2025 Banff Half Marathon

Gavin running the Banff Half Marathon.
Running in style.

Race Information

Goals

Goal Description Completed?
A Aiming for a PB, so faster than 1:36 Yes
B Maybe 1:33 No

Splits

Kilometer Time
1 4:49
2 4:32
3 4:35
4 4:36
5 4:31
6 4:43
7 4:29
8 4:27
9 4:51
10 4:32
11 4:22
12 4:17
13 4:18
14 4:45
15 4:25
16 4:22
17 4:31
18 4:20
19 4:29
20 4:21
21 4:17
22 0:07

Training

  • Plan: A mix of the Strava McMillian and Chatgpt from May 12, 2025 to June 14, 2025.
  • Equipment: Novablast 3, New Balance Rebel v4, Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
  • Supplements: Huma Gels, Electrolyte Pills, & LMT
  • Total Training Milage: 229.09 km
  • Total Training Elevation: 2,150 m
  • VO2 Max: 53 ml/kg/min

I came across an interesting post on reddit where someone used ChatGPT to improve their marathon time by over 40 minutes!

Having just finished a Garmin Coach training block, I wanted to try something new, so I paid for a premium subscription of ChatGPT and used the Strava-McMillian plan as a template for structuring my weeks.

After every workout, I uploaded the file to ChatGPT and asked for feedback. It was like having a personal coach at my finger tips.

Pre-race

  • Accommodations: Home.
  • Race Package: Just a shirt, but it's a nice shirt.
  • Dinner: Homemade Burger and fries.
  • Sleep: Great.
  • Breakfast: LMT, coffees, two eggs, bagel with peanut butter, and a banana.
  • Travel to the Start Line: 1.5 hour drive.
  • Strategy: Slightly Negative Splits via Garmin Pace Pro.

The day before the race was laid back with lots of hydrating. Not much to report.

Race

  • Start Time: 09:30 am. The race was delayed because there were two trains passing through town.
  • Shoes: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4.
  • Watch: Garmin Forerunner 255s.
  • Apparel: Ceile hat, Hawaiian shirt, Nike trail shorts, Oakley Frogskin sunglasses.
  • Supplements: (3) Huma gels with an electrolyte pill taped to each one.
  • Hydration: (1) cups of water at each aid station.
  • Aid Stations: I used every aid station!
  • Potty Breaks: None.

I woke up early and took my time getting ready. It was low stress and easy going.

I took my first gel at 8:45am, 15 minutes before the race. Minutes later they announced that the race was delayed because of the trains passing through.

They started the 10k and half marathon race at the same time which I did not particularly like because I had to dodge a lot of people for the first kilometer. There were grandmas, kids, and what looked like an entire extended family at the front. Felt more like a Canada Day parade than a race start.

Once I got past the chaos at the start, things started to space out. I noticed that I was roughly 5 seconds behind pace on every kilometer, especially that first kilometer - it put me 30 seconds behind- but I expected that. Pushing for 1:33 in Banff was ambitious, but I figured why not shoot my shot.

I felt strong for most of the race, especially between 11 to 18. I passed a lot of people and nobody passed me which is unlike my previous races.

The last two kilometers were probably the toughest. First off, there were so many 10k "runners" (they were walking) clogging up the trail that I had to constantly dodge them. Second, I was hurting on that final stretch and I was just trying to give a final push.

I crossed the finish line and forgot to stop my watch, so there is a difference between the official time and my strava time.

Post-race

  • Finish Time: 01:34:51
  • Average Pace: 04:31/km
  • Overall Placement: 44 of 1772
  • Category Placement: 5 of 98
  • Recovery Meal: Protien shake, banana, brisket sandwich, fries, beer.

It was a stretch to push for 1:33, especially for the terrain of this course, but I wanted to try, and I was happy with the effort.

This was by far my best half marathon to date. I paced smart, finished strong, and felt confident. With Canmore up next, I’ll be balancing fun with fatigue during my 50K peak block—but if Banff is any indication, good things are ahead.

On to the next.

Strava

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