2011 Louisville Sports Commission Half Marathon

A possible closer to my 2011 race season, the Inaugural Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) Half Marathon was important for my confidence moving into 2012. My finish time was expected to be slower than in the Big Hit Half Marathon two weeks before, due to the hills of Cherokee Park; however, a good, efficient race and a satisfying time would be a motivator in the upcoming year.
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 1-3: The first segment led runners from the Waterfront to the Highlands, from the flat downtown streets, then heading East, as we climbed our way along Baxter then left down Lexington Road. The latter part lead along the old brick wall confining Cave Hill Cemetery. I felt good and held back for the hills that were upcoming. Although I knew the course, Thomas and I ran the route the week prior to know what we were up against, and this was the section to preserve energy. Although I felt like I was moving slower, I averaged about a 7:04/mi pace for the first three miles of the race.
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.

LSC was a fantastic run, with prime autumn scenery, on a beautiful day. The finish line party was on the Belvedere, where refreshments awaited. Chocolate milk, my all-time favorite, along with some other refreshments were provided for finishers. The medals were awesome, as expected, and the entertainment was amusing. I liked many qualities within the race, where runners viewed a more historic side of Louisville. The support, direction, and flare made this a KDF-esque race.
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 always like to include, the disclaimer is that these are opinions and suggestions, and I really loved the race. I love the city of Louisville and the Cherokee park area, which both provide all runners with ideal training environments. Thank you to the Race Organizers and the volunteers for assist in making the race what it is: A fun, competitive experience all can be proud of. Also, congrats to the Winner, Ryan Althaus, of Sweaty Sheep. Your prayer before the race start and your amazing performance in a 1st place finish were inspirational!
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!!!!!

2011 Big Hit Half Marathon - Its Outta Here!

Fall race season brings colder temperatures and the Big Hit Half Marathon had just that - 30 degree temperatures at race time.

The mileage had been great, my body was feeling no pain, and training was going well; however, I still could not set an expectation for my performance. The Carmel Half I felt terrible and still produced a good time and the Park2Park in Holland, MI I felt mediocre and came in at a time I was not satisfied with, although injured. With both of these races behind me, I knew heat would not be a factor and just focused on a good run.

Thomas and I met at the Expo at Slugger Field Saturday morning. While there was not too many booths, the vendors there were very generous and informative. The guy at Sweaty Sheep was awesome! Along with good advice, he gave me a sleeveless running shirt I wore for the race - with pride I may add (I donated too)! Packet pickup went smooth. There was buzz about the shirt being too small - I thought the sizing was perfect. The trophies were on display as well - Louisville Slugger Bats custom-made for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each age group.
Race day was a little chilly at 30 degrees. I was feeling good though and usually that means I will run a good race. I met up with Thomas, we took or tradition pre-race picture, and we got ready to go with some light stretches and a quick pee. I have come to expect the anthem at the start; therefore, when I heard the race countdown, I was a little surprised. Off I went, to run another race, the KDF route, through my hometown of Louisville. Here is how it went:

I "called my shot" in the pre-race photo

Miles 1-3: I felt pretty darn good for a cold Sunday morning in October. The route was familiar - flat and fast - and there was no worry of heat so I knew I could push it a little harder. I felt great through this leg of the run. Nothing too exciting about the course, though it was really well organized. West then back East to 3rd Street while averaging a 7:10/mi pace. Not to shabby, and I felt great.
Miles 4-6: A straight shot up 3rd made this part simple. No turns, just a steady 7:06/mi pace, cold weather, cheering crowd support and a nice stride. I knew the "Cardinal Hill" was coming and I was ready.
Miles 7-11: Over the hill on Central Avenue with sights of historic Churchill Downs - where I bet on horse racing but never win money, Starbucks - where Thomas and I start and finish our 10-mile-run and enjoy a hot beverage after, and Papa Johns Stadium - where the Louisville Cardinals play football (or whatever they call it, LOL! - disclaimer, I'm a UK fan). Regardless, those are some pretty cool views along with all the Victorian Mansions in Louisville lining 3rd Street. Coming back over the hill I knew I had a lot in the tank, still averaging a 7:02/mi pace! We ran north up 3rd and back to downtown. 
Miles 12-13.1: Mile 12 and 13 were awesome to say the least. I cannot honestly say I ran my hardest and averaged a 6:35/mi pace for these two miles! Truly awesome for me, almost like dashing. I headed the rest of the way down 3rd, then worked my way into Louisville Slugger Field and headed for home plate! I crossed the finish line impressed with a great time! Here are my results:

Out of around 2,000 people I was satisfied with my place and the 7:00/mi pace was my best average since the downhill North Carolina race! Many things about this course made me more comfortable: Being born and raised in Louisville, I knew the course. The straight up 3rd and back down make the mileage easier to endure due to no turning. Lastly, I set a PR this Spring in the KDF on this very course - I knew I would do well. I am extremely satisfied with this outcome in this race.

As far as the Inaugural organization of the 2011 Big Hit Half Marathon, I thought the organizers put on a darn near ideal race. The starting line was comfortable and the course was overall well organized. There were historic sites and challenges. Along the route, out-of-towners and locals got a birds-eye-view of UofL, up close, twice, Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Churchill Downs, Slugger Field, the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Waterfront, and to top it all off, we finished on the baseball field on home plate! I'm sure I left a few out but that covers a lot! In addition, I loved the finish line technology - we immediate receive a receipt with unofficial time, splits and rankings. Keep all this up and make a few adjustments in 2012, and the race will become ranked in Runner's World as one of the best in the nation.

FEEDBACK FOR THE ORGANIZERS:

You can tell I was overly-satisfied with this race in many aspects, just a few adjustments I would make, which were all toward the end:

(1) I had to ask two times which way I was going as I came to the north end of 3rd. At the pace I was going, this broke my focus a little. The person was helpful though.

(2) If possible, I would take right on Central and loop at the Main Gate of Churchill Downs. Runners would go over the hump on Central and somehow work their way back to 3rd. This would give an up close look at PJ Stadium. I haven't worked out all the detail, just throwing ideas out there.

(3) Great job with the walkers for the most part; however, the 1/4 marathon walkers had built a wall on Main Street in the approach to the finish. Please encourage these folks to stay to one one side and the runners on the other. With two races, this would be more organized.

(4) The last step in technology would be to get the race bibs with the sensor instead of the chip on the shoe. To some its annoying but not a hinderance to me.

(5) The tarp approaching home plate was great; however, under the surface was dirt and grass. I chose the grassy side and almost tripped. I would do something to make the surface even and solid.
(6) Lastly, is the charge for parking and the iRun stickers. We pay a pretty pricey entree fee for these races to pay $5 to park in the Humana or Slugger Lot, when nothing else is going on in the vicinity. As a local, I parked elsewhere but just saying. And the sticker, I bought one for $3; however, it should have been in our race packet.

As my feedback comes in mostly suggestions, you can see this race was awesome. The first year was successful from my perspective and I know the second will be better. Perhaps purple shirts next year with black and white lettering??? Thank you all for putting on a great event my hometown of Louisville can truly be proud of.

Thomas and I post race.

In addition to a personally successful race, my friend Thomas Hines had an even better one, finishing just over 1:30:00. He has set goals to average a 7:15/mi pace in the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World in January 2012 and run the 2012 Boston marathon in 3:10. After Boston, we will be training him for Grandmaster competition to begin in 2013. I know you can do it my friend. Maintain your incredible strength and work ethic and the sky is the limit. Remember what I tell you, spread your wings and fly! 

As for me, my next endeavor is 10 miles on November 6, which is National Run Day, and on November 12 I am running in the Louisville Sports Commission Half Marathon. If the medal is what I think it is (pictured below), I will be pumped! More races will come up and be scheduled soon. I freakin' love this stuff! Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, and HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!