Race Report: Den Haag CPC Loop Half Marathon - 2025
Goal:
- Primary: Finish Strong and Enjoy the Experience
- Secondary: Sub 02:00 hours
Training:
I've mentioned earlier that I have signed up for Berlin Marathon. I have enough time to have two different training blocks up to that race, so I've decided to have first block to improve my half marathon time. (PB: 01:52h)
Currently at the third week of the HM program. Race day, I was supposed to have a 15km long run.
Pre-Race:
- Woke up at 7:00 AM, had my usual pre-race breakfast, jam/bread/cottage cheese and coffee.
Weather was nice compared to Netherlands standards, around 10°C, but clear and sunny.
Race:
-
Start:
- I start fast normally due to excitement, however this time I keep my pace around 05:30, continued steadily around 10km.
-
Middle:
- Middle section was a bit of a grind. Around 12th, 13th kms, we landed to the pier with some elevation and winds. This is time I started to lose my momentum, but tried to keep up the page.
- Finish:
- Going back to city from the pier, with less elevation changes, I managed to go back into 05:30, 05:40 range again, finished strong but did not push too hard since this is not a target race. I had to think about the recovery :)
Post-Race:
- Grabbed a finisher's medal and AA drinks. Felt pretty strong, not much soreness, and happy. Overall, I was really pleased with my race. The course was well-organized, and the atmosphere was incredible. Definitely a race I'd consider doing again.
Fueling:
I use Maurten gels, normally, at races, however those things are not cheap .(3.5 EUR per piece) This time I've used Decathlon gels, in KM6, KM11, KM16. Did not hit any wall, it was enough to fuel.
Results:
- Official time: 1:59:15. Both goals are met!
Gear:
- Nike Vaporfly Next% 2, Asics running shorts, custom-made running top, Garmin Fenix 7 pro, Coros HR monitor.
Lessons Learned:
- Need to improve my racing economy after 10km. Around 12,13 I felt the exhaustion in the legs, and that slowed me down. I should not skip long runs!
Laps:
| Km | Pace Lap | HR |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 05:33 | 156 |
| 2 | 05:19 | 162 |
| 3 | 05:35 | 159 |
| 4 | 05:35 | 161 |
| 5 | 05:29 | 164 |
| 6 | 05:36 | 165 |
| 7 | 05:27 | 167 |
| 8 | 05:33 | 170 |
| 9 | 05:30 | 169 |
| 10 | 05:33 | 170 |
| 11 | 05:24 | 172 |
| 12 | 05:31 | 172 |
| 13 | 05:41 | 171 |
| 14 | 05:36 | 170 |
| 15 | 05:48 | 172 |
| 16 | 05:46 | 172 |
| 17 | 05:49 | 173 |
| 18 | 05:38 | 172 |
| 19 | 05:43 | 175 |
| 20 | 05:47 | 173 |
| 21 | 05:44 | 178 |
| 22 | 05:08 | 179 |
| 23 | 05:36 | 179 |