Why not?

November 17th 2013 is definitely going to be a big day.  The plan was to run the 1/2 marathon at the Philly marathon, and try to better my time from the last time I ran the 1/2.

But...

I've decided that I want to make Philly my debut MARATHON instead.  So on 11/17 I'll make first attempt at the 26.2 distance.

Here's the rationale:

1.) I've already achieved the "B" standard for the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials, which was my original goal going into this season  (I wasn't expecting to break the 1:05 barrier at AFC).  Since my plan is to transition to the marathon anyway, why not get one under my belt, since there is really nothing to lose. 

2.) I'm healthy, fit, and running well.  I've been able to put in a really solid of uninterrupted training since June.  My workouts have been very consistent, and even before the decision to switch, I had run over 20 miles several times.  The original plan was to debut next fall, but I want to take advantage of my current health and fitness and get a baseline idea of what the marathon is like so I can have a better idea of how to run very fast next year. 

3.)  I can't think of a better place to debut than Philly.  It's a great running town, and I definitely have always wanted to do something big in Philadelpha (since I feel like I'll have some homefield advantage).  So what's bigger than trying to win my debut marathon in front of the hometown crowd?

4.)  When the miles get tough, I'll have family and friends to get me to the line.  There's nothing like performing in front of family and close friends. 

So, with that said, here goes nothing.  Only a little under 3 weeks remain to the big day.   Have done some higher volume workouts up here to get prepared for the longer distance.  The key one was a 16 mile steady state run, where I ended up averaging 5:22 pace at 7000 feet, with the last 5 miles at 5:17 pace.

I know its going to be a brutal test over those last 6 miles, but I trust that with my preparation and a little help from the hometown crowd that I'll bust through the wall and do something great. 

Thanks as always for the continued support, I can't wait until race day

Nick Hilton
The Moderately Talented Distance Runner

A Win!

Cruising home in the final mile

 So for the first time in my competitive career I got to do something that I've always wanted to do.  Break the tape. 

In no race that I have won since the beginning of my career, have I won a race that had tape at the finish line.  Let me tell you that it is every bit as cool as you think it is.

If you haven't figured it out yet, this weekend went pretty well.  I ended up winning the 10k in 30:39, 18 seconds over the 2nd place finisher, who just so happens to boast a 13:36 5k PR.  

The race played out like this:  The pace was pretty honest early, with a 4:50 first mile, with three of us in front.  The course starts to climb after the mile mark and we slowed to 4:58 for the 2nd mile.  I noticed my competitors beginning to labor a little bit as we climbed, so I threw in a test surge, and formed a gap and just continued to push a bit through miles 3 and 4, which were a slow 5:08 and 5:17 respectively.  By the time we reached the 4 mile mark, I had increased the lead to about 100 meters, which I held through the finish.  The course cruises downhill for the final two mile, which I recorded in 4:43 and 4:40 respectively.

The time definitely was not what I wanted to be, but the race was definitely more of a tempo effort, which bodes well moving forward. 

The weekend overall was much needed,  and I always enjoy spending time with Sarah and some good friends on the sunny shores of Santa Monica. 

Results Here--->http://www.geminitiming.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/sm5000_10k_fl_131.htm

So, next up for me is the Phoenix 5k in November, which will serve as my final tune up for Philly on 11/7. 
I honestly can't wait for Philly, I'm absolutely chomping at the bit to come home and post a good race in front of friends and family.  I've put in a lot of work in the past year and am ready to do my best to put on a show for the hometown crowd. 

About 6 weeks to go, gotta keep the nose to the grindstone, hammer out some great workouts, and be ready to roll for 11/17.

I'm 100% sure that the energy from all my supporters will propel me to my best performance yet, and I can't thank you guys enough. 

Before I sign off,  A HUGE shoutout to my co-worker, mentor, and friend Nick Arciniaga for winning his 1st NATIONAL TITLE at the US Marathon champs this past weekend.  This guy puts in A TON of work, and deserves it more than anyone I've ever met.  CONGRATS!

Until next time,

Nicholas Hilton

The Moderately Talented Distance Runner

My Dad told me to blog.

Back by somewhat popular demand!  Or, otherwise known as, my Dad told me to blog again.  So!  Here it is!

Things have been great out here in Flagstaff, boringly great for the most part.  My last race was the George Kyte XC Classic at Buffalo Park, here in flag.  XC at 7000 feet didn't sound too appealing, but I was happy to get on the line and test my chops on the ole' XC course again.

Ran 24:45 (which is only 17 seconds off of my XC 8k pr at sea level) for 2nd place.  Was happy with the time, not so much with the place.  Waited too long to really move, and got caught by a speedy collegian with a little more turnover than I had at that time.  The race felt like a tempo for the majority of it, the last 1k or so proved to be my downfall, as I wasn't able to shift to the next gear.  Overall, positive effort.

Results here --->http://www.nauathletics.com/sports/xc/2013-14/files/2013KyteResults.pdf
Note: Technically I won the Open Men's Division, but both races (Open and Collegiate) were ran together, so overall through the whole thing I took 2nd.

Finishing the final 400 at the George Kyte XC Classic

Next on the docket is the Santa Monica 5000 (where I'm racing the 10k!!) I'm actually leaving for this race, in about 90 min.  I'm super pumped as always to head to California for a weekend.  Pictures should follow.

For this race, the absolute only thing that I'm focused on is bringing home the W.  For whatever reason I want this win bad.  So I'm gonna do everything within my power to take it.  The field is strong, but I've been feeling really fit and strong myself.  It should be a fun race.

Results can be found on www.santamonica5000.com.

On a different note, I just want to say that I'm incredibly grateful to the people who continue to support my career and help me grow as an athlete.  I'm getting closer and closer to being where I want to be, and everyday you guys help me and inspire me to continue pushing.

So thanks to Mom and Dad, Vince, Kym Wilkens-for keeping my stupid hamstring, sartorious, and adductors in line, Sarah, Trina, and all my teammates and fellow runners in town.

Also, best of luck to Nick Arciniaga at the US Marathon Champs, and Adam Vess who will be travelling with me to Santa Monica and racing the 5k.

Bless all of you, and Thank you!

Nick Hilton
The Moderately Talented Distance Runner