Fits Do Race Reviews: Securian Winter Run

By Cool J in Minneapolis

This morning I ran the Securian Winter Run, formerly known as the "Frozen Half." 

Well, let's be honest, a lot of us still call it the frozen half!

In my "Fits Do Future Race Reviews post from a few months ago, I did publicly state that I was going to run this race, and I did register a few months ago. I hate to register for a race and not run it, but as the race date approached, I started second guessing whether or not I was ready to run a half marathon. It wasn't a question of whether I could finish it. It was a question of whether I would end up with a time that might be discouraging on my "Get Faster" campaign.

But I wanted to do a long run today anyways, so I figured I could go into it with the mentality that it was just a supported long run with a nice change of scenery for the route.

And it was! I didn't PR, but I felt pretty good. It was a confidence boost to find out where I am right now, and to know I don't have that far to go. I've put it out there into the blogosphere that I want to run 3:45 at Newport, and according to McMillan's Pace Calculator, I should try to get to a 1:46 half marathon race time. I didn't reach that goal today, but I feel like maybe, just maybe it's obtainable. Perhaps I can get there, after we delve into speed training for Newport with the expert coaches at Calhoun Beach Running Club.

As for the race? It's a pretty good winter run. Here is what I posted previously on my "future" race review:

The Securian Run
When: Saturday, January 26
Where: St. Paul, MN
Website: http://www.securian.com/Securian/Securian+Winter+Run/
This half marathon has a rocky history. The first time I registered, it was so cold that the race directors shortened it to a 1/4 marathon. The second time I ran it, the turn around point was set too early, and the race only ended up being 11 miles! Needless to say, I set quite a PR at that one! However, this is one of few long distance races in the area in the cold months of winter, so it's definitely on my radar.

So maybe the race has had a few hiccups in the past (though I completely understood why they shorten the race when it's too cold for the volunteers!) But I definitely give this race a positive review. It was well-organized; they even had pacers this year! It's not too big or too crowded either. And the race was definitely the full 13.1 miles today. In fact, my Garmin said 13.35 miles, so we didn't get shortchanged this time around!

The course goes along Shepherd Road in St. Paul, which follows the Mississippi River. There are definitely some rolling hills on this road, and one killer hill right around mile 12. It's a challenging spot for a tough hill. In fact, I thought about walking it. But it's short, and at that point, you're almost to the finish line, so I pushed through (at a much slower pace!)

{course map taken from my non-cold-weather-loving iPhone}

The road is concrete rather than pavement, which some runners really don't like. I didn't notice it being particularily hard, but then again, it was 0 degrees at the start. I didn't feel a whole lot of anything! The road did have a bit of a camber too, which could be a little annoying sometimes.

And yes, about the temperature...I guess it could have been worse. The wind wasn't so bad, and I warmed up pretty well and felt that I was dressed appropriately. Only my face got really cold, even with a neck gator pulled up around it. (Tip? Wear a neck gator and keep turning it around as it gets sweaty and frozen for dry protection from the cold).

It was probably a lot colder for the volunteers handing out the water. After all...

Yes, there were volunteers handing out water. I think there were three support stops over the course of the 13.1 miles. There was also a 10k and a 5k going on, and we all shared the course for part of the race, but only a short portion.  The water wasn't in cups, but was actual small water bottles. I think that had something to do with keeping the water from freezing? Or from spilling on the volunteers? I'm not sure. It was a little different, but worked just fine. 

I took one GU around mile 8. It was super frozen and thick. Ugh.

Post-Race Swag: There are no medals at the finish, and no finisher's shirts. This is a bit more of a "runner's race" without a lot of SWAG. Well, obviously there are no fair weather runners out there on such a cold day! Every runner did receive a commemorative mug.

Post-Race Goodies: They did have warm chili, red bull, water, fruit, bagels, chips, and granola bars at the finish. And you did get to wait inside the heated Securian building before and after the race! That was nice, especially since I got there a little too early. The race didn't start until 9 am, and I arrived around 7:45. The porta-potties, however, were outside. Talk about freezing your bum!

Parking was also free until 1 p.m. in the Securian parking lots, and the St. Paul YMCA offered free showers for the runners. Since I did this race on my own (well, except my friend Mason, but no Dusters) I just sped home after the race for a hot shower to de-thaw.

{My frozen friend for the day- thanks Mason!}

Every year, there is a "mascot" who dresses up in all gold with a torch...

I'm not entirely sure what he's supposed to be.

Here he is starting off the race!

{Photo courtesy of the Securian Run's facebook page}

Of course, after I zipped home, my fingers turned white and numb. Even with my super warm Craft bi-finger gloves, I still experience the symptoms of Raynaud's during the winter...so strange! Anyone else have this?

Other than the cold temps, the hill at the finish, and the lack of a medal, I still enjoyed this race and am really glad that I did it.

Nice job Securian and thanks to all the brave volunteers!