All Duane has to say is, "Michigan ain't flat, there some damn good rolling hills out there." Also, that he was 1:15 slower than his PR. That being said, Hungry Duck was a fun, low key race. It felt low key for Colorado standards with about 150 participants in the half marathon. The event also had a 5k, which was larger. The "low key" part was difficult for coming from out of town. The website didn't give a starting address, so we felt a little confused up until we had an opportunity to drive out there. We weren't even sure where the race start was when we arrived at the porta-potties, until a few minutes from the start.
The course was a lollipop loop with one short "out and back" along the lollipop stick. Starting in downtown Brighton, the race moved throughout residential areas and looped around a small lake. We were both surprised with the number of hills. I would say the majority of the hills were during the lollipop stick. Though, there were still a few during the loop. The stick was about 4.5 miles going in, the loop was about 4.5, and the stick was about 4.1 on the return (the "out and back" piece was not repeated.) Duane and I both felt the course wasn't well marked. As long as you could keep someone within sight, the course was clear. However, I often felt that the two guys in front of me could do anything and I would follow. For being a road race, I felt, at times, that I was running trail. Michigan roads have tons of cracks and potholes. They are also sprinkled with a plethora of roadkill. It was a redneck Thanksgiving. The race was really well staffed with water stations. I think gatorade was also available. I actually ran with a small Camelback, so I didn't use any of them.
I wasn't sure how to anticipate my time at 900ish feet above sea level with more humidity than Colorado. The temperature and humidity were actually pretty reasonable, though. I started at a comfortable pace, slightly faster than 6 minute miles. This would not normally be a comfortable pace for me, so I knew the altitude was working in my favor. I ran the first four miles as the first female, which is something I have never experienced. It was rather thrilling to be starting in the top 20 runners. At the three mile point, the first place finisher approached. We fought for the place for about a mile, but she was stronger and clearly more versed at running in the top of the pack. I guess I could use more fartleks in my training. I ran solid for the remainder of the race and was passed at 12.55 miles by the 2nd place finisher. That was a bummer, but I am happy to have raced strong and finished first in my age group with a new PR of 1:38:46, which qualifies me for the first wave of the Pikes Peak Ascent. Though, I still claim I'll never run the Ascent, again.
The race boasted a few "new additions", including a gender specific technical shirt and food at the finish. The gender specific shirt was a nice bonus, and is becoming the new standard in events. I'm a big fan of this fact. The food at the end was mostly fruit and cookies. In Colorado, when you claim there is food at the end, you eat a meal. I wasn't really looking for a meal, myself, but I thought this was kind've lame. Our age group award was a really bright orange baseball cap. I would totally wear it if it was actually a running cap...but these are all minor, silly details.
We had a fun race. I really enjoyed going back to Michigan to run. I didn't grow up as a runner, and had never actually competed in a Michigan race. Finishing a Michigan race was really the heart of my goal on race day. My new PR and finishing at the top were icing on the cake.
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