Houston Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon


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Houston, Texas
United States
Houston Marathon Committee
Total Time = 1h 59m 1s
Overall Rank = 1614/13037
Age Group =
Age Group Rank = 97/1297
Pre-race routine:

Eric and I got there early as there was no one to drop us off this year. We got there by 5AM and ended up with a sweet parking spot! It was close to the GRB and more importantly, FREE! It was a sign this was going to be a good day! God was taking care of us. :)

Found a spot to sit and relax. Then the others (Justin, John, Justine, Ken) met up with us. Chatted for a bit and went to the bathroom (a few times).
Event warmup:

Did a warm up run (probably less than a mile). It did help calm the nerves some. Then walked to the start line with one more potty break on the way.
Run
  • 1h 59m 1s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 09m 05s  min/mile
Comments:

Started out with John and Justine. We got separated pretty easily though. First mile was crowded (like normal) so it was a little slower than I would have liked - 9:19. By but mile 2 I was in my rhythm - 9:00 pace. Saw John again a few more times. Of course at one point he made a comment that got me laughing. ;)

I made sure to get water at every station. (only took Gatorade about mile 6) I think I am finally learning how to drink and run (not in stride) but at least I don't slow down quite as much.

Eric saw me at mile 8 (his mile 10) and ran over to pace me. From this point on, I tried not to look at my Garmin. I figured it was best this way. He was keeping me at a 9:00/mile pace. He even got water at the aid stations for me so I wouldn't have to slow down. At mile 10 I started counting down. A 5K left - this is doable. Mile 11 was feeling more pain but I was getting so close. For encouragement, Eric reminded me it was less than a loop around Memorial park. The Allen Parkway hills were painful though. Finally 1.5 miles left. My cardio was doing better than my legs for sure. Then we made it downtown. I just kept thinking. I can do this...only a few more minutes. Eric even tried to block some of the wind for me. (The downtown buildings create a tunnel of wind.) Then there it was... the finish line. I kicked it as much as I could at the end. I crossed the finish line and puked. (Apparently the sign of a good race.)
What would you do differently?:

Nothing. Eric paced me as perfectly.
Post race
Warm down:

Got my finishers medal. Then met up with everyone else and got some ice cream. YUM! Then got finishers shirt and took some pics. Met up with Deb (she ran the marathon) and got some food!

I think a good time was had by all!

Event comments:

This race will probably always be my fav!




Last updated: 2009-10-20 12:00 AM
Running
01:59:01 | 13.1 miles | 09m 05s  min/mile
Age Group: 97/1297
Overall: 1614/13037
Performance: Good
Course: I love the Houston course since it's mostly flat...just a few minor hills spread throughout. Always great spectator support, well organized, can't ask for a better race!
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 5
Physical exertion [1-5] 5
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5