Walk Into the Future

Tag: Lake Eola

  • 2024 OUC Half Marathon

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    “It takes an endless amount of history to make even a little tradition”.

    (Henry James)

    The Walk into the Future blog has a ton of history with the OUC Half Marathon.  I started my half marathon journey at the 2013 OUC Half Marathon on the promise to run with a seasoned running friend.  She convinced me to step up from running 5ks and jump into the half marathon arena with the promise we would run it together.  Well, my friend Lauren and her family moved to Dallas, Texas before race day and I decided to still run it since I committed to the process.  The 2013 OUC Marathon is the slowest I have ever run a half marathon, and I am always trying to improve my time when I toe the line in downtown Orlando.

    So, as you can see I have a lot of tradition with the OUC Half Marathon and Track Shack.  I look forward to this race every year.  The 2024 OUC Half Marathon was my eleventh time running the event.  I decided not to run the 2018 version to avoid the miles of brinks on the course.  The course was changed in 2019 to ensure runners did not have to endure the same number of miles running on the brink streets.  What’s the big deal?  Most of the brinks are uneven and cause some runners to stumble and makes you slow down to avoid a misstep while on the brinks.  I was happy that Track Shack adjusted the course to protect runners towards a safe race outcome.

    I entered the 2024 OUC Half Marathon without a preset finish time in mind.  I did not complete a specific training program for this race since I was still coming off the Chicago Marathon high.  I ran consistently in November with a 6-mile run during Thanksgiving week being my longest run in the training cycle.  I had multiple 5-mile training runs leading up to race day but did not extend to double digit runs since my fitness levels were still high off the Chicago Marathon training cycle.  I did not know how this would translate to race day, but I was content to give this process a run.  My legs felt fresh so I knew I would complete the half marathon; it was just a matter of how fast I would run on race day.

    Track Shack upgraded the EXPO experience this year and moved it to The Plaza Live.  This was the first year the EXPO was not located at the Track Shack location but provided a larger venue and parking space for race participants.  The bib pickup process was seamless and there were several vendors at the EXPO including local TV stations to promote the race and the impact Track Shack has on the Orlando running community. 

    I was in communication with the Track Shack Vice President of Communications prior to the EXPO and we conducted an interview at the EXPO to highlight my Walk into the Future and how running with Track Shack helps me with content. I’m not sure when this footage will be released but I will share when it drops. 😊

    Fast forward to race day and the temperature was 42 at the start.  I made a Goodwill run the night before to get a throw-away sweatshirt to wear prior to starting the race.  I learned about this trick at larger races and used this concept at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.  Most race organizers collect these items and donate to homeless shelters. This was the best $6.99 investment I have ever made because 42 is cold to stand around without warm clothing.

    I got to the start/finish line in plenty time to warm up and get a few pictures before the race started.  I originally positioned myself towards the back of the starting corral but decided to move up towards the faster runners since I felt good about my fitness and decided to commit to running fast.  I was not sure what fast meant but the weather conditions were favorable to get out fast and maintain the pace.  I did not set a time goal but going out hard and controlled were the main things I wanted to accomplish. 

    Track Shack changed the course again this year to make the race a better experience for all runners.  I did not know the impact of the course change prior to the race but enjoyed running on less bricks this year.  Did I say I hate running on the bricks? 😊

    Fast forward and I ran 2:10:39 (9:53 per mile) this year.  This was my 5th fastest of 37 lifetime half marathons.  I ran my fastest half marathon during the 2019 OUC Marathon (2:05:51 / 9:33 per mile).  Not bad considering my long run since Chicago was 6 miles.  I trained between the two races but did not dedicate time to long distance running.  Looks like my fitness levels still got me around the course.  I was able to finish the last mile of the race with a nice kick and a smile on my face.  FYI—the lack of humidity in the air really is great for runners.  I did not want to waste this opportunity to go fast this year. 😊 Fastest mile was #3 @9:32 and slowest mile was #12 @10:28.

    I got my beer and some pictures in the race village but didn’t hang around as long this year because it was still in the 50s.  I did not have my throw away sweatshirt anymore so I decided to head to my vehicle so I could get back to my hotel and warm up.

    I am happy with my results this year and look forward to a fast 2025 racing season.

    Lining up some new races for 2025 to bring to the Walk into the Future blog. 

    Thanks for joining me!

    Irie!

    Calvin Williams

    “Tradition is a guide and not a jailer”.

    (Brainy Quote)

  • 2023 OUC Half Marathon

    OUC Track Shack

    “Don’t dream of winning, train for it”.

    (Mo Farah)

    My Walk into the Future continues to seek out new opportunities and challenges to move me forward.

    Distance running and racing have become a huge part of this process.  2023 generated an aggressive running schedule that allowed me to run new half marathons to add to my medal rack.  The 2023 OUC Half Marathon was the 10th time I tackled this race.  I missed the 2018 race to run a smaller half marathon on Amelia Island.  The OUC Half Marathon was also my first half marathon so I guess you can say this race launched my distance running program.

    I love the races put on by Orlando Track Shack so expect to run this race annually until I can’t anymore.

    The 2023 OUC Half Marathon was scheduled 8 days before the 2023 Palm Beaches Marathon so viewed this edition as an extension of my marathon training.  My long training runs ended the week prior but never want to feel like I’m missing out on the great vibes at the OUC race.  My training plan called for me to taper my running since I was at the end of my training cycle but decided to toe the line at the OUC half anyway.  The course is flat and friendly so decided to have fun and enjoy the process of racing in downtown Orlando.

    I arrived early this year since I had trouble finding parking last year.  Didn’t want to feel rushed when I arrived so found parking in a downtown parking garage and made my way over to the race village.  I had time to stretch and socialize a bit prior to lining up for the start of the race.

    The temperature was in the low 70s at race time with equal humidity.  The forecast called for a gradual rise in morning temperatures so wanted to get moving to beat the heat.

    I decided to line up further back in the start corral and use that as part of my race strategy.  I tend to go out a lot faster when I’m close to the front so wanted to create a steady pace and stay measured throughout the race.  I didn’t have a set finish time in mind but wanted to test my fitness to gauge how ready I was for the 2023 Palm Beaches Marathon.

    Targeted the first 8 miles of the race as my strategic marker to see how long I can run without discomfort and determine my marathon pace for next week.  Eight miles seemed like an appropriate test—my plan was to pull back on the pace once I hit eight miles and then just take in the race day environment and the cheering crowds.

    I wanted to stay in the 9:50 per mile pace for this race to clock miles and work on strategy.  I had to keep reminding myself not to push too hard or fast since I had a full marathon coming up in 8 days.  My normal strategy is to push the pace for this race since the course is flat and I can normally get a fast time.  I set my personal record (PR) on this same course in 2019 and always think I can beat that time.  This was not the day to try for another PR.

    I hit the eight-mile marker without any pain or discomfort.  I was still running high 9-minute miles but decided to race smartly and began the process of pulling back to save my legs for the full marathon.  The rising temperatures and humidity made the decision to pull back a lot easier this year too. 😊

    Completed the race in 2:22 (two hours and 22 minutes) for a 10:50 per mile pace.  Very happy with this pace and effort considering the temperature, humidity and a pending full marathon coming up next week.

    Got a chance to catch up with some of my Orlando running friends at the race after party.  Nothing like a 13.1-mile race, donuts, and beer all before 10 am in Central Florida.

    Next stop?  The 2023 Palm Beaches Marathon!

    Irie!

    “I’ll be happy if running and I grow old together”.

    (Haruki Murakami)