MDI Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

While in the spring I thought I could break the 2 hour mark for the race, ran the race with a realistic goal of 10 minute miles meaning a 2:11 finish. Pushed hard at mile 8 bringing my accumulated time to 1:14:42, meaning I could possibly still break my stretch goal of 2 hours. Finished the 10-mile mark at 1:33:15 - meaning if I could do final 5k (3.1 miles) in less than 26:45, I would break the 2-hour barrier.

Race pictures are 2 approaching Finish Line, one just after crossing. The 4th is getting my medal from Matthew (he was one of course volunteers, handing out meadals). Last picture is Linda and I under the bridge (taken later that afternoon) at the start of the Carriage Roads section of race.
Long hill coming out of Carriage Roads completely drained me - barely jogging for a couple of miles. My stretch goal of 2-hours lost, but knowing I would easily eclipse the 2:11 mark that I more realistically set for myself.

Perhaps push a little harder in the first 5 miles. However, my plan for those first 5 miles was simply to move through them without expending too much energy. Finished those first 5 miles in 47:19 - about a 9:28 pace. Coincidentally, pretty close to my final overall pace. But, at that 5-mile mark, I felt fine. Yes my legs were a bit tired, but I did not feel any effects of having already run five miles.
This all pointed to my current conditioning allowing for about a 9:30 min/mile pace as a "cruising" pace.

Walked around, then sat down and stretched out leg and other muscles. Took a long hot shower at the YMCA (site of the event).
Felt good enough later in day to walk around town with Linda and Matthew - albeit I walked rather slowly.


Because of leg injuried, I did not get into any distance running until right before event. Wish I had a couple more weeks of training to work on mechanics and physiology of running a 2-hour race.


The course is a GREAT course - very scenic and a comfortable run. Would've expected more food and healthier fare at the conclusion of a race of this length. Half Marathon takes a big toll on the body - mine at least - and by the time I got to finish area I could get a banana, dry bagel and warm sports drink. I have been to 5-k's where there are hot eggs and pancakes and juices - things to replenish the body.