FIDUCIA Baden-Marathon Karlsruhe 2010: halfmarathon – 1:10:28h (5th place)

September 19, 2010

After three 10K-races in the last three weeks it was time for a halfmarathon-test. The course in Karlsruhe is known to be fast so I was aiming for a faster time than in the German Halfmarathon Championships in spring (my fastest HM this year so far). Even though the time of 70:28min is nothing special I made some important experiences in the race.

Most of all I’m lucky about the negative split: 33:32min for the 1st 10K and 33:20min for the 2nd 10K. Running negative splits is something I get a lot of motivation from. Furthermore the kilometers 17-20 felt like real running, a feeling I haven’t had for a long time.

After the race my legs were pretty sore. The cool-down jog was extremely slow and I will have to take some more time off, than after the 10K-competitions.

Also the progress of the race was positive compared to previous races. Until 9K I was running with a 5 men-group but on a short uphill I lost around 15-20m. After that I followed my own pace, which meant I was 10-40m behind the group without making contact. Only at the 16km mark one of the other guys was dropped from the group and after I passed him I had a good “comeback”. With three kilometers to go I found myself leading the group and pushing the pace. Unfortunately two guys came back and passed me in the final kilometer. However, the feeling of coming back gives me a positive sight on the race.

Results can be found from here.