Run with Jets Half Marathon

Run with Jets Half Marathon
Nov 5th, 2011
San Mateo,CA

Intersting after logging about 13,700 miles, this turned out to be my 1st half marathon, so my goal was clear, 13.1K miles of training runs, 13.1 mi race within 1:31. It wasn't planned that way, I did register for a half marathon in Jan 2003 in SF golden gate park. But I got lost and didn't reach the race on time :). Instead did a 10mil run close to my apartment complex.

I was looking forward to this race, the course profile was flat, promised a fast time. It was rightly placed 4 weeks before CIM and was a perfect race predictor.

Race Day:
It was suposed to be rainy day, so I was overly dressed, after my morning ritual, drove to Coyote point park. It was jam packed at the race start. my plan was a to run a even race, a 7mim pace. Race started couple of mins late after the confusion over direction of the run :). Finally we started the run towards Oracle bay trail.

Conditions were perfect got into a good rhythm and enjoyed my run towards san mateo bridge(CA92) on the far side. It reminded me of the hot training run some of us did in 2003 as part of our training for Long beach marathon. That was a hot tough day. Mile 5 was just under CA 92, I incidently passed Vinod, " still shooting for 1:31" I waved and said not sure. As I reached turn-around (6.5miles) It was 45:30, I thought s far it seemed like a perfect run, I was in range of a sub 1:31. But as I started my run on the other side, I could feel pretty strong head winds, I could barely run 7:30 pace. Infact untill the last mile didnt run faster than that. I think most of the runners had similar split coz I saw only 2 runners pass me and I passed 2 as well. Finally turned into coyote park for the last half a mile, crossed finish in 1:35:30.

It did'nt go as expected from a time perspective, but it was a pretty hard workout from training perspective. I did a small jog and took some goodies at the post race booth. It was a well organized race, I was surprized to see a huge turnout for a new race. Monte and team from A runners mind did a very good job.

A month in revew(October)

After a low mileage month in September due to my surgery and flu, I had a very good month training in October. main highlights of the month were
- A strong 50M race
- Consistent 50mpw runs
- Good LT runs
- Good long runs

Overall it was a very rewarding month, Almost executed my training plan, totaling about 220 miles in total. By end of the month it was pretty clear I was not in shape for a 3:10 marathon but I can get pretty close, I wanted to decide based on my performance at Run with the Jets Half marathon. That race did strongly indicate chasing 3:10 was'nt a realistic goal so did shift my goal for CIM to 3:15.

My Review of Merrell Trail Glove Cross-Training Shoes - Men's

Originally submitted at REI

The Merrell Trail Glove cross-training shoes are tough enough to handle light hiking in wet or dry conditions. Their light weight and innovative design let feet work as if they're not in shoes at all.

Merrell Trail Glove Cross-Training Shoes - Men's

Perfect Minimalist shoes for wide feet.

By AnilRao from San Jose,CA on 11/3/2011

 

5out of 5

Sizing: Feels true to size

Width: Feels too wide

Arch Type: Average Arch

Pros: Lightweight, Comfortable, Minimalist, Wide fore front, Good Traction

Best Uses: Gym, Walking, Strength Training, Pavement, Running

Describe Yourself: Avid Athlete

Was this a gift?: No

I have a wide feet, usually wear 4E from either brooks or new balance, after many different minimalist shoes for wide feet including Vibram's, NB Minimus, I love Merrel Trail Glove.

It does have slightly wider fore front, which helped my wide feet, moreover after about 2-3 weeks of running rubber expanded to my feet's form. I have great time running 8-12 miles in them. I have found running trails little tough when encountering rocks, feet hurts.

great shoe to practice toe and midfeet striking. Also with 6+oz it is one of the lightest shoes.

(legalese)