I went into this race perhaps better trained than for any running race I've done. Since working with Hart Strength & Endurance, I've added speed work, tempo runs, hill repeats, and long runs with speed work into my running repertoire. The results are clear -- I am getting faster and my endurance is at a great place for a half marathon-distance race. I was excited to line-up at the starting line for the Fort Hill Half and see what my fitness would yield. My last half marathon, in the fall, I had trained for by doing some slow long runs, but done little else. I finished in 2:16. With a more structured plan for this race I was planning to run 9:45 miles and finish with a PR in the 2:10 range.
The weather in New England has been most unfortunate this spring and Sunday was no exception with weather in the low to mid 30s with wind and the threat of freezing rain. Thankfully, the rain held off, though I was quite motivated throughout the race to run fast and finish before the rain was scheduled to start around noon.
Sunday morning, I headed over to the Fort Hill Brewery for pre-race check-in. The race was scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m., but I had to pick up my bib, so I arrived about half an hour early, which was plenty of time. Getting my bib and free tech t-shirt was a breeze. In the free time, I ran back to the car to drop off my shirt before heading back to the brewery to wait inside for the race to start. It was cold out, and I wanted to head to the start line at the last possible minute. The brewery was packed with like-minded runners all trying to stay warm.
At around 10 minutes to race-time, I headed outside to the starting line. I'll give it to the race organizers; they started promptly. Much appreciated by this runner!
The race organizers' website describes the Fort Hill Half Marathon course in the following way:
Get ready to take in some inspiring Pioneer Valley scenery! Our half marathon course follows quiet roads and shaded bike paths as it passes farm fields with views of Mount Tom. The course has only 472 feet of elevation gain with no long climbs. This will keep things fun and challenging for sure but if you want to PR or just a fun running experience then this is a course where you can get it!
I am in total agreement about this write-up. The course was totally manageable with a lot of flats and downhill segments and one or two rolling hills to keep things interesting. The biggest hill on the course was no more than a couple minute climb.
The running route started out by taking us along some back-roads towards the bike path. It was fairly windy and chilly. I had seeded myself somewhat aggressively and that, combined with the need to warm up, meant that I started out at a somewhat fast pace. I quickly checked my watch and then checked my reality. I honed in on running at around a 9:45 pace as we hit mile 1 and the bike path. The next few miles took us further into Easthampton, along the bike path. We ran near downtown, past Williston Northampton School.
Right before mile five, we turned off the bike path and headed up the longest hill of the course into a residential area. The next four or so miles took us through some of the neighborhoods of Easthampton. Despite the weather, there were spectators outside their homes cheering on the runners. (Fun fact: I saw my former boss from Smith College and her husband at around mile four of the bike path -- how festive!) The last mile of this section we turned into a pretty strong headwind of the type to make one questions one's life choices. I was glad when we turned into a wooded area where we were more protected from the elements.
We ran through Nonotuck Park for what was probably my favorite part of the course. I had never been to Nonotuck and found it to be scenic and a fun place to run. We exited the park and ran once again into some strong wind as we headed back to the bike path. At this point I was hustling along at 9:30 miles and, with only a couple miles to go, I was feeling tired. I really wanted to PR on this course and decided to focus and run as hard as I could. This is what all that training was for. Time to run courageously!
The last mile was truly a challenge to hang on and keep pace. Finishing up the race on the bike path was ideal because it meant I had to just truck ahead without worrying about elevation or turns. Interestingly enough, my watch clicked past 13.1 about 0.4 miles (and four minutes) before I crossed the finish line. I counted down in my head and surged forward to cross the finish with a chip time of 2:08:55.
I was tired and my legs were dead. I hobbled over to grab myself a free slice of pizza and a beer (which I didn't finish because I really wanted some water at that point). I hung out for a minute and then headed out since the bar was packed, and I needed a shower.
Weather aside, the Fort Hill Brewery Half Marathon was a fun day. The course was a nice mix of flat and rolling hills -- enough to keep it interesting. It wasn't the most scenic half I've ever done, though I liked the divide between bike path, neighborhoods, and park. The race was well organized and close to home. There was sufficient swag: a tech t-shirt, a medal, pizza and beer. I wish there had been a few more aid stations along the course, but it's a modest complaint in the grand scheme of things. This is a race that fit a niche in my calendar -- I wanted a spring half marathon to keep focused on training this winter and the Fort Hill Brewery Half Marathon fit the bill. It's not a must-do race for me for next year, but it's certainly one I can see doing again depending on circumstances. All in all, pretty good for a race in its inaugural year.