Boulder Rez Half Marathon Race Report

The Boulder Rez Half Marathon Race was just a primer to get me ready for Challenge Aruba. The timing was perfect to get in the miles before the trek south. I was treating this race much like a “C” race and did very little to prep for it. I did make sure to increase my run volume the week of the race and I avoided all strength training as I would before any race.

I walked away form the race with a first place finish in my age group which was something I wasn’t expecting.

The weather the morning of the race was cool and I wasn’t sure what I should ware. After some consideration I decided on a pullover on top and running shorts on the bottom. Before the race it was between 40°-50°. Cold to wait around in, but nice to run in.

My sister was also doing this race so we met up before we got to running. Most of that time was spent waiting in line for the bathrooms.

The race setup was pretty casual and we had our starting time at 7:35am. We lined up and were off. My sister stood back a little as I headed to the front of the pack.

I had a goal pace of 7:15/mile for this race. As I started out I just ran what felt comfortable and moved to the front of the pack. There were maybe 5 people in front of me.

The course was very similar to the IRONMAN Boulder 70.3 run course so I knew what to expect. There were a few hills that I was not looking forward to.

Normally I look at my watch much more to make sure I’m on pace. I didn’t want to on this race. I didn’t feel like I was running particularly fast, but I knew I was holding the best pace that I could.

As I made it through the first loop, my Mom, Lauren and Zoë cheered me on! I was starting to hurt, but there was only one more lap to go! I felt good on the second lap until I had 3 miles left to go. Then it started becoming a bit of a struggle.

I knew that I had been constant at that point and held a good pace for the race. I also knew that I was towards the front of the pack, but had no idea what position I was in.

As I approached the finish line I was ecstatic to be done. Mom, Lauren and Zoë yelled out and just like that I was done. I got my finisher medal and walked over to see them.

When I looked at my watch I realized I had gotten very close to my goal of 1:35! 1:38 was only a 3 minute difference! Excited by this number I went to look at the official results. I printed my race ticket at it said that I was 3rd in my age group. I was really excited bout this.

The downside was we had to wait around for the awards to start. With the wind and sweat I was getting really cold. Finally the award ceremony started. They called out the 3rd place winner in my age group. It was not me! I was like what the fuck! Then they called out second, again not me. What was going on? I knew I wasn’t that far from the front did I not place? And then they called first, Jared Picune! Oh thank goodness it was me, but I wasn’t expecting that place.

I’m not sure what happened with the results print out, but it must has thrown off 2nd and 3rd place as well since they didn’t show up.

I’m really happy I did this race and I hope I can keep up my good running streak as I continue to prepare for Challenge Aruba, my last triathlon race of the year.