As I mentioned in my weekly recap, I ran the Hot Cider Hustle Half Marathon last Saturday, October 22nd with my friend Vicki. I wasn’t racing it for me, but rather paced/ran with her. Her previous PR was a 2:04 and her goal was to run under 2 hours.
13.1 miles would be the longest I had run since the Twin Cities Marathon when I paced my sister, but I had such a great experience with that, that I was excited to pace again. Prior to pacing Vicki, I was back to running pretty consistently 5-6 days a week around 30-35 miles a week, so I hoped sub-2 hours (around a 9 min/mile pace) would feel pretty good.
The Hot Cider Half Marathon is a new race to the Twin Cities and a great option for a fall half marathon, (especially if all the bad press about Team Ortho turned you off of their Monster Dash.)
Packet Pickup:
Packet pickup was held on Friday at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Richfield, which is really close to my office. I ran there over lunch to pick up Vicki’s and my packets. You could pick up for a friend if you brought a signed waiver. At the pickup, we received our fleece hoodies and bibs with chips for chip timing. We probably could have picked up our packets on race morning as there turned out to not be much of a line, but the race organizers discouraged us from doing so.
Weather:
It was a brisk 43 degrees at the start, but the sun was shining and there was no wind. I actually warmed up quickly and was comfortable in shorts, compression socks, and a tank (Oiselle distance shorts, Pro compression, Oiselle Flyte tank, no longer made, Lole hat, and Brooks Ravennas). A few other runners made comments about how ‘bold’ I was running in so little, but I run really “hot.” I was totally fine.
Race Morning:
The race started at 8:30 am at Normandale Lake bandshell in Bloomington. We were there a bit too early (around 7:30 am) but the time passed quickly. There were plenty of porta potties. Free parking was available in a ramp across the street.
The start line was a little odd actually- no one was really lined up by the time they started the 10 second countdown! It was a narrow path to start; I can’t imagine that if this race becomes more popular that they will be able to keep it on the paths that they did, but the paths were definitely a highlight for me.
The Course:
It was such a beautiful course though through Hyland park and around Normandale lake- so, so pretty! The course was lovely.
There were a few out-and-backs where we could see the lead runners. The course was very twisty-turny, but I never was confused about where to go. There were volunteers at all the confusing spots and cones and arrows making it very well marked. 
Yes, there were some significant hills, but nothing that we couldn’t handle. Even though we ran through Hyland, the course stayed on the paved trails the whole time, no dirt/trails.
Our performance!:
Mile 1 9:20<– the start was straight up a hill!
Mile 2: 8:48
Mile 3 8:46
Mile 4: 8:35
Mile 5: 8:53
Mile 6: 8:41
Mile 7: 9:07 <– took a GU here and slowed a bit while we did.
Mile 8: 8:39
Mile 9: 8:30
Mile 10: 8:47
Mile 11: 8:44
Mile 12: 8:50
Mile 13: 8:51
Final 0.1: 9:03
Final time: 1:55:30!
Crushed that 2 hour goal! She even surpassed her “A” goal of 1:58. Big PR! She seemed really happy with that time.
Overall, I thought the race was well run- logistically, it was very easy. My favorite part of the race was the course. I don’t ever run in that area so it was a really nice change of scenery.
One of my coach’s other athletes who I met at Grandma’s this year had a huge PR of 1:37 and took first place for women! Way to go Jen!
Finish Line:
There was hot cider at the finish as well as a caramel apple for every participant.
The Hot Cider Hustle Half Marathon is a great addition to our running scene. I enjoyed running it with my friend Vicki. And I really enjoyed pacing again!
The winning men’s time was 1:21:25 or a 6:12 min/mile pace, which is speedy. However, 2nd place was 1:30:23, which is easily obtainable for Dustin. I told him he should run it next year so he can place (or maybe win if this year’s winner doesn’t come back!) As a comparison, the winning time for the City of Lakes Half Marathon, (which attracts a very competitive local running crowd), was 1:07 for men and 1:22:54 for women.
Before the race, Vicki and I were both a little concerned about running a ‘themed’ race, especially one that was debuting this year, but we were both pleasantly surprised. If it fits in my schedule, I will be back next year!
Congratulations Vicki on your PR!
That’s an amazing PR! Did you plan to run a certain pace the whole time? Did you follow a pace chart?
I didn’t follow a pace chart for this one. Vicki had run a recent 10 mile and was pretty confident that she could break 2 hours so I kind of let her set the pace though I did often try to hold her back in the beginning!
I think I’m more of a “company-keeper”/cheerleader than a true pacer 🙂
Way to go Vicki and Jessie! It was a beautiful race for sure, loved the trails and scenery. It was fun to see you again!
You too! Congratulations again on your WIN 🙂
That is a huge amazing PR! Congratulations to your friend, Vicki and to you!
And how wonderful is that- everyone gets a sweatshirt and a mug?! that’s so cool!!!!!!!!
Running in a tank at 43 degrees is like suicidal for me. haha.
I’m freezing at 55-60 degrees in that attire (short sleeves/tank and shorts).
Thanks Eri! Yes, lots of goodies at this race!
It’s funny how your body adjusts to different temperatures! But there were plenty of other runners wearing pants, long sleeves, even gloves. I just run very “warm” and don’t need as much while working out 🙂
Great summary! Thanks again for helping to keep me going!!
You bet! I had a blast. Let’s do it again! 🙂
I was hoping a fellow finisher would post on this race. My perspectives follow. It was a nice venue and scenic-but-rolling course. Things were well-marked and organized (sufficient aid stations, enough course marshals and markings, etc.). Those putting on the race were experienced and didn’t prioritize “event” aspects over runners’ needs and wants. Some demerits for an unnecessarily chaotic start. The course and a concurrent 1,700-finisher 5k detracted from a smoother race. (413 finishers for this race.) The start had a blind, sharp bend within the first 1/4-mile that had us weaving through 5k people getting to the staging area.… Read more »
Hello there! Good insight, thanks for sharing! Do you have a blog? I thought from your name “Sub-90 Halves are just a memory” that you might!
I agree that the start was a little chaotic for sure, but overall still a good race. I hadn’t really thought about those 5k people coming towards us, but you’re right that it could have been bad. And yes, that turn at the beginning was not ideal!
Hi there. I’m considering doing this race this year and came across your review. I cant find an elevation map for the race so i’m wondering if you can tell me how much elevation is involved? I’m a South Florida runner and we do not have ANY so I always check that. Also, I’m a strictly road runner, are the trails actual trails? I know you mentioned paths and that sounds doable. Thank you!
Are you coming up to Minneapolis to do the race here? I don’t remember much elevation at ALL. It was quite flat and the weather is generally awesome. It’s all paved trails. Let me know what you decide!