Rock 'n' Roll San Jose Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

I was shooting for under 1:54 so I planned to stick with 8:30-8:40 for the first 10 miles and then see if I could speed it up for the last three. For the first eight or so miles it wasn't too hard to keep close to that pace, but I never really felt great either. I was having a tough time mentally and never got into a good groove where the miles just flew by, which is what usually happens to me in a half mary (that's why I like this distance). I did perk up a little at the 10k mark when I realized I was running comfortably at a pace close to my 10k PR.

At mile eight I had a gel, which I'd timed to take right before a water station. After forcing down the gel (I just never enjoy those) I walked the water station -- I'd been running the other stations -- so I could take a few seconds to rinse out my mouth and swallow two big gulps of water. This turned out to be a mistake. First, I wish I hadn't walked because I had a hard time getting back up to speed. Second, the water and gel felt super heavy in my stomach and I felt sick and gross for a good half mile after.

I was starting to slow down but I got close to my goal pace for the next couple of miles, and then at mile 11 it all fell apart. I felt like I was pushing so hard and just coming up with 9s. It was very disheartening, and I so wanted to just be done with the race. Mentally, the last two miles were kind of awful.

As I finally hit the finish chute, about 50 yards from the end I saw a guy on the ground surrounded by medics. I figured the poor guy fell in the last push and I felt bad for him, then I ran right by and saw the medics doing chest compressions. Yikes. I don't know what happened to him.

Stuff like that does put things in perspective, of course. Still, this was another tough, disappointing race for me. This year of racing has sort of sucked ass so far.

One highlight: seeing Meb Keflezighi scream by around mile five or six. He set a U.S. record for 20k! And won the race in 1:01! Yeesh.

Another highlight: the ever-awesome Shizu cheering me on at three spots on the course. She is the most amazing one-woman support crew ever. She even wore her running gear so she could sprint from one cheering section to another. Everyone needs a Shizu!

Man, I don't even know. I'm running more than ever and my times aren't improving at all. I don't feel over-trained -- I don't feel sluggish or weak or tired or whatever -- I just don't seem to have it in me to run faster. I did this exact same race last year and while technically I was a minute faster this year, I had a nutrition problem in 2008 that led to a bathroom detour, which added about 1:30 to my time. And I'm a full minute slower than my PR, which was on a tougher, hillier course last year.

Is it a mental thing? Have I "peaked" after, like, two years of running? I guess I just need to put more time/miles in, but it's hard to get motivated when I'm not seeing a real payoff. Oh well, I'll keep at it and see what happens with the marathon in December.

I walked the looooooooooooooooong finisher's area. Picked up my medal, two bottles of water and a couple of orange slices -- wasn't hungry for anything else. Found Shizu at the appointed spot. Looked for BTers but couldn't find any. Spent forever trying to find the checked bag area (same place where we dropped it off, duh). The short walk back to my car felt great on the legs.


Seriously, I just don't know.


The Rock 'n' Roll folks really know how to put on a race. Everything is crazy-well organized, especially considering how big it is. The bands are good, the crowd support is *excellent*, the volunteers are many and friendly and well-trained. No complaints here.