Go! St. Louis Marathon & Half Marathon 2011
Sunday, April 10th 2011 at 7:00 AM St. Louis, MO- Distances:
- Marathon and Half Marathon
- Weather:
- Local Weather
- Description:
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Registration for the 11th annual GO! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend opened on September 1, 2010. The event features 10 different races for all ages and fitness levels. The popular half marathon presented by PNC Bank sold out in record-breaking time last year, so d... read more
- Website:
- http://www.gostlouis.org/event_detail...
Checking weather...
Race Reports
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Go! Half Marathon
I was really worried about this race. I had some really horrible runs the last few times I was out. The heat did not agree with me this past week. My Achilles, ankle and lower leg started to hurt, my hips were tight and I neglected to stretch ice and roll as I was supposed to this past week. I also spent too long at the expo and goofing off all day prior to the race. Didn't have my gear ready until about midnight last night. No sleep and got up at 4am, I was expecting a horrible race.
However.....it turned out to be an awesome race, even if it was not a PR!!
The plan was to use this race as a practice run for the Kentucky Derby in a few weeks and add 5 more for extra mileage. I saved energy for the extra mileage I thought I was going to run and restrained myself from going out too fast and not push myself too hard in the heat. I just stayed in the moment and enjoyed the race. I made it a absolute priority hydrate very well along the way by taking 2 cups of both Gatoraid and water at every aid station in addition to the liter I was carrying. I felt really good, bouncy and happy with plenty of energy to go well beyond 13 miles.
I think I was pissing people off with how good I felt.
Unfortunately I did not get my extra miles in. I ran a little to go find Chad and run him in. And with a lot of walking and managed to get about maybe another 3.5 miles. I was disappointed that I didn't meet my goal of 18 miles today.
The important thing was that I had fun, got hang out with all my favorite people and got another nice medal to add to my collection!
I ran happy today!
by Annie C. -
A great day, but lots of room for improvement
As a half-marathoner, the frustration with the marathon being shut down mid-race didn't affect me aside from the fact that the race course was packed the entire time and never ended up thinning out like it usually does.
I definitely feel like the race course needs altering for the future. It was far from scenic, in direct sunlight almost the entire race, and had a painful amount of steep hills, including putting the finish line on a hill.
The Gatorade had been watered down at several of the water stations, and some of the stations barely had any water or Gatorade left when I went through.
I was also disappointed by the lack of entertainment along the race course. My last half marathon, there was some form of entertainment every two miles, and each of the water stations had a theme and volunteers dressed up in costumes. Maybe it was the heat, but there wasn't the usual enthusiasm and excitement that I've seen at other races.
This was my first race in St. Louis. If they alter the course, I would definitely give it another try and hope for better weather.
by Jenn J.
