Duke City Marathon - Half Marathon Walk - RunHalf Marathon

A couple of years ago I figured I was "Duke Citied Out". I had run the half marathon one year, and was on a marathon relay team the following year, so at one point or another I had run all portions of the course. This year all the events started and finished on the same route, but the Half Marathon Walkers went the opposite direction after reaching the Bosque (riverside) Trail. A Fall stroll in some (slightly) different territory? Count me in.

I started slower for about the first third. Stopped briefly for a smooch from Mrs. Six who was on the final stretch of the 5k. At about and hour in I started feeling hungry and opened up the shot blocks.

Only complaint about the course, was its still being open to recreational use and some of the cyclists being less than cordial about sharing the trail.


On the second third I picked up the pace. I hit the turn around and realized that I was way ahead of schedule and sent Mrs. Six a quick text message.

At about mile 7 I started to incorporate more race/power waling technique and began passing people. At my second hour I finished off my shot blocks, and at about 2:30 in I had a gel.

At about mile 11 I found Mrs. Six waiting for me. She got tired of waiting around and decided to pull the the Dahon out of the trunk and go for a cruise. She stayed along with me until about mile 12.

I walked the final stretch into downtown where a good sized crowd was cheering - it had a weird sensation of being a one man parade - but at least they were cheering.

The weather was good, the company was great, I crossed the finish line about an hour faster than I anticipated, and I'm thinking I wouldn't mind walking a marathon one of these years.



My Camelbak FlashFlo just felt awkward; I probably should have used the Fuel Belt.

Did some stretching and went to Guardinio's for Sunday Brunch.