The density of runners at this point of the course has been photo-shopped in this promo photo, but this really is one of the views on the course:
They mean the name--the race is known for being cold and a couple of years ago it was cancelled on account of snow--but this year the weather was perfect for a distance event. As we drove through splatters of rain we could see the sun trying to find its way through, and after a chilly time getting ready we were rewarded with a cool, sunny race with only the lightest breeze.
This was a very important race for me. It is time to start training for the Paris Marathon, and I need to know for what pace to train. I have a three-week-old time for the marathon, but that was my first marathon and I was greatly crowd-hampered. Other races suggested I should be able to do better than the 3:30:17 I managed. I signed up for the 3:15 bracket in Paris, and today's race would dictate whether I trained for that pace or something less ambitious.
Racing math says that someone who runs a half marathon in 1:33:31 (4:26/km) is predicted to run a 3:15 marathon assuming he trains properly for the distance. Therefore, 1:33:31 was my goal time for today. It was an aggressive goal given my marathon performance and the time I turned in at Lago di Chiusi.
I smashed it! 1:31:20, 4:20/km! I started (too) strong, slowed to an acceptable pace with the help of a running buddy whose watch was not lying, then took it one kilometer at a time, aiming to be on-goal or a little below-goal pace for each. At 18 km I was confident of finishing, so I let myself accelerate with (and past) the crowd. I ended up turning in a 4:03 for km 20 and probably a 3:50 for the last km. I say probably because I forgot to stop my watch at the finish--no race is perfect.
I am very, very pleased with my race result. Of course now it means that I have to train for a 3:10 Paris marathon.
Michael
Fabulous, Michael! Congratulations!
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