect pint glasses. I will run the race because I have already registered but this will be the last time.

Race season has started off with excellent training temperatures, a good race and an upcoming 2012 with four scheduled races and many more to come. I can only hope this year will be as good as the past ones through more learning experiences and knowledge of the important performance contributors of nutrition, fitness, technique, new products and overall good health. Thank to my supporters, whom I praise throughout every race, Thomas for help with training and inspiration, Luke Powell for his knowledge of everything fitness and more, Team Ability for their interest   and willingness to take on running as a new hobby (you are an inspiration), and last but certainly not least, my beautiful wife and family for your love and support.

Lastly is the cause I run for. Please take the time to go to the link below and contribute to a truly amazing cause. The link will give you the KIDS Center's purpose and goal of how no child is turned away. Any amount is appreciated!
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/catsforkids/WalkandRollforKids2012

HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!

UPCOMING RACES

• 3/31/12 IU Mini Marathon Bloomington, IN
• 4/7/12 Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Springfield, IL
• 4/21/2012 Carmel Half Marathon Carmel, IN
• 4/28/2012 KDF Mini Marathon Louisville, KY
• 5/5/2012 500Festival Mini Marathon Indianapolis, IN