As many of you know, I started running a little over a year ago as a surprise Christmas present to Janae. Little did I know at the time, I would grow to really enjoy it. I ran my first half marathon last October and finished in 1:45 after having to stop several times in an effort to relieve some sharp arch pains. I took a couple of months off of running after that race and so I was ready to start training for something after the new year.
Initially I had planned on trying to complete this race in under 1:36 which at the time I thought would be a challenging and yet achievable goal. I made up a 6 week training plan to accomplish this goal. Then my brother mentioned that he was going to try to run a sub 1:30. After a couple of weeks running with him and following his training plan I changed my mind and decided to try to run a 1:29.
I started drinking more water and eating a diet of more complex carbs 3 days before the race to make sure that I was fully hydrated and started Saturday with a full Glycogen reserve. I slept well on Thursday night at home but the night before the race sleep didn’t come easily, despite my super comfortable Buzz Lightyear blanket.
I woke up around 6am on Saturday morning, ate a breakfast of Nature Valley granola bars and head out the door. As it turns out, we were much earlier to the bus than we needed to be but at least it was starting to get warm by that time.
20 minutes before the race started Jon and I did a half-mile warmup run at an easy pace just to get the legs moving. It felt good and we knew that we had a shot at achieving our goal pace.
The week before the race I studied the course map and elevation chart and put together a course adjusted pacing schedule for this race. There’s something about breaking up the race into uphill, downhill, and flat portions that somehow makes the pace seem more manageable to me. Instead of running a 6:49 mile for 13.1 miles we’d run seven segments of various lengths at a pace ranging from 6:36 to 7:04.
We found out when talking to people before the race that the elevation chart that I had looked at online was not as accurate as I had hoped it would be. The hills were steeper than I had accounted for in my pacing schedule and so I had to make some last minute changes to our plan. Instead of starting at a 6:44 for the first two miles and then speed up to a 6:36 for the next two, we pushed the pace early to a 6:32 and a 6:20 over the first 4 miles to make up for the steepness of the hills later on.
Miles 4 through 8 felt like a breeze and when we hit the first hill just after mile 8 we felt strong. 6:54 pace over the hills of mile 8. As we approached mile 9, we could see the challenge before us. A steep hill in a residential area with a sharp turn to the right at the top. We were forced to slow our pace to a 7:10 on the first hill. By the time we were at the top I was ready for the race to be over. We made the turn only to find that there was a second, steeper hill towering in front of us. At that point I was questioning my choice in activities that day. I started trying to calculate how much slower I could run and still break 1:30. I started thinking that it would be ok if I finished a couple minutes slower than my goal. I then put all of those thoughts out of my mind and Jon and I powered through it. We ran down the backside of the hill and we had run 10 miles.
The last 3 miles were flat and I knew that we had to make up for some time that we had lost on the hills. I pushed the pace and hoped that the finish line would miraculously appear in front of me. It didn’t. With 0.1 mile to go, Jon kicked and I didn’t feel that I had it in me. I kicked with 0.05 to go and crossed the finish line in a sprint. Only after I finished did I realize that I probably could have kicked sooner.
Jon felt lightheaded after he crossed the finish line and was treated by the nearby EMT’s for over-excursion. After a liter of fluids and some oxygen he was good to go. He has a history of pushing himself past the point of physical exhaustion to accomplish his goals. I love it.
My Finish Time: 1:29:10
Jon’s Finish Time: 1:29:00
We claimed our medals (Jon got 2nd in his age group and I got 3rd in mine) and head out to go celebrate. We weren’t that hungry so we left the eating to the girls and we each ordered a berry smoothie. Yum.
After an ice bath and some stretching at home we were ready to head out for some froyo with our friends.
So what’s next?
Well, a couple days off for starters. I probably won’t run until wednesday and then run easy for the rest of the week to give my body some time to recover. After that I’ll be making up another training plan for our next scheduled races which are in June. We’re doing the Utah Valley Half and the American Fork Canyon Half.
With a full training cycle I feel confident that I’ll be able to run a 1:24 in June and that’s what I’ll be training for. If you’d like to follow my training you can do so on DailyMile or Twitter.
Anyone out there running the UV Marathon Half/Full or AF Canyon Half?
What are you training for right now?
Do you take ice baths?
How long do you take off before you get back into training mode after a race?
Amazing race! You and Janae are such a speedy couple! I added you on daily mile! I’m training for my first half in March!
Thanks Marissa! Good luck with your training, I’m sure you’ll do well.
Billy, I am so impressed with your time! I find myself doing a lot of math in my head when I’m running. I calculate pace, projected time for a race, how many steps to a specific marker, then figure out how many steps per mile… It’s very odd how numbers are what typically circulate through my head!
I am training for the Diva Half Marathon, but it’s not until October. I did my last half in 2:43, and I am hoping to break 2:25 by October. Fingers crossed!
Awesome job!
Amanda
Haha I love it. By the time I figured out how much I could slow down I was already halfway there. You’ll get your 2:25 for sure. Great job!
Ha I’m so happy for you Billy. That is such an awesome time! I’m always doing math in my head to calculate pace and such. I wonder if that is why I never really get in the zone bahah.
Anyways-I wish I was doing some west coast races but sadly not anytime soon. I normally take a couple days off depending on the race. I think I pulled a muscle in my knee, my last 20k because I ran two days after so I’m still tweaking my off time after races.
yeah I don’t think i’d be able to do math constantly while I run. You’re right, I probably wouldn’t be able to get in the zone either.
Awesome job!! I can only run that fast in my sleep while I’m dreaming. I am dreading my first ice bath even though I know there is probably one in my future. Are they as bad as they seem?
Haha it’s only bad for the first couple minutes. Then you get all numb and you can’t feel anything. They’re worth the pain for sure,
FANTASTIC job on the race!!! Be very proud of yourself!!!
I’ve never taken an ice bath before – it sounds frightening. But I was traveling in Arizona this past weekend (I live in Chicago) and did a 10-mile run yesterday which left me feeling overheated and sore at the end… so for the first time ever the ice bath sounded really appealing! I’ll probably try it this summer, if not sooner.
Thanks Emily. Do the ice bath. You won’t regret it.
Congratulations on your finish and an awesome race recap. I just ran my second HM and will run my next one in May, so right now I’m just maintaining my training.
Wow great job with all the races! Which one are you doing in May?
What a great race! Congrats on winning the 2nd & 3rd places!
Thanks Tanya!
Love the guest post – such an accomplishment!
Thank you!
Awesome run. I think you can definitely run 5+ minutes faster at Utah Valley. Stay healthy and consistent and you’re just going to get faster and faster. You’re so new at this that you have no idea what your limits are!
Utah Valley is a great course for running fast. Plus you’ll be able to train on the course to prepare for it.
Thanks Jake. I look forward to meeting you guys at Yogurtland and following your Boston training. I’m sure you’ll kill it.
You guys are both amazing! Good job! My dad is a sponsor for the AF half so I will hopefully see you guys there :).
We will see you there for sure! Janae has told me about you – we’ll have to go out for froyo sometime soon.
That would be so fun! My husband and I would love that :).
I love that you wrote a post!! And AMAZING time! Haha I could not imagine running that fast for so long! I’m running my first half in a month and hoping to make it under 1:50:59 to qualify for a corral in the Chicago Marathon!
I’ve heard the Chicago Marathon is one of the best! Good luck in your first Half, I’m sure you’ll do well.
Congrats on a great race! How much time off after a race? Depends on how soon my next one is! Usually I don’t run until Wednesday of the next week, and for the next two weeks I just do easy/recovery runs.
Good job with resting. It’s hard to have that much self control but there’s really no point in rushing things.
You are Janae are both pretty quick!! I love how you decided to run as a surprise Christmas present!
Haha yeah she was pretty surprised!
CONGRATS on meeting your goal despite a challenging course! Putting those negative thoughts out of your mind is one of the toughest parts of racing!
Thanks Diana! You’re right about the mental aspect of running. It’s pretty tough.
Wow, I can’t believe you just started running a little over a year ago, and now you’re winning medals in half marathons! Makes me want to kick my butt into gear a little bit more…
Haha thanks Lindsay. I’ve learned a lot by watching Janae run all these years.
Way to go Billy & Brother!! I’m so impressed with how much you prepared for the race- I thought I was prepared because I usually run the race course a few times in training runs before the race (when possible), review the race course on Google Maps and search race reports- but I’ve never built a customized mile-by-mile plan based on the elevation!
I just ran a half on Saturday too and I made a BIG mistake- I should have slowed on the hills but was really trying hard to make a new time goal and pushed myself too hard on the hills, and was drained after them. Next time I will try doing it your way and give myself extra time on the hills.
Great job!!
Thank you! I love being over-prepared for things. I love giving myself a little extra time for the hills and making up for it on the declines/flats. Try it out, I think you’ll like it.
awesome job billy!! now can you convince my husband that he needs to start running with me for my birthday present? ;) the AF half marathon is actually my first ever half!! i’m stoked!
Thank you! Good luck with your husband. Ask Janae, getting someone motivated to run is hard work. I’m excited for you to run the AF Half. You are going to rock it!
Aw, Billy, you are just as cute as Janae. Congrats on the well-executed race!
Thanks Victoria!
Congrats on a great race and a huge PR! I love how math-y you got on the pacing plan.
Haha math is on my mind a lot. If I can break it down analytically it makes more sense to me and that makes me more confident that I will be able to do it.
billy + janae = CUTEST couple everrrrrrrrr
Haha thanks Kimberly!
Great job!!!! I PR’d yesterday at my half marathon (1:40:52…not quite a 1:29), which isn’t saying that much because I almost never run that distance. I love and am addicted to the full marathon distance so I’ve only ever run 4-5 half marathons. I wonder how fast I could go if I actually followed a half marathon specific training program, haha.
Think you’ll push it up to a full anytime?
That’s so awesome! Congrats on your PR! I’ll for sure do at least one full marathon but I think that the Half is were I’ll really excel. We’ll see…
Way to go Billy! You are such a thoughtful husband to give Janae the gift of you starting to run! You and your brother made a good team!
Thank you! I love running with Janae and Jon. It makes such a huge difference when you can train with someone.
Awesome race! You will totally be able to get 1:24 at UV. The course is so much better. I am training for the Oquirrh Mountain Marathon in May and the UV Marathon 3 weeks later.
I think ice baths really suck- but I also firmly believe in their healing powers. Terribly wonderful is what they are.
Thanks Jerilee. Wow good luck with your upcoming races! I’ve never heard of the Oquirrh Mountain Marathon. I’ll have to look into that…
Great job!
I have yet to get over the fear of coldness in order to convince myself to take an ice bath… One day… one day.
Haha you can do it. Just tell yourself that you’ll only stay in for 5 minutes. After 3 you won’t feel your body and wont mind staying in for another 15.
Well done, Billy! Really awesome job to all 4 of you who raced!
Right now I’m training for the Georgia Marathon which is in 3 weeks! I’m excited. :)
Thank you! Good luck with your upcoming marathon!
3 thumbs up for this post! Great run, great times, great places….but the pic with the IV & oxygen mask is absolutely classic!! This should blown up & framed. That is totally laying it on the line. I’m inspired now….got a 10K this weekend, then a half in about a month. Great job guys!
Thanks David. Jon’s a beast. It seriously does make me want to get out an run just looking at that picture. Good luck with your races!
congrats billy! you and janae should create a blog called hungry running power couple… you both are awesome!
Haha thanks Mallory
Congratulations on your race. What a great idea to break it down like that.
Thanks Amanda. The pacing schedule takes some studying and thought but I think it’s worth it!
I love that you sometimes blog for Janae. It’s cool hearing a guy’s perspective! Great job with the race!! :)
Thanks Kristen!
Congratulations on a great race! You and Janae are both so fast.
Thanks Jana!
great re-cap Billy! You put in great effort during training and you busted out a 16 min. PR!! WAY 2 GO!! :)
not only did you physically prepare yourself. you thought up a great race strategy. when you’re serious about a PR it’s important to assess/evaluate elevation, course, etc. you ran a SMART race!
I’m currently getting ready for San Diego half (Mar. 11th). LA marathon (Mar. 18th). I don’t like ice baths. I’d rather take a warm shower after a workout. I’ve tried them but, I can only stand 5mins. in an ice bath. I know they’re good for you and I give props to the people that can stand them longer than 5mins. after a marathon I take one complete rest day and feel ready to go the next day. with the half-marathon and other distances it usually depends on the effort. If anything hurts or is sore than I just rest until I feel ok.
I really want to run Utah Valley full. I’ve told Janae that I’d love to come to UT just to hang out with you guys!! Congratulations to your brother too! You guys all have nice teeth! :)
Thanks Pam! You are amazing with the mileage and the frequency of races that you maintain. You are an inspiration! Please come to UT, we would love to see you.
Very impressive! I laughed out loud at the photo of you with your brother hooked up to oxygen and fluids. Best finishers’ photo ever!
Haha seriously. Too bad it’s not better quality, I’d like to have it blown up.
I am super jealous of your ability and passion!
It’s really Janae and all of you guys that inspire me. Thanks Lindy!
This was an awesome, informative post! Loved it. But why didn’t you use neon-colored font a la Janae? :)
(note: I know you don’t do this anymore Janae, but it was endearing!)
Hahahhaha I might have to I back to that just for you:) hope you are having an amazing night!
Haha I thought about choosing all black and red (because it’s manly) for my font but thought better of it…
What a great recap…….thanks for posting!
Hope you are still riding the high of running a great race. Congrats.
Thanks Erica!
Awesome job Billy and Jon!!! You guys rock!
Thank you Tammy!
This is ADORBZ :] (not to de-masculine-ize you or anything!) My boyfriend takes ice baths all the time after he plays basketball, and used to take them DAILY when he played for his college. I hate being cold and can’t stand the sight of it *shudder shudder* I’d rather suffer through the pain!
Haha thanks Stephanie
Yeah Billy! Congrats on an awesome race! Janae & I are friends on daily mile so I will have to find you there as well. I just finished my 4th full marathon a couple of weeks ago and paced my friend to her half marathon PR this past weekend. It was a lot of fun! I will be training for the Marine Corps Marathon in the fall. Ice baths are not my favorite but they definitely help!! :-)
Thanks Chels. Just click on the DailyMile link at the end of my post to add me! Congrats on your marathon! I’m sure your friend is super grateful to have a speedy friend like you!
Way to go Billy! YOU ROCK! Thanks for sharing your story! And what was your final time? Maybe I missed it?
Thanks Ricole! I finished in 1:29:10.
I am training for Grandma’s Marathon in June. This will be my second full. Spent all of last year running half marathons. I’ve only done one ice bath, after my full marathon and only the feet. I look forward to a dip in Lake Superior after this next one! Last year I didn’t really take time off, I just ran a half about every 2 months and ran pretty solid with just 1 week of light running following the race.
Welcome to running!
What an awesome name for a marathon! I’m sure you will rock it!
great job and amazing PR!!!You guys are awesome.
No ice bath here,hate to be cold just.that.much.But I love a hot tub if I can find one!!!
I used to be motivated to race more often-now I usually just have a few “goal” races a year,so I am not in training mode so often.Right now training for an Olympic-distance try in April.
I love that you posted:),hope to see more of your race reports!!!
Thanks Cait! Good luck on your Tri! I’m sure you’ll dominate it!
Great job on the half! I added you on dailymile to follow your training. I am training for my second half marathon in June.
Awesome! Which half are you doing in June?
Ojai 2 Ocean in Southern California. The goal is to get a 3 minute PR and run a 1:25!
That looks like an awesome course to set a new PR and it’s gorgeous! I’m jealous… You’ve got it!
You may not have gotten the best sleep the night before the race, but at least you didn’t sleep walk off a bunk bed. Just sayin…
Way to go on the race. That is seriously awesome. And what would it be like to not stuff your face all the time? I will never know.
I am not training for anything now & it is so very weird. Just running and trying not to get injured. Though I do want to sign up for the AF half. We shall see.
It was nice to meet you. Hopefully I didn’t creep you out as much as I did your brother! Lol.
Haha that is such a great story! I still can’t believe that. Sign up for the AF Half! It’s going to be so fun!
Congratulations on the race! It’s so interesting to read about your plans for specific elevations and pace to go with it. At this point, my goal is mostly just to finish, but maybe someday I’ll be fast like you and Janae :-)
Thanks Michelle! It really helps me to try to maintain an even effort level on the ups and downs.
Oh my gosh, more posts from Billster!! Even though there wasn’t enough food in this post.
Haha thanks Amanda. Next time I’ll try to include more food…
Awesome race, Billy!! You and Janae are both incredible runners. Ice baths have saved my legs the past couple of weekends. Good luck training for your next half. I have no doubt you will hit your goal.
Thanks Lauren! We need to see you guys again soon!
WOW you’re such a trooper! To show up to the race and realize it isn’t exactly how you planned can be really tough mentally, but good for you just making a quick adjustment and moving on! That’s super inspiring that you’re able to do that. Congrats on an awesome race :) Rest up!
Thanks Lily. Where your planning and training fall short your mental toughness really comes into play. I’m learning that lesson over and over!
Holy Speedsters!! Great race recap. It was fun to read a males perspective.
I’m actually signed up for UV half and AF half. I won’t be anywhere near your times though. I’ll just be plugging away in the back of the pack.
So fun! Hopefully we see you at both races!
You guys rocked! Love the photo of you & your brother with the oxygen mask on. He looks pretty happen, all things considered.
I just started running last summer. Ran my first 5K in Sept. I then started training for a 10K, but am sadly nursing a sore hip. Hope to be back at it soon!
Thanks Shay! Jon is happiest when he pushes himself hard. Take care of your hip, you’ll be out there again in no time!
So if you and Janae have kids they will definitely be white Kenyans. Awesome job.
As far as the race plans, engineer much?
Haha I can’t help it. That’s where I feel comfortable.
Congratulations!! Bravo!! you should be so proud. I loved reading this recap. Sorry your friend ended up in the medic tent…I am too familiar with that kind of ending..not fun…one time I even ended up admitted to the hospital after a half marathon…that was scary.. It is really fantastic that you now share this running passion with your lovely wife and that you love it AND as a bonus you are doing really good!!! looking forward to following your running journey!…and one day I bet we will read about your first MARATHON!
Thanks Caroline! Jon is my brother and he lives for that feeling of giving your all. I’m glad you’re alright after being taken to the hospital! The marathon will happen but I’m not sure when…
he is your brother! I missed that…sorry…I blame my old age…ha ha! well I am glad he is ok. :)
the hospital was back in October in Long Beach…I have ran 4 more half since and I am happy to report no hospital trip were required! take care!
Way to go Billy! Loved the recap.
Thanks Amanda!
You really ran a smart race, though banking time can be very risky. It’s only worked for me once, in a 5k in which the first mile was totally downhill and the second two miles uphill. It may work better in longer races; more room for error at HM pace than 5k pace, for sure.
Also, I’m very jealous of your sub-1:30. My PR is 1:30:56… agonizing, I tell you. Next HM I run I am definitely going to account for the hills better and try to pace accordingly; I so admire how you did that.
Thanks Samantha. We ran at a pace that felt comfortable at the beginning of the race even though it was slightly faster than I planned and I’m glad we did. You’re right about the HM distance being more forgiving. Congrats on your HM PR. You’ll get that sub 1:30 next time!
I just signed up for the U/V half. It will be my first big race…I only started running 9 months ago. I thought I’d be having anxiety, but I’m actually really excited!
NICE! We’ll see you there. You’ll do great!
Billy!!! You rockstar!!! Reading those splits makes me feel winded. I know what it feels like to run in the 6′s, but not for a half! So awesome. How do I get you to send an anonymous text to my husband to tell Gil to train for a race for me as a gift? You and Janae are going to make some seriously speedy babies one day.
Thanks Amylee! Getting someone motivated to run isn’t easy – just ask Janae. I’m sure that with your constant reminding (nagging) he will break down and race with you someday :)
Good job to both you and Janae! Any full marathons in your future or just the upcoming halfs? I’m thinking about doing the Utah Valley race. Is there a reason why you guys picked that one over the Provo one in May?
I promised Janae that I would run at least one full but I’m not sure when that will be yet. I feel like I was made for the half marathon distance and I’m really enjoying training for it. Janae’s done the Utah Valley full before and really loved it. That’s why we chose that one over the Provo one. Who knows though – we may do the Provo one too…
Dang you’re fast! Awesome job, Billy! You and Janae are the cutest!
Thank you Natalie!
Great post, Billy! Congrats on an AWESOME race…you and J are so talented! The pic of your bro and you post-race is hilarious. I laughed out loud. Hope he’s OK. I love how analytical you are with the elevation maps and splits…looking forward to hearing how your training goes over the next few months. I hope you and J can come down under to Oz to run a half with us someday!
We would love to make the trip out. We just have to find the time and money! Jon’s fine – ready to start training again. Have a great day!
Congrats Billy! Sounds like you had an awesome race. It’s great you and your brother could race together and push eachother to the finish line. Good sibling race. :)
For sure. Running with people that push you is the best.
Awesome job Billy! I’m training for my 5th half, traveling from SF to Seattle for the Rock n Roll Seattle Half. My boyfriend recently had an article written about him, as he is a contender to win the Napa Valley Marathon this weekend, where i will be running the 5K
http://napavalleyregister.com/sports/san-jose-runner-to-compete-in-napa-valley-marathon-first/article_a17ebb20-5c42-11e1-9c94-001871e3ce6c.html
Its awesome to be motivated by your significant other! I know you know the feeling!
Your boyfriend has a sweet mustache in that picture. Good luck to you and him in your upcoming races!
LOL that was for Movember! he doesnt always look like a super creepy guy! haha.
Hey, it worked for Prefontaine so I say keep it! http://www.slb-coaching.com/UploadedImages/Steve%20Prefontaine.jpg
Update! John took 2nd place in the Napa Valley Marathon Today with a time of 2:25!
WOW! Amazing race, amazing recap…way to go Billy! You are a BEAST…and the first sentence of this post is too adorable :)!
Thank you so much!
Billy!
You and Janae are amazing, and congrats on the PR! It’s awesome how you take your running so seriously, I’ve never heard of runners using calculations and elevations charts. I’m sure that with your training and math skills, you’ll rock your future races!
Haha thanks Katya. Pacing is something that I can control in the race so it brings me a lot of comfort when the going gets tough.
Billy, I’m so glad you posted a race recap! We get to hear so much about you on Janae’s blog and it’s fun to hear directly from you too!
I am so impressed with your super fast time! It sounds like the course was very challenging too.
Looking forward to hearing how your training and racing go this spring!
Thanks Connie. The course wasn’t too bad, just a little different than I had prepared for. That’s good though – it kept us on our toes.
The post where you surprised Janae with being able to run as a present for Christmas is still one of my favourite blog posts of all time (and I’ve been reading blogs for five years now…no, I have no life to speak of :P) and to see so much natural talent emerge through hard work, training and dedication is even more heart-warming than the original post itself.
I love how you micro-manage every detail of your race day and prep – I just run as much as I can then show up on the day. Probably why I can’t break 1:30. But guys in particular seem to be totally on point with their planning…and a lot less emotionally involved with their refuelling. I can’t believe you weren’t hungry after all of that, but it probably shows how guys are a lot more in tune with their bodies, in general. I definitely have a ‘reward’ mentality when it comes to running and food.
With your stellar attitude, you’ll smash your 1:24 goal :) Thanks so much for posting!
xxx
Haha she was so surprised! You’re so close to that sub 1:30. I know you can do it! I don’t usually get hungry until a couple of hours after a long run but then it hits pretty hard. Thanks for your encouragement!
They do say it is two nights before that you need the good night sleep. No one sleeps well the night before a race.
I LOVE that you put questions at the end just like your lovely wife!
The Kidless Kronicles
Yeah I’ve heard that too. The funny thing is, Janae told that to her sister not too long ago and now she can’t sleep two nights before the race because she knows it’s important. Haha.
Good job, Billy! You rock. I am training for my first marathon (March 18th in VA Beach) and then will be running UTVM in June! See ya there!
Thanks Lizzie! Good luck in VA beach and we’ll see you in June!
That is so awesome. Congrats to you both! Glad your brother is okay, that picture in the ambulance is a definite keeper! Good luck on your next race…..I’m sure you crazy kids already have one in mind.
Thanks Bridget! Jon’s fine – I’m going to blow up that picture and frame it for him. Our next scheduled races are in June but we’ll have to find something sooner than that…
Nice job Billster!! You and Janae are a couple of amazing runners.
Thanks Stephanie!
You’ve only been running a little over a year and you’re already running sub-7 minute miles? Must be nice to be a guy! I just ran a half marathon and a 10-mile race in the span of 6 days and now I’m taking time off due to surgery. I hope to be able to start running again next week. My next half is the Platte River 1/2 marathon in April in Denver. No ice baths for me! Just the thought makes me cringe! Added you on dailymile!
Good luck with your recovery… That’s tough. Hopefully you’ll be back out there soon. That half looks great! We might have to make a trip out in April…
Thanks! You and Janae should definitely check out the Platte River 1/2! Apparently it’s hugely popular because it sells out every year. It’s my first time running this race so I’m not sure what the big deal is, but they have a cap of 3,000 runners and are at almost 2,400 right now. And if you need a place to crash, we have plenty of room!
Look at me posting again on your blog. It even saved my info so maybe not so annoying. Anyway Billy will you please make me a course adjusted pacing schedule for the Ogden Marathon. What a cleaver idea. Of course I always have a plan go faster downhill don’t push too hard up the hills but to have an actual number to look at on the watch , It’s pure genius. So what’s it gonna take for you to make one for me?????
I’m jealous you’re running the Ogden Marathon. I’ve heard that it’s such a cool race. I’ll take a look at the course map and see what I can do… What time are you shooting for?
I think it will be rad. I would love to finish in under 3:35. Ever since reading about your cool idea I’ve been googling a calculator or some kind of equation so I can do it myself but I can’t find anything. If you can just be so kind and tell me how you figured it out that would be awesome. It’s a pretty easy course. I think one “real” uphill total and then seven miles of pretty good downhill but the rest seems flat or slightly downhill.
Wow, Billy, congratulations on such a great race. You should blog too! hungryrunnerboy, perhaps?
Wish you ALL THE BEST for the next races!
Thanks Anna. I think for now I’ll have to just do a couple guest posts on the hungryrunnergirl. I’ll start thinking about blog names for the future though…
CONGRATULATIONS Billy! And, to Jon too! Wow–I love the mental toughness. This was so enjoyable to read b/c you made a plan, set a goal and accomplished it! It looks like you had some fabulous race day weather too!
WOW a 1:24 in June?!! Amazing! did you always know you would run long distance?
Thanks Jess. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. It was perfect. I’m pretty sure I can do at least a 1:24 in June… I’ve never done a full marathon so I can’t really say anything about that but I’ve learned to really enjoy training for the Half. For me I think it’s the perfect balance between speed and endurance.
You and your brother are rockstars!! I also love that he over-exerted himself. :)
The running-Christmas present is about the best thing I have ever heard as I present. I truly dream of such things happening to me! How lovely. What a great idea!
Thanks Chelsea. I hope you get better soon!
Billy! Congrats to you and Jon!!
Loved reading your recap. All of us, at some point, question ourselves on the race course. I can’t tell you how many times I have said” how much slower can I run and still break XX goal.” So awesome that you kicked that thought to the curb and laid the hammer down.
No doubt that you will run a 1:24 this summer!
Again, congrats!
P/S Thank you for making my husband feel better about eating froyo! He feels less “runner chick blogger like” now :)
Thanks Nicole! Good luck on your upcoming half marathon
So far, I have been able to run “outside my fitness” and run much faster in races than ever in training. So, I really need to take 2-3 weeks of super easy, short runs. I have learned this the hard way. Others may be able to bounce back to training better than I can, because I injured myself and had to pull out of a race because i didn’t give myself enough of a recovery after 2 hard effort races before attempting a medium-hard long run. Run and learn, right?
That’s awesome that you’re able to push yourself so hard in races. And it sounds like you know what your body needs rest-wise. Nice job!
Billy I love your hair in the 3rd pic :) never looked better!
So excited for your 3rd place in your age group and your awesome half :) YAY!!!!
Thank you very much!
Wow, congrats on your awesome PR. I can’t believe you waited so long to do something you seem born to accomplish! I am not a runner; I do see the runner’s high…after a lame 5K, so I am always in awe of runners. Great post; you and Janae are such a cute couple; I love the blog!
Thanks Marie! Sounds like you’re a runner to me