Vermont Sun Half Marathon

Photo: Pat Hendrick Photography

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and, most of all, LOVE of what you are doing.” – Pele

Sunday was my second Vermont half marathon in two weeks: Vermont Sun. All I have to say is it was a great success. This was a great way to get one step towards the conclusion racing season. One more half to go in two weeks. Here is a Manchester Half Marathon update.

Vermont Sun began and finished in Branbury State Park. Prior to this race, I was raving about the excellent weather for race day. 10 AM start was the latest I have ever competed in. Aside from that, the weather was perfect. Little chilly with the temperature in the fifties and partly sunny. My favorite saying, "This is perfect running weather," especially that Fall season has officially begun. The course was a down and back, which I am not a big fan of. It gave me the chance to run on rolling hills, dirt roads, and under the shaded trees. 

Going into this race, I did not put any heavy expectations on my finish time. If I did not set a personal best for this race, I was not going to be upset about it. I was expecting some steep hills on the course. There was only one very steep hill just after mile 6 and before the turn around point. This race, I had a chip tied to a running shoe, which was a first.

Photo: Pat Hendrick Photography

Start-Turnaround point (Rogers Road)

Runners take their marks at the Start/Finish line. My objective was to run 7:00-7:20 pace. The half marathon runners began the staggered start. It was nerve wrecking very briefly to be in the front row. My GPS on the watch was not fully ready when the race began. I just pushed the start button and ran. As the time official yelled Start, I wanted to get a very good start and away from traffic as quick as possible. I was surprised to find myself in third place leaving Branbury State Park. Turned right onto Vermont Route 53 towards Fernville Road. At this time, I was in second place with the eventual overall winner, about a quarter mile ahead of me. I did not let that phase me. Focused on running a strong pace without tiring very early in the race. Making it a habit looking at my watch constantly while racing. Even though I would like to avoid it, it has helped me run more methodically. The results are starting to show. Back to the race, the first five kilometers had some rolling hills including a gradual climb just past mile 2. According to my watch, the paces were excellent (7:03, 6:53, 6:58).

After the mile 3 marker, the course turned onto Fernville Road. Then, a turn onto a long stretch of course, Hooker Road and Rogers Road. Around mile 4, the road went from gravel to dirt. It would go back and forth on this portion of the course. Before mile marker 5, I grabbed my first cup of water. While maintaining a quick pace, I was taking in the scenery along Lake Dunmore. Just past mile six, I encountered a steep hill just before the turn around point on Rogers Road. I stayed focus knowing the course was going to be easier coming back to the finish. Decided to use my first energy gel around the 10 kilometer mark and finish just before the turn around point. The first six miles were slower compared to the rest of the race. Took my second water cup at the turn around point (6:52, 7:12, 7:11).

Turn around (Rogers Road)-Finish (Branbury State Park)

After the turn around mark, the course got a little more quicker. The pace was quicker during the second half of the run. Not too many steep hills. Where I got my first water cup, the kid volunteers were kicking the cups around like it was a game (6:53, 6:44).

After mile 9 before the turn onto Fernville Road, I panicked briefly when the course guide was gone and was not sure where to turn. Luckily, I saw the yellow arrow signs and followed them to get back on track. I was upset briefly but I put that aside, focusing on finishing the race strong. Despite that mix up, I still had a good pace (6:54, 7:03). My watch was off on the distance but I got that out of my mind quickly. The GPS not being fully ready possibly had something to do with it. 

It was nice to get back onto the final stretch, Vermont Route-53. Consumed my final energy gel at around mile 11 (7:03) to get me through the final two miles. Setting up for the strong finish. At this point, I did not look at my watch. The finish line is getting close, I can sense it. Passing the Silver Lake trail parking lot, the Branbury Park entrance is in sight. Running the final stretch towards the finish line, I was excited to have the crowd cheering me on. As for the photographs, I hope they are good.

Photo: Pat Hendrick Photography

Crossing the finish line, I knew I did great, second place overall. I held that runner up position for a majority of the race. Last three splits according to my watch (6:40, 6:30, with the last tenth of a mile at 7:12 pace). Got my chip removed from my shoe and watched the next couple runners cross the finish line, third place overall male and first place overall female. After getting situated, I went to the trailer for my result. I was very surprised at my time (1:29:15.7 at 6:49 pace). It was very encouraging hearing the volunteers and event organizer that I had a "killer run." That gave me a tremendous boost of confidence going into my race in two weeks. Congratulations to all the runners who received awards. It was a pleasure talking to everyone after the race. Excellent job Corey Robinson for beating the course record and winning the overall. Also, shout out to Isabelle Dickens for winning the female overall and coming close to the female course record.

Funny how you do not go into a race with no expectation but end up with an extraordinary level of confidence for the hard work put in. I really can't wait to race again in two weeks. 

I want to take the opportunity to thank all the staff that put on the race, Vermont Sun Fitness and sponsors, the volunteers along the course, Pat Hendrick Photography, 802 Timing, and Branbury State Park for hosting the race and letting me jump into Lake Dunmore after my race. I actually look good in my race photos for a change.

Photo: Pat Hendrick Photography

From the rolling hills in the Green Mountain State, keep on running.

-MJ

Maple Leaf Half Marathon (Manchester,VT)

Saturday, brought me to Manchester, Vermont for the Maple Leaf Half Marathon. This was my first time running a half marathon in The Green Mountain State. Overall, I was very pleased with the race course which was challenging but not daunting. It felt wonderful to be racing again. Thank you to all the sponsors, event organizers (Manchester Lions Club), volunteers, and safety personnel for making my first half marathon in Vermont a very fun experience.

Could not have got through the run without help from my fuel essentials.

Mile 1-6

Prior to the race, my plan was to keep the pace around 7:20 because the first six miles had graduated elevation on the course. I wanted to have energy left in the later stages of the race. For this portion of the race, the paces went according to plan (7:07, 7:25, 7:02, 7:27, 7:15, and 6:51). I try to avoid looking at my watch constantly because my focus starts to lack but this race was an exception. Also, it was very helpful sticking to pace goals. If my pace was too quick, it gave me an opportunity to dial it back slightly (a little slower). Made several passes on this portion of the course and kept the runners in sight for most of the race. Also, I planned my water stops prior to the race. Usually, my first one is four miles into the race. At around mile four, I grabbed the first cup of water. 

Mile 7

Another excellent pace just before the big hill. Grabbed my second cup of water but did not get a good grip on it. I didn't have time to dwell on that mishap. Luckily, I had a GU Energy gel to get me through the next few miles including the Windhill Road stretch, 6:56 mile. Some portion of the road was run on a dirt road.

Mile 8-9

It was time for the most daunting hill on the course, Windhill Road. My objective was to have a slower pace (around 7:45) on this portion compared to other mile markers. I ended up with a 7:43 at that stretch which was better than expected. If it was 8 minutes, I wouldn't have been disappointed. The same runners were in my sight. One of them looked back to see where I was. That same runner would do it again after mile 9. Now it is time to keep moving.

Mile 9-Finish

Now that the daunting hill portion of the course was finished, the remaining stretch began its gradual descent. My objective was to pick up the pace, run under 7 minute miles for the remaining portion of the race. Break open that other GU Energy Gel and go to work. Just after mile 9, I caught up to the runner who looked back at me a couple miles back. Back onto the dirt road portion of the course until just after the ten mile marker. I ran along side this runner for about two miles. He thanked me for pushing him though. I asked him where we stood position wise. I believe we were in the top ten at that moment. Quickly got that off my mind and started reeling in a few more runners that were still in my sight. 

Mile 11, I slowly picked off a couple runners. I grabbed my final cup of water while continuing my quick pace to the finish. Passed my final runner at around the twelve mile mark. Mile 11 and 12 was a beautiful stretch of the course running on Vermont 7A back into downtown Manchester. Made the final push not really looking at my watch at all because I showed no signs of slowing down and felt fantastic (6:40, 6:36, 6:42, and 6:40 with the last portion at 0:59). It was an exciting feeling coming back into Dana Thompson Memorial Park for the finish. The crowds were cheering me on along with the announcement of my name. Thank you very much for making my first Half Marathon in Vermont a memorable one. 

Can't you tell I am thrilled with how race weekend went?

Final time: 1:33:14 with an average of 7:07 per mile

6th place overall and 1st place in my age group (30-34)

Thank you very much Manchester for a memorable experience. I will never forget it. On to Salisbury in two weeks for another race. 

Let's Go To Work

-MJ