She Runs by the Seashore

Two weeks after the virtual Shamrock Dolphin Challenge, I was out on the streets of Salisbury for another virtual race — the Salisbury Half Marathon.

Before the in-person race was canceled along with events throughout the country, I wanted to run a fast-for-me half on the flat Salisbury course, ideally hoping to beat the 2:18 I ran at the unofficial Pemberton Half in December. However, after doing a run-walk for my Shamrock Half Marathon, I figured it would be a good idea to do the run-walk again for my virtual Salisbury Half.

I hadn’t been dealing with the shin pain as much, but I had been having a lot of problems with coughing. Thankfully, that has gotten better with the use of a generic Flonase, as recommended by my doctor. I don’t get allergies every year, but of course, I get them when there’s a pandemic going around with a symptom of coughing. I never felt sick or had a fever.

I ran the virtual half marathon the afternoon of the actual race day, Saturday, April 4. Since I live so close to the course, I decided to run the course, although the virtual run could be done from anywhere. I walked a half-mile to the start and noticed how empty the start line area was.

I started out wearing the new Knockaround sunglasses I’m testing, but it was pretty overcast and they really were not needed, so I tucked them into a pocket. I listened to podcasts to keep the run more interesting.

I did the same run-walk intervals as I did for the virtual Shamrock Half — four minutes running and one minute walking — but I tried to speed the running portions up a little bit to try to get a faster time. I was able to do that, finishing five minutes faster than my time for the Virtual Shamrock race.

One of the many benefits of an in-person race is the closed course — you don’t have to worry about waiting for cars to cross the road. There was only one part where I had to wait for cars: when I crossed Snow Hill Road. Since I had 13.11 miles on my watch before I crossed Mill Street to head to Downtown Salisbury, I also stopped my watch there so I wouldn’t have to wait for cars at that intersection.

I did see a handful of other people out walking on the roads, and when I saw someone else, I crossed to the other side of the street to give us both space.

I took a photo of the sign I saw at Island Creamery, which read “Together we will make it,” and then I took out my phone for a photo again on Riverside Drive, where I saw some Tiger King-inspired chalk art, which read “Carol def did it.”

I was taking a photo of the timely message and the guy who lived in the house was actually on the porch, watching me take a photo. We talked very briefly (from a distance).

I finished the run in 2:37:35 and walked about a mile back to my house.

Race Director Jason Chance sent participants their medals, bibs and safety pins, and I wore the bib during the run.

I had free entry to this race as the coach — I wrote training plans, check in with the group and provide advice if there are questions I can answer. I also was excited that this was a BibRave partner race this year and did additional promotion through BibRave.

All entrants have a free deferral to 2021 — or 2022 if they prefer. I am looking forward to running this race in 2021 and enjoying the full race experience!

If you’re interested in running next year, join the Facebook group here.

Splits

Mile 1: 11:12
Mile 2: 11:42
Mile 3: 12:03
Mile 4: 11:38
Mile 5: 11:35
Mile 6: 12:52 (included waiting for cars and eating chews)
Mile 7: 11:40
Mile 8: 11:57
Mile 9: 12:15
Mile 10: 12:03
Mile 11: 12:53
Mile 12: 12:16
Mile 13: 12:11
Last part (.11): 1:11 (10:48 pace)
Time: 2:37:35 / 12:01 average pace