There is a lot to like about running at the Boulder Reservoir.
And even more to like about running in a Heart and Sole event. There is always plenty of parking no matter what time one shows up to run. On race day runners can also count on lots of port of potties-and even more volunteers both on the race course and at the start and at the finish line. Oh wait, did I mention that there were aid stations every two miles? I think there were even if I never did the math. And the best part of those aid stations was at mile 9 they had COLD sponges! That was a first in a race for me a cold sponge to go along with all the water, gel and energy drink at each stop.
There was a super cool tech shirt for the race, but the best part (other than finishing in a personal best) was the outrageously full selection of food at the post race party. I feasted on a sandwich, a bratwurst, bagel, fruit, Popsicle, cookies, chips, two or three drinks (no beer) and a finishing medal.
But before all that celebrating, there was an actual race. Teammates Patrick Rizzo and Tyler McCandless placed 1-2 again in a USATF Colorado event, this one a half marathon. A few weeks ago the duo, sponsored by Mizuno, finished 1-2 in the USATF 10k Colorado Championships. The pair bested 650 other runners, with
Rizzo besting McCandless by a mere 13 seconds winning in a time of 1:08:18 (5:13 pace). Brianne Nelson won the women’s race in 1:21:45 (6:15 mile pace). Nelson won by 15 seconds over Michele Susek.
The race circles around the Boulder Reservoir, offering sweeping views of the Front Range. The horizon was dotted with hot balloons on race day, giving runners a colorful send off for the 7AM race start. I found the slightly rolling course to be moderately difficult due to the mixture of paved roads, trails and dirt roads. I decided to wear my racing flats, and on the whole I would say that was a good decision. The biggest challenge on the course is the lack of shade. That of course is far better than being punished with a strong headwind, which we were lucky enough to avoid all day!!
After heading west out of the reservoir, runners turned to the North slightly before heading east on a dirt road. I ran 6:58 for the first mile but at that pace, the lead runners were already disappearing in the distance. No matter how fast one runs in Colorado, there are always lots and lots of runners that are so much faster.
As I watched the leaders blaze away, I settled into my own 7:21 pace with a small group of 5 other runners. I ran with these folks most of the race, occasionally leading but mostly content to follow. I’m still pretty new to the half distance with this being my fifth attempt at the distance. Miles 2-5 were traversed dirt and paved road and I motored along with my small group. We made the turn at 10k in under 45 mins before heading back over paved roads for another two miles. These were the fastest splits of the race for me, and even at that my group decided to go even faster. I let them go not knowing for sure if I could run a couple of 6:30’s in a half and still have five miles to go.
I was happy I kept my pacing pretty close to 7:21 but paid for my efforts later when we hit the north part of the reservoir trail. I picked my way through a couple of miles a little two gingerly (racing flats) topping out with a 7:48 and 7:35 miles before winding up for an almost on goal pace of 7:26 for my final mile.
Kudos to race announcer Craig Mintzlaff who always inspires me to run hard at the finish. He mentions my name at the finish (along with many other runners) and always inspires me to finish strong no matter what the distance. I mean how many runners don’t like hearing their names announced over a loud speaker at the end of a race?
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