2024 Millaville Half Marathon

Gavin at the finish line in Millarville, Alberta.
Me and my kids at the finish line of the 2024 Millarville Half Marathon.

Race Information

Goals

Goal Description Completed?
A Sub 01:38:00 Yes
B Top 10 OA No. Finished 22 OA.

Splits

Kilometer Time
1 4:42
2 4:29
3 4:28
4 4:32
5 4:17
6 4:40
7 4:27
8 4:25
9 4:24
10 4:40
11 5:03
12 4:37
13 4:38
14 4:44
15 4:47
16 4:58
17 4:43
18 4:27
19 4:52
20 4:52
21 4:15
22 4:21

Training

  • Plan: Strava-McMillian Plan that's included with the Strava subscription. I had 4 weeks of training between Whitefish and this race.
  • Shoes: Brooks Ghost 15s.
  • Watch: Garmin Vivo Activ 4.
  • Apparel: Nike Flex 7" shorts, OC running hat, Solomon Active Skin 8, and Oakley Holbrooks.
  • Supplements: Huma Gels and LMT.

Nothing new going into this training block. I tried to throw in more hills because the course had more elevation.

Pre-race

  • Accommodations: Home. I live an hour away from the course.
  • Race Package: Pickup was in the basement of an old country hall at the horse race track - it was unique. The race shirt in this package was not great. Next time I will pick up my package on race day because it was a 2 hour round trip.
  • Dinner: Can't recall.
  • Sleep: Pretty good, 7-8 hours.
  • Breakfast: Eggs, oatmeal, and a banana.
  • Travel to the Start Line: 1 hour drive to the race track and then a 20 minute shuttle to the start line at the high school.
  • Strategy: I didn't have a plan for this race. I just wanted to set a new PR.

Had to get up early for this one because of the travel. I was one of the first people to arrive at the race grounds and I caught the first shuttle to the start line. I was very early, so I just stood around and stretched. 15 minutes before the race, the PA fired up and blasted ZZ Top. A gentleman took the microphone to make an announcement but it was barely audible. The ZZ Top continued to play until 2 minutes before gun time. I don't recall the national anthem playing.

Race

  • Start Time: 08:00 AM
  • Shoes: Brooks Ghost 15s.
  • Watch: Garmin Vivo Activ 4.
  • Apparel: Nike Flex 7" shorts, old Banff race t-shirt, OC running hat, Solomon Active Skin 8, and Oakley Holbrooks.
  • Supplements: (3) Huma Gels and LMT.
  • Hydration: (2) 500ml flasks. Overkill, I know.
  • Aid Stations: Did not use the aid stations because I wore my hydration vest.
  • Potty Breaks: Nope.

The race started off flat and easy, but quickly turned hilly in the river valley. There was a long stretch of highway with three considerable hills. I got passed by multiple runners on some of these hills. There was a maiden and a knight in full armour on horseback near the end of the race - they were cheering. I really enjoyed this race - it was scenic, challenging, and low key. One of the best parts about it was that it ended at the farmers market where my family and I were able to enjoy some post race treats.

Post-race

  • Finish Time: 01:36:22
  • Average Pace: 4:33/km
  • Overall Placement: 22nd of 331
  • Category Placement: 8th of 40
  • Recovery Meal: Coffee, banana, cookie.

I set a new PR!

My family was waiting at the finish line so that was cool. After the race, I had a couple of cookies and a coffee. We walked around the market for a bit. I was surprised that I didn't feel all that sore. After whitefish, my quads were seized but nothing after this one. We watched the kids play at the park for a bit and then we went home.

I do plan on running this race annually because it was enjoyable for both me and my family. Unfortunately, Millarville race to the farmers market was cancelled for 2025, so I will have to wait until 2026.

Strava

Made with a new (slightly modified by me) race report generator created by /u/herumph.