This weekend I had the pleasure(?) of running the Marblehead Half Marathon. Not only did I run it, I set a new personal best! My previous record for 13.1 miles was during the Derry Cheap Marathon in 2022, when I hit the halfway point at around 2:02. I finished Marblehead in 1:58:23, so that’s my new time to beat.
TL;DR
The course was well marked. They started on time. Parking was plentiful. Instructions were clear. Aid stations were spaced well. The food at the end was rewarding, and included chicken sliders, donuts, and even Athletic Brewing NA beers! The ocean views were pleasant.
The Gear
In addition to my Garmin Forerunner 965, I wore my Salomon Adv Skin 12 and [altra_escalante]. Between me and the Altras were a pair of Coolmax socks. Up top, I had a Port Authority cap. Even though it wasn’t hot – the temps were in the 40s the whole time – the cap kept the sun and sweat out of my eyes. I also “wore” Neutrogena Sun Screen, which did a fine job keeping me safe from the nasty UV rays that want to prematurely age my skin.
Even though I did not carry water, as aid stations were plenty, I found the Salomon Adv Skin 12 useful for carrying my phone, airpods, and energy gel.
The Course
The course itself was a bit hillier than other road halfs I have done, but not unmanageable. I used my Garmin Forerunner 965‘s PacePro to set a pacing strategy. I found its in-race guidance very helpful and not at all annoying. It adjusted my targets every mile based on my previous splits, which was helpful.
I would absolutely run this race again. 👍
The Training
Last year I joined Coach Lindsay Parry’s coaching program to prepare for my first 50 miler. I used their program again to train for Marblehead this year. They helped me balance speed work, long runs, and recovery. They also set time trials and adjusted my training paces based on their results. Thanks in no small part to them, and my coach at Fit In New England, I was able to shave nearly 4 minutes off my fastest 13.1 mile segment (and nearly 7 minutes off my fastest 13.1 mile race)!
