Philadelphia 1/2 Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

This was my first half marathon. March 2 of this year, I ran 2 minutes for the first time in about 20 years. Longest I ever ran before that was 4.5 miles in college, about 30 years ago.

In September, I completed my first ever Olympic Triathlon, which was my second ever following a Sprint in July. Using the BT training plan, it made me think I could do this. I developled my own 1/2 marathon training plan, which was about 2X 6-7 miles sessions, and a 9-11 mile session per week. Included in that, was the Rockville 10k. Getting over 10 miles was a huge struggle for me, and I wasn't sure I could do this, but I wanted to do it for fun, and because my son was doing it too.

My plan was to run a 1030-1045 pace. Finding the chute was a little confusing. My plan was to take in a shot block every 15 minutes after the first 30, and then a Gu at about 90 minutes. Took water and briefly walked every stop, about 2 miles. Took gatorade at miles 9 and 11. I think the nutrition and gatorade made it possible for me to run the whole distance without stopping. That and a pretty slow pace.

Race support was excellent. Super volunteers and the crowds in South Philly, Frat Row, and the finish were awesome.

That hill at mile 9 was surprising. Kind of long, and I think it took it's toll on a few folks. I motored on, I think in part to my training on the Leland route near my home. Mile 10 I felt good, and picked up the pace from there on out. Started passing a lot of folks that passed me, ever as far back as mile 3. Kicked in the last 1/2 mile.

Nothing. Ran the perfect race for my weight and experience.

Probably held back a little too much, but finishing was more important than time, but I think I could have brought it in 4-5 minutes sooner and been ok.

Walked back to the hotel, stretched, stretched, and showered. and stretched.




Weight and beer. Since July, I've been not so diligent in my nutrition, logging, and discipline. Time to get back to basics.


Now it's time for winter maintenance, more weight loss, and then on to Columbia in May.