I ran (sort of) in the half marathon yesterday, as one of the nearly 8,000 competitors fortunate enough to be able to run on such a nice day.
A nice course and quite a fast one - but for those reviewing the amazing times, it was definitely not an easy day by any means. Yes the cool temperatures were a welcome wakeup call after weeks of hot, humid temperatures on the East Coast. However, it seemed there was a headwind for miles 2-8, then after a nice reprieve in the 9th mile heading back, somehow the wind was there again for a couple more - I wasn't the only one who noticed this!
Despite running miserably myself, the day was just as savoured for my friend's significant PR and seeing the Khannouchi's so happy on the comeback march to Chicago. I only wish I could have seen the 400m sprint finish. He may have lost the sprint to younger (and older) legs yesterday, but if it is windy in Chicago like it was in Philly yesterday - watch out for him to make his mark again! Don't forget, losing a sprint to a 22yr old Kenyan or a former 8:08 steeplechaser is not that surprising, and Khalid seems like a machine into the wind.
On the women's side - well, the top women are just unbelieveable. They may have faded to more normal winning times, but when they powered (or floated) past me between miles 2 and 3, I looked to my right and said out loud, "Holy Crap". I couldn't believe they seemed confident to push 5:05-5:10 pace into the wind, even ahead of some of the "famed" Hanson's uniforms! I don't know if this just killed my psyche, but it became a nightmare after this and when Runyan pulled away easily in Mile 3. The final straw was not having the motivation to stay ahead of the 49yr old Russian women in the final couple of miles alongside Boathouse Row. I have to say though that her stride is very powerful and I can better understand how she can compete week in/week out so well.
There were tons of great runners out there yesterday, I bet 100 of them broke 1:15, which I just find amazing. So if you are looking for a great half next year to mix it up with the best, check out Philly in September. Well organized, well supported, and a flat course with a great finish on the so-called "Avenue of Flags" - one of the best finishing stretches I have seen, even in my relative pain and dejection!