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Detroit Free Press Half Marathon Race Recap

"Some days you've got it; some days you don't." 

That's the first thing my dad told me after the race, and it's absolutely true. On this day, I just didn't have it. I ran 1:08:55, close to two minutes slower than three weeks ago, and finished a disappointing 5th place.

Here are a few of the key take-aways from this race:
  • This race was a classic example of the Two-Mile Rule. As John Parker Jr.'s passage from Again to Carthage (awesome sequel to Once a Runner) states, "you shouldn't try to figure out how you're feeling until two miles into the workout [or race, in this case]." If you've been running long enough, you've certainly had days where you walked out the door feeling terrible only to finish on fire; or days where you felt great your first steps only to slog through the rest of the run. In Detroit, I woke up feeling great and was even cruising the first mile or so. But once we got to two miles, about to go up the Ambassador Bridge into Canada, I was passed by a large pack and could feel the ugly side of the Two-Mile Rule kicking in.
  • At the Mill Race Half marathon three weeks ago, I felt like I was on cruise control and maybe even that I had about 30 seconds left in the tank. I came out feeling really confident that I could run faster with a few weeks of key workouts under my belt. However this time, running slower, I felt like I was redlining. The big take-away here was that I didn't recover well after the previous race and (especially this one) that two half marathons three weeks apart is probably too much intensity without enough recovery time. I got pretty sick the week after Mill Race, and that's a sign that my body was beat down. Physically, I just wasn't back to 100% after that last effort.
  • I chose this race to run fast and place well (the top three places received prize money). The ultimate goal, regardless of time, was to finish in the top three. I came close to fourth, but third was out of sight. That was the main goal with this race, and not accomplishing it (especially when there was money on the line) is a disappointment.
  • I was pleased with the last three miles, which I was able to finish feeling strong and reeling some people in, but that doesn't make up for the fact that the first ten were way too slow.
On a more positive note, Detroit put on a really great event. It has a really cool course that goes into Canada - so now I can say that I ran across the border, or that I ran to Canada. It is also a well-organized event, with clearly marked (and roped off) starting corrals that are accurate to peoples' fitness levels. There is nothing more frustrating than a mob at the front with people who shouldn't be there getting in the way. Detroit kept everyone organized and allowed for easy navigation in the starting area. The city also does a really good job of rallying around the race. As just one example, the hotel where I was staying had customized Detroit Marathon room keys and special "Shhh...Marathon Runner Sleeping" do-not-disturb sign.

It was definitely a quality event that I would like to do again - but ideally next time, in better condition than this year.

And to conclude with a funny little anecdote, because the race crossed international borders all runners needed their passport. We had to check them in at the pre-race Expo, but per a last-minute announcement, runners were told that we had to carry our passport with us during the race...just in case. I don't think anyone around me actually had their passport on them, and I don't think anyone actually needed it, but I'm a dork and I had mine. In classic rec runner fashion, I picked up a little pocket at the marathon expo to discreetly carry my passport. It was much better than any belt or something similar, but I present to you the RooSport:

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