Brian St.George ran the Hope Springs 5K and finished with a time of 16:39.
A new course for the race this year had us starting and finishing in the hockey arena (no ice). Temp was 39 degrees, cloudy with some light drizzle just before the race. I finished 1st overall for the 3rd straight year, so I have to be pleased with that. Course was .1 short, so no 5K PR…but I’m close, so I’m happy with my current fitness level.
John Ranger ran the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon and finished this race in the time of 3:18:52. This was a PR by 11 seconds!
I was running this for charity (Heart Foundation in Australia) so wanted to put in a good effort. My recent “fast finish” long run gave me a lot of confidence going in and weather, although cold, was pretty perfect.
I had to have a couple of early pit stops but got though the first half in 1:39:48. I felt strong the whole of the second half and buoyed with a quick and emotional family hug at 22 miles I was able to power home in 1:39:04. That gave me a total time of 3:18:52, an 11 second PR and an absolutely fantastic day out. This should be on every marathoner’s bucket list!
Mike Haney ran the Big Sur International Marathon and finished with a time of 3:53:31.
Despite far tougher conditions (sustained 20-30 mph winds), I shaved 9 minutes off of last year’s time. This was one of my most challenging road races and I was able to use my RC training and good old mental toughness to nearly achieve my goal. I also overcame recent injuries and a freak pre-race accident.
Mike Sheridan ran the London Marathon and finished the race event in the time of 2:54:24. This was a personal record by 3 mins 20 secs.
Running heaven….the wind dropped from Saturday, the clouds parted and we were off…., the first mile was uneventful until a runner from my home town “Nick” cruised up alongside and said “Hiya Mike….”. He was on a 2:55:xx plan and so was I. Finished in 2:54:24 and 1st age grade; fastest 5km was the last one…..in 19:57 . Negative split for the race of 2 mins 6 seconds and I also broke a 36 year old record and lie 2nd on the All time UK (age grade) list for the marathon, so very happy! Of course, none of this could be possible without the training plans I have had from Coach Sarah and the support of the RC community at large…
Tom McCray ran the Cornerstone 5k and finished in a time of 20:59, which was a 24 seconds PR!
Kicked off my birthday celebration with a local tune up race. The PR was a huge surprise and boost to my confidence because we were running in a heavy downpour.
Jeff McCullough ran the Marin half/10k/5k (10k) with a finishing time of 56:21, which was a PR!
First off, I haven’t done any sort of race for a long time, and I hadn’t ever really trained for them. Signing up for RC has been great, and I’ve enjoyed seeing my progress and having it verified as the training plan unfolded.
Now it was race day. I was both excited and a bit nervous. I followed the race plan which worked very well. I started out a little slower than race pace and did negative splits by the end. Those strides the plan had me do beforehand turned out to be perfect as I felt my stride open up for the last half mile. All the pieces came together, the preparation and the execution. I nailed the expected race pace. Woo hoo!!!
Vanda Doyle ran the Windsor 1040EZ 5k and finished this race in the time of 31:13. This was a PR by 36 seconds!
This was only my third 5km race and my first goal race after commencing training in January. A 25 year break from sprinting/running before that. Frankly, it was a victory to follow a program through to its goal. In this race I built on lessons learnt in the interim race last month. I kept the good race-warm up, ate more effectively, again readily allowed more than half the field to run past but this time had warmer upper legs which were more responsive throughout. In this race, unlike the interim race, I had a tougher mental push since I had visualized and run this local course. In training I had also practised re-energizing the core and hamstrings at the end of sessions when tired (was determined not to falter to a walk as I did a month ago (time 31:49)). Because of this, I was able to at least make a small difference at the end. My two children and dog ran parallel in the last 0.5 and that was absolutely wonderful! Disappointed to have only really passed 3 people although I managed to catch up to a friend which inspired her to take off to the finish. Happy to have given 100% even when I wanted to back off. Determined to continue training so I can reach the desired 20. Coaches and RC team provide tremendous support. Many thanks.
Cherisse Haakonsen ran the Jams Joyce Ramble 10k and finished in 53.19.
It was my first race in over a year. After injuries and feeling like I would never get to a start line again I was so happy to be there, with all the other runners and their families. Definitely not my best time but it was one of my best races ever!
Jon Whitehouse ran the London Marathon and finished with a time of 2:59:12. This was a new personal record by 3:09.
Ever since I watched the London Marathon as a kid I’ve wanted to run it. And with the years ticking by I wanted to run under 3 hours before I got too old. So that’s two lifetime ambitions achieved and I’m very happy to have ticked them off. It is an amazing feeling to be running with so many other runners cheered on by incredibly enthusiastic crowds almost every step of the way.
Honestly I’m a little bit frustrated I wasn’t able to dig deeper in the last 3-4 miles and improve my PB a little bit more from last October’s 3:02:21. I can see I ran too fast between miles 13 and 20 and paid for it between 22-23, after which I was just running in to the finish.
Overall delighted to have experienced this great event, grateful for the support from Runners Connect and relieved to have ended up just under not just over the 3 hour mark (there were moments in the last miles when that seemed touch and go.)
Rick Sansoucy ran the Cheshire Half Marathon and finished this distance in the time of 1:59:05.
This was half-marathon #20 for me. Although not the fastest, it was among the best. I went out very easy (9:29/9:14) and then settled into a great 9:05 groove through mile 10. Still felt good and kicked it up for the last three miles (8:44/8:49/8:26) and did the last short stretch at 8:18.
The most important thing about this run was that I listened to my body and ran in the right range for the day, only occasionally checking my watch. I was coming off a minor strain and didn’t want to overdo. It was great fun to be comfortable in the middle miles and then have enough in the tank to attack the last few miles. Going forward this is the way I will approach every race!
Christian Willis ran the London Marathon and completed this race event in the time of 3:30:04. This was a personal record by 10 minutes!
Although this is only my second marathon (first one was 2 years ago), I have done several half marathons and one of my biggest downfalls is doing the first half too fast. I really felt I held back for the first half and when I noticed I was going too fast I would slow myself down. I would have liked to have done a negative split but a 36 second positive split I should be proud of. The last 4 miles my calf was twinging and I had issues with it in my tune up race so was trying to keep that in check and my quads really tightened up (as usual). A 10 minute PR and to be able to enjoy running along the Embankment at mile 25 was a great experience. To have 26 miles of cheering crowds is a truly amazing experience. Also I was spotted on the TV coverage so almost famous 🙂
Paul Schnell ran the London Marathon and finished in a time of 4:25:24, which was a PR!
London is a spectacular first-time race. 4:25:24 official time, aiming for 4:20 but I’m happy with the finish!
Thanks to the coaches for a great plan & support, in particular Michael for motivational updates and support though PF injury (which lost me about 100miles in training in Jan). A big experimental part of the training has been the switch to low-carb, high-fat diet in Sep 2015. Although it goes against conventional wisdom I felt great in terms of energy through the race with no carb loading at all and a diet of less than 50g carbs per day. This has given me great confidence in this approach and a bonus of 17kg/37lb loss in weight.
Roll on NY marathon in Nov, now I just need to figure out how to train the legs to keep pace after 19 miles. I was floating up to 19 but the legs really struggled after that, still I feel there is enough time to fix that by NY!
Stephane Rinkin ran the Shanghai Half Marathon and finished in 1:29:33, which was a 3 minutes PR!
My goal was to be below 1h30minutes. I missed it 2 weeks ago and this time, it is done. I am very happy that all the hard work paid at the end.
Patrick Callahan ran the Pacers Parkway Classic 10 Miles and finished with a time of 1:49:54, which was a PR!
It took nine months of consistent training including the last three months with RC support from coaches and the community to get to the finish line. First double-digit run and of course first 10 miler. Stepping up from a 5K and a four miler put me at the back of the pack and it was tough mentally and physically and I plan to race this one again next year and hope to move up.
Suzanne Anderson ran the Sly Fox Half Marathon and finished the race with a time of 1:44:16.
This was supposed to be a half marathon but the race organizers either failed to mark the route appropriately or miscalculated it because it became a 12 mile race. Even though it ended up short of the half marathon distance, I ran well and was happy with my performance. I had a lot left in me at the end so know I would have had a fast last mile.
This wasn’t a PR for me, but this is the fastest half marathon pace I’ve had in 14 years (when I was much younger ☺️) so it’s definitely a masters PR! I beat my pace from September of 2014 by a minute and my pace from May of 2015 by 33 seconds, and this race was a hilly course. I never would have been able to improve this much without Coach Jamie’s help and her confidence in me that I can run this fast. Thank you!
Alex Tran ran the Shade Tree Trot 5k, finishing this distance in the time of 21:41.
I was able to cut 30 sec/mile off my pace from a tune-up race a month ago (from 7:30 to 7:00). Since I started with RunnersConnect in February, I have yet to run faster than 7:40 on any workout. Yet, I was able to average 7:00 for this race. It was a good reminder to trust the training.
Fabio Barbalace ran the George Washington Parkway Classic 10 Miles and finished in 1:35:23. This was a PR by 6 minutes 33 seconds.
About six months ago I ran my first 10-mile race, which is an unusual distance for someone originally from Italy, but I had a lot of fun doing it using the walk-run method. Two months later I “met” Runners Connect, which led to a personal 30′ PR in the marathon. This race, one month after my marathon PR, is the example of how hard work and dedication can pay off even while reaching the middle age, and everyone around you keeps saying that you should give up running for the bicycle. It is the result of a lot of factors. Diet, strength training, and of course a wonderful group of coaches and plenty of miles on the road. I want to dedicate this result to my coaches, because they are able to make me keep my feet on the ground without sacrificing big dreams. I won’t probably never run a sub-three hours marathon, and maybe I will never qualify for Boston, but today I was smiling like a baby at the finish line, and I ran my last mile 1 minute faster than the previous one. This is special, and no one can take it from me.
Leslie May ran the Galveston Divas Half Marathon and finished with a time of 1:55:29, which was a 16 seconds PR!
Ok, so it was only 16 seconds, but it was 68F, some wind, compared to my last half in February where I ran peaked at 59. Fun race, learned mentally I perform better in an out and back, the loop races just drive me crazy and tire me out more. Don’t like the same scenery — very motivating to see where I know the finish is.
I won my age group, which is a first for me, met the lady at the start who finished second, we hit it off. Love talking with other runners. Best comment someone made to me, “it’s not just the miles, it’s the make.”
Matt Donkin ran the London Marathon and finished this race event in the time of 4:16:51. This was a massive PR by 38:14.
The crowd support was phenomenal and, thankfully, the weather forecast (rain and hail) didn’t materialise (as evident by my farmers tan at the end!). There were 33,000 in the mass start and it was tricky at first, making my way through runners.
Started off well and on my target for breaking 4 hours but knew by halfway that it would be a struggle. My right calf started tightening and then I developed some blisters on my right foot – something that has never happened before. Walked through a couple of water stations after 20 miles as was hurting but managed to stick at it and finish well. Saw my wife and kids at mile 24 which was a great pick me up. I really hope my 2 eldest have seen something in that hard work brings results!
My first marathon was London 4 years ago. I was 38 then and (obviously) 42 now for my second marathon. The fact I beat my previous best by over 38 minutes is fantastic and something I’m very proud of. It’s also, I think, a testament to the fantastic program and coaching that RC offers. Thanks guys!
Mark Ballou ran the 2016 Descanso Gardens Earth Day 10K and finished with a time of 56:06.
A race to celebrate Earth Day and support the lovely Descanso Gardens in La Cañada, this wasn’t a PR or anything. Honestly the course was a bit too challenging to expect that– twisty with some short but steep hills. I went in hoping to sub-55, but am pleased with 56.
What made this race special was that my neighbor is the race director, and out of the blue he asked me to test the course for him in advance. Though he hires a professional to physically measure it with a site survey measuring wheel, he likes to have to have some runner GPS results for reference as well. Anyway, I ran the loop course 5 times on Thurs and helped him make some adjustments, as it was measuring on average a bit short.
Overall I got free entry, was offered pay (but declined) and felt like I made a contribution on a whole new level as runner. So, I didn’t PR, but I’m winning.
David Young ran the St Lukes Half Marathon with a finishing time of 1:45:06. This was a new personal record by 10:06.
Completed my second HM ever and first one with RC. I’m pleased with the results that 16+ weeks of RC training yielded. This was my first venture into any kind of structured training so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I followed the program as closely as I could and only had to skip one run and rearrange 2 or 3 workouts. The whole training cycle was filled with ups and downs but I put faith in the training even though some of it seemed counter-intuitive such as running slow to get faster. The end result was that I finished the race at 1:45:05 – 8:01/mile pace.
Just couldn’t hang onto the pace for the last few miles. They say hindsight is better than foresight so perhaps I should have let those middle miles slip by somewhat and saved it for the end. Oh well. Rookie mistake. Overall a small victory for me.
For any new RC members reading this, my advice to you is to trust the training. The program does work. If I can achieve 10 minute HM pr since my last one 5 months ago, anybody can! Thank you to all of the coaches and other runners who provided the support and inspiration to make it through this training cycle.
Brian Putnam ran the OKC Memorial Half Marathon and finished the race with a time of 1:52:18, which was a PR!
I trained, ate, and hydrated well; pre-fueled, refueled, and drank along the course perfectly. The only thing wrong was that I couldn’t get through the crowd to my pace group…had to start pretty far back.
My time goals were 1:48:00 threshold and 1:35:00 objective. I didn’t hit my goal outright, but peeling back the elements reveals that my equivalent run actually smashed it. My official finish time was 1:52:18. Adjusting for 25 mph wind puts me at a 6:59 pace, which would’ve been a 1:31:32 finish…even better than I’d hoped if all things lined up.
Even this official finish time is a PR both for the course and for my HM portfolio. And it’s a successive PR (set a new one in Tulsa back in November) so this one’s really a triple whammy! Under the circumstances, I believe finishing in the Top 8% overall and Top 11% of my age group qualifies as a very successful venture for my final HM. Oh, and not collapsing at the finish line as I did after my first one in 2014, and being able to walk effortlessly up and down 4 flights of stairs twice at the parking garage makes it that much sweeter!
Dean Morley ran the London Marathon and finished in a time of 2:56:41.
Today was made a bit special as my wife also ran, and managed a PB of 3.28 so we have a nice race memento of a photo of the two of us at the end with our finisher’s medals 🙂 More or less ran even pace with first/ second half under 1 minute apart. Placed 63 in my age group and 1476 overall. Although just over a minute off my PB a couple of years ago, so pleased with this sub-3 as was injured for almost 12m and during some of this time wasn’t sure if I would make it back/ be able to get back under 3; so if anyone out there is struggling with injury, preserve, cross-train (if you can) and above all, keep the faith!! Thanks to all advice and encouragement from Runner’s Connect coaches also other RC team mates.
Carmen López-Acevedo ran the Rocknroll Madrid Marathon and finished with a time of 4:45:08, which was a PR!
I first started running on 17th March 2015, when I couldn’t run 5 minutes let alone 5km. I started slowly but soon got hooked and dreamt about one day doing a Marathon. Just 13 months later my dream came true! Preparation wise I took a salt stick with breakfast, then at km 5 at the water station had some goo chews and water, gels at 10km, 19km, 27km and 35km. The good thing about Madrid marathon is that they give you bottles not cups of water so I took one every 5km and drank them or poured over my head when it started getting very hot. I had a low moment at km 28 when the gel and the heat made me queasy, but I got through it. All in all I’m so happy with my result and my journey to get here, thanks team RC!
Jane Bosio ran the Rodeo Beach Rumble 30k and completed this distance in the time of 3:43.
The course was very challenging, a trail race with miles of uphill, rocky downhills and single track, some steep climbs with 2500 of elevation gain. I had no idea what to expect of the course, i’ve run in the area before, and it’s always fun and difficult. My goal was 3:55 based on the last year’s winner in my age group of 4:20 – I finished in approx 3:42 and was thrilled!
Felt really good until the last 2 miles, which was a revelation about the additional miles and harder workouts. Thank you to the coaches who provided challenging workouts and support. I felt more in control and stronger than any race prior.
Kristie Rios ran the Pat’s Run, Arizona and finished in a time of 1:12:13.
This was my first tune up race! I love the process I’ve made with RC. There are days I feel fantastic and day I feel like my body is completely broken. I do my best to continue the process knowing that I’m improving my body with each workout. I feel better about this run because I felt more consistent in my running. I broke my foot a year ago and it was tough recovery. I’m happy to be running at any pace.
Cheryl Red ran the FroYo 10k and finished in 58:45, which was a PR by 4 minutes!
It was my fastest 10k. My previous PR was 62:45, and I wanted to break 60 minutes. I broke it by 1:15, which made me very happy! I was worn out afterward, but had no problem finishing! Very happy!
Karen Hulbert ran the Boston Marathon with a finishing time of 4:19:35.
It’s been a dream of mine for a couple of years to run this. I never thought it would be possible but then I came on-board with RunnersConnect and things just fell into place. So amazing, so emotional, so much fun.
I missed a PR by 15 seconds but considering the temps and headwind, I’ll take it. Flying down the hills was a blast but am paying for it now. The crowds were terrific. It’s an experience like no other. Loved seeing everyone at the meet-up on Saturday night.
David Lynn ran the Boston Marathon and finished with a time of 3:21.56. This was a PR by 8 minutes!
It is the Boston Marathon. Training went very well until 18 days before race when I had a grade 1 left hamstring strain. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to run, I had dry needling done by a PT 12 days before race and ran 10 easy miles 10 days before Boston with no pain. I ran a few more easy runs before race along with elliptical work. My goal was 3:20 and I was capable of running that. Temperature at start was 70 (per my garmin) and I think that contributed to a slower time after visiting with others who ran whose times were slower. My hamstring felt fine but I did cramp up the last 6 miles. I’m going to check into salt products for runners before next years Boston marathon. I ran a 1:35 first half which was the plan and had I not cramped up could have made my time goal. My other goal was to finish in the top 100 in my age group (55-59). I finished 86th which surprised me since the last 2 years times would have needed to 3:15 to be in the top 100. This is my 2nd Boston marathon (ran in 2015) and only 4th marathon ever. I ran 2 marathons in the mid 1990’s. I know I can run faster and have some ideas on the next Boston marathon training cycle.
Richard Correa ran the Boston Marathon and finished with a time of 4:49:37.
Running for Dana-Farber to raise money for cancer research.
Michelle Santora ran the Big Sur International Marathon and finished with a time of 4:42:37. This was a PR by 4 minutes!
Challenging course with endless hills and slanted roads but great food along the way! Bananas, oranges and the best peanut butter cookies ever before tackling 520 ft climb over 2 miles to the top of Hurricane Point! And I can’t forget to mention the glorious strawberries at mile 23!
Overall, I did the best I could given the hills, wind and a screaming IT band! My goal was to run in the moment and take in the beauty of the course! It was an amazing race experience! This was my second marathon and beat my first marathon time by 4 mins!!!
