I won’t go so far as to say my race times don’t mean anything, but over the years I’ve learned they don’t really mean a whole lot. I’m primarily talking about half marathons here, because that’s primarily what I run. I also don’t mean to disparage anyone and their time goals. Let me explain.
I ran my first half marathon when I was 28 years old. I finished in 2:20:04. I recently completed my 41st half marathon in my 39th state, Utah (2:06:24) and over the years my finish times have been all over the place. Well, sort of. Let’s take a closer look at that.
My fastest finish was 1:55:28 at Spearfish Canyon Half Marathon, South Dakota- 34th state. Prior to that, my fastest finish was 1:56:16 at Evansville Half Marathon, Indiana-13th state. So many years had passed since the race in Indiana that I thought there was no way I would ever beat that time, but sure enough I did thanks to the downhill course in South Dakota. Of note, I didn’t win any age-group awards at either of these races.
On the flip side, my slowest finish was 2:35:42 at Arbuckles to Ardmore Race for Mercy Half Marathon, Oklahoma-21st state which was right around when I was diagnosed with anemia. I really struggled to get my times back down after my diagnosis and it took years until I felt like I was back to my pre-anemia running self. I hovered around the 2:05 mark until I finally broke sub-2 hours again at the Frederick Half Marathon, Maryland- 33rd state with a finish of 1:59:48. This was a well-organized, fun race and I think that all contributed to my finish time.
I managed to finish first in my age group at the Roller Coaster Half Marathon, Missouri- 32nd state, but the funny thing about that is it wasn’t even one of my fastest times (2:04). When I finished second in my age group at the Dixville Half Marathon, New Hampshire- 35th state (1:57) that was my third fastest finish time ever but my time at the McKenzie River Half Marathon, Oregon- 36th state (2:02:32) was one of several race times around 2:02 and I finished third in my age group. The difference in these races was the conditions and the courses. As I said in my post about the race in Oregon, it was one of the toughest courses I’ve ever ran, so I was really happy with my finish time, regardless of what the clock said.
Over the years, I’ve learned how weather, hills, and wind are all huge contributing factors in race times. For whatever reason, I seem to have chosen a lot of hilly courses, so my times have been slower than if I would have chosen flatter or downhill courses. I guess I’m a glutton for punishment because I’m really not a big fan of uphill courses. I’ll admit I’ve often been mislead by the posted courses on race websites and have been surprised to see the course in person. One thing I have learned is that when a race is described as “scenic,” that means there will be hills and often really big hills.
Another factor in all of these finish times is my age. My racing career has spanned almost 20 years and other than when I was anemic or otherwise injured or sick, I’ve somehow managed to keep my times fairly consistently around 2 hours. I’m waiting for the shoe to drop, so to speak, and for my times to increase as I get older. I’ve learned to not stress out during a race if I get tired or am in pain and let goal times slip by. It’s OK if I don’t run a sub-2 hour anymore. I’ve done it and if I do it again, great, but if not, that’s OK with me. Really.
Just like the saying, “Age is only a number,” I feel like my race times are only a number. I think that’s the biggest take-away here. I’m OK with my finish times, no matter what they are. For every single race I’ve ever ran, I’ve put my all into it and done my best, and that’s all that really matters to me. Not a “fast” finish time. But I’ll take one when I can get it!
Also, here’s a discount code for everyone that buys Nuun. It’s good through the end of March. Sorry for the late notice!
runningtotravel 
As long as you’re happy with the result, no, time does not matter! And you do well, all. the. time. 😀
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I’ve definitely had some races where it was a huge struggle just to finish (especially when I was sick) and my times were pretty bad. I’ve always done my best, though.
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The difference between one course and another is so huge. Let alone the weather. Let alone your health. Etc, etc. I love your attitude!
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Thank you!
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Thanks for sharing some of your race experiences/time. I definitely agree with you about giving it your all in a race and being fine with whatever time you finish at. 🙂
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Thanks for saying that! I know a lot of people have a time goal and are crushed if they don’t meet it, but often it’s because of race circumstances (weather, etc.). I’ve learned it’s all good as long as I’ve done my best.
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I’m with you on this — my race times don’t matter too much to me, and I’m often willing to go a little slower for a stronger finish. But I will say this, it would be nice to run a sub-2 hour half one day. If I get one in, I’ll be happy. 🙂 I think your times look great! Also, Frederick Half Marathon was my first half/state — agree that it was well-organized. I enjoyed that race.
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Ah, the sub-2 hour finish. You’ll get there someday, I’m sure. The Frederick Half was completely off the radar for me (I knew nothing about it until shortly before I signed up), but it’s one that I really recommend! Glad you enjoyed it as well.
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