Goals for the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon

Well it’s finally here, my last race of the spring season:  The 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon!

I know I haven’t talked about this race much, but over the last few weeks, I did pick up my training intensity in preparation for this very hilly half marathon in Pennypack Park.  I can’t wait to run the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon and have another fun experience!

I’m joining Jill Conyers for the Health, Fitness, and Happiness linkup!  Check it out for some great workout tips and healthy recipes!

[bctt tweet=”Race day is almost here! Sharing my goals for the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon in Philly! #runchat #run215″ username=”Janelle_RWNR”]

Goals for the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon:

It’s so funny, every time I think about my recent post about repeating races (I’m generally team “one and done”), I think about how I’ll be running the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon for the second time while Bret will be running it for the third time!  Sometimes, you just have a special race that you love to run again and again.  This is one of our absolute favorites.  Just check out my recap from last year’s race!

My training hasn’t been the best the last couple of months, and I’m okay with that because I’ve really been enjoying myself.  I guess getting a few PR’s along the way didn’t hurt!  But seriously, I think I’ll be in a pretty decent place for this race, as long as the weather cooperates (fingers crossed)!

Racing Strategy:

Racing in June is always tough in the Northeast part of the country.  The weather can get really hot, and at last year’s race, it was hot AND humid!  The advantage this year though is that I know just what to expect at this race, so I plan to be much more strategic!  Here’s the plan:

• Go back to my lucky racing shoes:  Mizuno Wave Rider’s.  I missed wearing them at KOP!
• Start out at around a 10.5-minute pace.  I do NOT want to burn out the first few miles before I start hitting hills!
• Stay strong on the hills and take advantage of the downhills.  Most of the hills are short and steep.
• Hopefully, finish around 2:25.  This would be an over 10-minute course PR over last year, so that would be a huge accomplishment!

Fueling and Hydration:

At last year’s race, the heat and humidity really slowed me down.  There was absolutely nothing I could do about it, and I know this could be a big factor in my performance this weekend.  Earlier in the week there was a forecast of potential showers on race morning, but I think we’ll be in the clear. Overall, I don’t want to worry about it.

I looked back at my 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut recap from 2015 and forgot how much I struggled with running and taking the Clif Shot Bloks.  Stopping to walk to take them every 3 miles was really inconvenient.  This year, I’m using my Nathan belt instead of handheld so that should make things a lot easier.

No matter the outcome, I look forward to having fun, enjoying the scenery and positivity, and being German for a day!

And last, I want to wish good luck to everyone who’s running ZOOMA Annapolis on Saturday!  I wish I could be there with you all, I can’t wait to hear how it went!

Are you racing this weekend?  Do you like to run races in the heat?