Lewis-Clark Half Marathon race report

Since I began running in 2007, I have run 7 marathons and 15 ultramarathons.  Surprisingly, until Saturday's Lewis-Clark Half Marathon in Clarkston, WA, I had never attempted a half-marathon.

The race is put on by the Seaport Striders, a club about 30 miles south of where I live.  I've participated in a couple of their races this year and I really enjoy them -- they're low-key and low-fee.

When I woke early to the thermometer reading 30-degrees F, I took a deep breath and finally admitted to myself that summer had gone.  And what a great summer it was.  But no time to waste, autumn is here and it won't wait for me.

Sadie and I drove down with my buddy, Joe.  No dogs allowed for this event, though, so Sadie had to wait for me until post-race to get some running in.  It was a bit warmer down in the Lewiston-Clarkston valley, with a temperature in the low 40's for the start.

The course is a flat out-and-back along the Snake River.  I seemed to remember that I had hit the half-marathon split during my Foot Traffic Flat marathon in July at around 1:25, so I thought that was a good aiming point for this race.  I hadn't done much speed work since then, and even less since my Run Across Idaho in August.  But I knew I could run a sub-1:25, I just didn't know if I had it in me for this particular morning.

A group of about 10 shot out like a gun.  Our pace was pretty quick and I settled in behind another guy at the back of the lead group for the first mile.  A 5k fun run was attached to the half-marathon and they started at the same time as us.  My impression was there were only a few people doing the 5k, but when we reached the 5k turnaround there were about 6 or 7 guys ahead of me who made the turnaround.  I found myself in third place about 50 meters back from the leader, Joe, and a guy tailing him.

I hit the turnaround point at 42:30 (6:29min/mile) and still in third place.  However, the fourth and fifth place guys were close enough (maybe within a minute or so) that I had a bit of incentive to pick up the pace a little for the second half.  I fought the urge to glance back to see if they'd gained ground on me until about mile 11 when my wheels felt like they were going to come off.  I looked back and saw no one behind me.  Not sure what I would have done if I had.  :)

There was a very small (but very noticeable!) climb up to the finish line, and I rolled across in 1:24:09 (6:25min/mile) for third place overall.  My buddy Joe was overall winner.  Full results.

Half-marathon #1 in the books.  :)

Sadie wondering where her treat is

Look, Mom! I got a trophy!

I'm very excited for this weekend.  I'm traveling to southern Utah to run the Goblin Valley 50k.  Other noteworthy runners who will be toeing the starting line include:

-Dad (he'll probably opt for the 25k...still not fully recovered from his quadruple-bypass)

-Melanie (sister; her first 50k)

-Adam (brother; his first 50k)

-Jen (sister-in-law; her first 50k)

-Lisa (sister; her first 50k)

-Travis (brother-in-law; 25k or 10k)

-Sadie (my dog; her 3rd ultra this year)

-other family coming to spectate and support

It should be an absolute blast.

Finally, I am now officially entered into the 115th Boston Marathon scheduled for April 18, 2011.  Let the countdown begin.  :)

Keep running!

-Scott