Race Preview: ING Miami Half Marathon
A week after my 2nd marathon in three weeks last November I was searching for my first race of 2012, the ING Miami Half Marathon. I had planned to go to Miami with my brother to run this half, but due to other work issues I will be going solo to see the sights of Miami Beach and run 13.1 miles.
About the Course: This course is flat, flat, flat and is exactly what I need following two hilly marathons in 2011. There are no noticeable elevation changes. However, the course does have bridges but nothing like those we see in NYC, they are simply small hills. A 1/4 of a mile into the race there is the largest of the bridges (9 meters above sea level-highest elevation on the course) that is really not too tough because it is gradual and early in the race. This bridge connects runners to Watson Island. At the 2.5 mile mark runners will have a second incline that is less gradual of an incline but much lower in height than the first bridge. This connects runners to the island of Miami Beach. At the 8.5 mile mark runners encounter a “hump” drawbridge that really isn’t anything that will slow you down nor take much out of you. This is just more island hopping. At the 10.5 mile mark there is another “hump” just slightly higher than the 8.5 mile drawbridge.
Basically, it is fast!
My Goals: As with any race I run the main goal is to finish and finish healthy and without any injuries. Moving on from the standard goals I really don’t have any expectations of a time. Usually I will go into a half marathon wanting to beat my 1:39 PR, but for this one I want to enjoy it. I know, I know- I’ve said this before in the past but this time I really mean
it.
My training has been blah, I have not taken it seriously and just last week during a snow storm ran my longest run of 10 miles. I am counting on the residual marathon fitness to help me through miles 10-13.1 when I am sure to need something extra.
The plan is to break the race down as follows: run first 3.1 miles at a slow easy pace, miles 3.1 to 8.1 at a quicker pace and miles 8.1 to 13.1 at my half marathon PR pace.
I am excited to get out of the cold Northeast and down to Miami Beach. I am staying on the beach and have some other fun things planned. Golf for Friday am with a friend from college, dinner with parents, tempo run along the beach and relaxing by the pool/beach on Saturday. It is an early, early start on Sunday so my Saturday night is basically shot.
I am packed, trained and ready to roll to Miami Beach for the half marathon. Looking forward to starting off my running year with such a fun destination and race.
Have you run the Miami half/full before? Are you racing this weekend, if so where? How has your training been going? Do you set expectations and goals for all your races?
- Scott
Sounds like a fun race and an awesome race plan. Good luck!
Thanks!
1:39 PR? Wow! I need to get on that level. This is only my second half and I didn’t train for 3 months like last time. Only about 1. Terrible, but I think I can do this. I’ve trained up to 10 miles on a hill filled route. So I’m excited, and nervous. But mostly excited. See you there!
Hope you had a great race!
Miami sounds like it’s going to be a blast (aside from having to go to bed early on a Saturday night!). Have a great race – hopefully you blow that PR outta the water!
I’m running my 2nd official half marathon this weekend (I’ve done a full and 25k since my first 1/2) – the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland! I’m so freaking excited and have no goals for this race other than to have fun and take tons of pictures. It will probably be my slowest race-pace ever! Training has been pretty relaxed since I’m coming off a full (back in Oct) and not looking to PR. I did my 12 mile long 2 wks ago on a treadmill and 9 last weekend in the snow.
Hope your 2nd half went well.
I think those races in which you take the pressure off are the best. And who knows, you may get the PR anyway. Have fun this weekend!
Thanks David.
I ran the ING Miami half last year and had a blast. You will, too. Good luck!!!
Totally agree, was a blast.