2012 Geist Half Marathon

2012 Geist Half Marathon Results Report
This year marked number five for the Geist Half Marathon, my number four. Tom Britt and crew not only sets the expectation for a great experience high, they exceed expectations each year. I have grown to love Geist, maybe because the sights are familiar and the atmosphere is alway buzzing with positivity.

Ames and I traveled up to Indy on Friday, her birthday, and arrived early. I headed to the packet pick up through Fischers, Indiana, which seems to get nicer and more pristine by the visit. The expo is always at Hamilton Southeastern High School - easy in and easy out. It was different for me this time because I notice Mr. Britt, and introduced myself. I have to admit, when I really like something, I love to tell people about it; therefore; away from my blog, Twitter and Facebook, I wanted to let Mr. Britt know my passion for running Geist each year. I appreciated the conversation - you can tell Tom and his wife are fantastic people!
Race day was nothing out of the ordinary. I woke up, organized all my gear and headed toward Fisher's to meet Thomas for the race. Runners are shuttled from a few different locations. We boarded our "yellow limousine" as the driver called it and arrived in a few minutes. While parking approximately 1.5 miles from the start, the organizers are flawless about getting runners where they need to go in a very timely manner, at both start and finish. The start is always entertaining with an excellent singing of the National Anthem and a military plane fly over. Just before that, Thomas and I ran a little to warmup, took a pre-race photo, and squeezed in our corral. After the Anthem and the fly over, it was time to run for awhile, and we did just that. It was already warm, so I was cautioned. Here is how my race went:

Mile 1-3: After the race start, the planes always fly back over for the runners to marvel at. I love it because the first mile seems uphill and the planes take my mind off the incline. After the 1 mile mark runners turn to some great view of the reservoir.  This is the portion of my race where I judge how I am going to run, or should I say, my body judges it. I was not feeling great. I was cautious of the heat and I knew the route would present some tough inclines, so I put my shoulders back and relaxed a little. Average pace was around 7:04/mi, which was a little quick.

Miles 4-6: The second leg of Geist is a curvy stretch on one road that presents a lot of uphill for runners. You really get a feel of your performance in this area of the run. As I said before, I was not feeling the best and I just ran the race with no PR or goal time in mind. Safety was the #1 priority so I hydrated at ever opportunity. 7:09 was my pace here and I knew there was a tough hill ahead.

Miles 7-10: This section is a tough one, especially when temperatures are warming up and the sweat is flowing. After the shopping center, I always see that left hand turn into the neighborhood approaching and try to prepare. Up a short steep hill then through some rolling ones really challenge runners. We really get to gauge how much is let in the tank for the finish. I admit, I had my strains throughout this one. My positive spin, I overcame and stayed consistent. I slowed to average a 7:15/mi pace but I knew the toughest part was behind me and the finish was coming.

Miles 11-13.1: Following a tough stretch of heat and hills, this part of my race was almost a relief. I had not felt good, stomach cramps bothered me throughout the race but I maintained. When feeling a little off, I find positivity where ever I can during a run, especially in the final stitch of a race. I had maintained all race and had little distance left to go. I channelled that and had a pretty nice 11-13.1 run. Although mile 11 and 12 were my 2nd and 3rd slowest, mile 13 to the finish was my fastest portion of the race at a 6:49/mi pace. I knew I did not win, but I finished my 31st half marathon and I felt good about it! Here are the results:

I beat last year's by one second!!! And, Thomas run under 1:32! I would say a satisfying performance for both of us at Geist! As always, we enjoyed chocolate milk at the finish and great conversation on the bus ride back. There is not much to change about this race. My only tip is to make the corrals bigger. We were in Corral B and it was packed solid.
Geist holds a great place in my heart when it comes to running. I know I can always expect a well organized race through a beautiful area of the country. Both volunteers and on-route supporters are always so welcoming and enthusiastic. But this route; there is something about running this challenging route and crossing the finish line. Its seems like the hills and beautiful scenery almost try to take your mind from the focus on running toward a goal time. I always feel like I want to relax, slow down and enjoy my surroundings because I may not see it again until next year. The route really is that beautiful and I enjoy it so much. Is it the water, crossing the reservoir so many times, the people, or the ora and ambiance of nature combined with enthusiasm and a competitive spirit? I am not sure; however, the combination of it all makes the Geist Half Marathon an experience I encourage everyone to try at least once.
Next up for me, number 32, is my first trail half marathon, through Bernheim Forest, in Clermont, KY. So I have read, this race will be challenging, but gorgeous, and I look forward to it. 


HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!
http://jamesrunsthenation.blogspot.com/