Paine to Pain RACE REPORT

Paine to Pain Trail Half Marathon: A Race Report
by Andrew nelson
andy@getfitnyc.com


When you train and race your first Half Marathon you are most concerned about running 13.1 miles. When you run trails for the first time you are concerned about whether you can handle the terrain. This race was neither my first half marathon nor my first time on trails. The race director wrote in the race description to add 15min to your road half marathon time. With a finish time of 1:32:05, this race was my fastest time out of 5 half marathons I've raced; all of which were road. Did I mention that I love to run on trails?

Oct 3rd was a cool 50F with low humidity in New Rochelle, NY, home of the Thomas Paine Cottage and the start and finish line for the 2010 Paine to Pain Trail Half Marathon. The course ran through New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, and Scarsdale, NY, along what is known as “The Patriots Path.” The race course terrain varied from technical climbs and descents, long patches of soft grass, wide and flat sections of trail, and some short sections of road. Trail conditions were good with most of the trails dry and clear of debris; thanks to the town of Mamaroneck clearing 15 trees after a recent storm.

At 8:55am, the Race Director, Eric Turkewicz, said a few words to the racers. At 9am, the sound of a black powder rifle sent 390 brave competitors out on to the course. The course started on a 1/2 mile stretch of blacktop, before turning into the trails. Since I was unfamiliar with the course I started pretty conservatively and tried to get a feel of the competition and the pace of the race. I settled into what I thought was the top 15 racers and went as fast as I could for the terrain.

After the 3rd mile I settled into a range of 6:45 - 7:15 min/mile as so far as the hills, tree roots, rocks and debris allowed. When the hills were steep I took short quick steps and stepped on large flat rocks as often as I could to save energy. I worked on staying relaxed, and drank from my water bottles when my mouth got dry.

My strategy for a half marathon is generally to run to mile 8, then take a walk break. I was good at mile 8 so I decided to push through to mile 10. At mile 10 I thought I heard someone behind me so I did not stop to walk but instead ran faster so I would not get passed. Bad choice! I got passed at mile 10.8. I tried to stay with him, but red lined and had to stop and walk at mile 11.1. I walked for 30 seconds and then hit a blazing 6:45 on the wide flat trail.

At mile 12.5 I ran a little faster. I wanted to be done. I practically sprinted out of the woods and to the finish line. I was the 12th finisher overall (12/390) and the 3rd in my age group (men 30-39).

All in all a great race and fun time!