Sleepy Hollow 1/2 Marathon

Time 1:44:54
Pace 8:01
Place 135
Total Runners 567

I chose to run the Sleepy Hollow 1/2 Marathon just 6 days after running the NYC 1/2 because my man Frank Trentacoste didn't get into the NYC race. Frank had been training and I enjoy running with Frankie. A former co-worker, Brad Hunt lives in the area and he was training for it as well so I thought it would be fun.

I have run 38 half marathons but never on back-to-back weekends. Frank and I ran 1/2 marathons on the same weekend back in 2007 in Kansas City & Des Moines but we took them both at about 75%.

I took it easy this past week running trying to get some life back in my legs, but I did run 4 days and felt much better towards the end of the week.

My plan for the race was to go at least at an 8:30 pace but really wanted to run with Frank. Frank and I ran the Cherry Tree 10 miler in February at an 8 minute pace over a very hilly course so I knew he wanted to hit that pace. We both knew the course was going to be somewhat hilly so that was the unknown. Brad was planing on sub 10's which is a good pace for him.

My day started by picking up Frank at his apartment in NYC at 7:15 and then off we went to Sleepy Hollow. We arrived at the registration check in at 8:15am. On my way to Frank's, Brad Hunt sent me a text that it was 27 degrees. That did not make me happy since last week's race was also colder that expected as well. The wind was also fairly strong and there were about 4 miles along the Hudson which I figured would be uncomfortable. I don't mind the cold, but it was late March and I wanted temps in the 50's. I was even contemplating wearing long pants, but the sun was out and decided shorts all the way.

The Rivertown Runners, the organizers of the race did a fine job with the communication, registration setup, and volunteers. The had about 575 runners, a very large American flag, and the start and a downhill start.

Frank and I took it slowly the first mile and enjoyed running downhill towards the Hudson although the wind was swirling and my legs were cold. I missed the first mile split, but I think it was about 9 minutes. We ran along the water towards the lighthouse which was very pretty, but also windy. There was one point on the race course where we had to go single file through a gate right in front of the Lighthouse. Frank and I started to get into a groove after mile 4 as we headed into the neighborhood which is where the hills were hiding. It was up and down for the next 3 miles until we got onto route 9 which Frank correctly observed that it was slightly uphill. This part of the course was at least 1.5 miles but we knew had to turnaround and have the benefit of a nice downhill.

Now while on Route 9, I did something that I have never done in my history of 498 races, Frank and I rocked out My Way by Old Blue Eyes while running the downhill. The runners on the other side were certainly taking notice as well as runners we passing. They say if you can hold a conversation while running you are not running your hardest so singing must be have meant we were really slacking. After the duet, we picked up the pace and headed back into town. We started with the hills again as soon as well got off highway. There was one hill that was steep but my legs seem to be responding better than earlier in the race. Frank and I were still running together and he looked strong.

We hit mile 10 and a volunteer said we were done with the hills except for a few small bumps. Most of the time, volunteers just arbitrarily blurt out things like "no more hills" or "you are almost there" when they have no clue. This guy seemed to know the course. That gave me some confidence to pick up the pace a bit faster. Frank was game so off we went, hitting mile 11 at a 7:40 split time.

I looked at my watch and realized I could break 1:45 which was just about 8 minute pace. That was my immediate goal now. Frank was okay with me taking off so I started passing folks and hit mile 12 at 1:37. I had to really motor to break 1:45. The last mile was mostly downhill except for one decent hill. I hit it hard and ran hard towards the finish. I had passed this guy at the hill and when we got to the final straight away to the finish he tried to pass me but I turned it up a notch relying on my speed. He held on for about 50 yards then fell off the pace. It was good that he did that because I hit the tape in 1:45 on the nose. The official time was 1:44:54. Frank was 30 seconds back in 1:45:32. Brad fished up in 2:04:36 which was a 9:30 pace. He had said he would be happy with a 10 minute so I knew he had to be happy with his time.

It was about 11am at this point and it was still really cold. We changed into dry clothes and headed to the Horseman Restaurant right up the street from the start. The pancakes and bacon went down easy. I said bye to Brad and his family and drove Frank back into New York. I was headed into Brooklyn and still had some time to kill, so Frank took me out for a drink at the "Ear" bar on Spring Street. He said it was a landmark that dates back to 1817. The place looked as old but had lots of character. I had an Ear Bar Ale while Frankie had a Boddington which we both did not finish because we were both fading fast. I still had to drive to my mom's while Frank had to walk around the block.

After dropping Frank off, I headed to mom's. She was taking the family grandchildren out for her 84th birthday. The shower at her house revived me and it was good hanging with the family at dinner. My sister Mary picked a place called La Palina which was very good. I had the pork cutlet but really enjoyed the appetizers. After that, back to mom's for cake and coffee.

I headed home at 9pm, walked in the door at 10 and crashed. I was so tired but in a good way.

Next 1/2 marathon is the Rutgers Unite 1/2 on April 17th which is the day after the Jersey Shore relay marathon which just happens to be my 500th race of my running career. Number 499 will be the Indian Trails 15K on April 9th with Chris Kelly.

It looks like I am signing up for the Hampton's 1/2 in September which will be a week after the Philly 1/2, so another back-to back weekend of 13.1.



Hilly & Chilly - Nice course, great support & I will be back.
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