Race Report: Peterborough 1/2 Marathon 2014

Original flat course:
2007- 2:07:06
2008- 1:53:55
2009- 1:49:17
2010 - 1:45:26

New hilly course:
2011 - 1:38:54 
2013 - 1:43:18 (119/400, 23/40 M35-39, 97/223 Men)
2014 - 1:42:38 (94/335, 12/28 M35-39, 79/192 Men)

I'm actually a little surprised that I beat last year's time... last year I had mostly abandoned the bike in favour of a run-heavy preparation for the Toronto Marathon.  This year I've mostly abandoned running in favour of a bike-heavy preparation for Ironman, yet I'm a faster runner.

Wild.

I assume the less-than-ideal winter had a lot to do with the reduced numbers at this race.   Training wasn't easy at times, and when I was out I saw a lot fewer runners than most winters.

Sufferfest - is there anything it can't do?

I felt extremely strong at the end, which either means I prepared better than last year or my fitness is better.  

I tend to think the latter - I have been really hitting the Sufferfest videos, and they are intense.  Best of all, they teach you to find that intensity after almost 2 hours in the saddle (ISLAGIATT).. which hits the spot in a 1/2 marathon.  I was able to really up my pace in the last few kilometers when those around me were fading.

What this Race Is Like

For anyone thinking of doing this race, think "challenging".  Hills are brutal, there is one particular one that goes through the lift lock that you hit both ways... it's tough.  Not a PB course.

Enjoy!