OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

With 2hr goal I didn't know what to expect running from far back in pack. Finally hit start line ~12:30 after gun time. Surprised that crowd was initially moving along pretty well. It took some maneuvering but was able to do 9:30's for 1st 2 mi, which nicely fit my plan for slow start. From Mile 4 through 7 I tried to maintain goal pace (9min), but it took extra effort bobbing & weaving around slower runners/walkers. Running the track was fun, but more crowded than I expected. At mile 7 (inside Indy Track) I still felt good. Tried to up my pace to 8:30 but just too much traffic. At Mile 10 (after exiting Track) I was still feelin' good & trying to push my pace in the crowd. Made the turn for Victory Mile in some pain but with plenty left in the tank. Weaving through traffic that last 1.1mi was still able to do ~7:50 pace. Finished running strong. My DW thought I looked good too, although a volunteer at the finish asked me if I was OK (WTF- did I really look that bad??).
Overall I'm happy with my 1st HM. Spent alot of extra energy dealing with traffic.

Get seeded on entry. Event staff seemed to be enforcing corral placements so I had to start in my assigned M corral. Sub-2hr runners seemed mostly in D-E. In huge event it's much easier to run with crowd going about your speed.

Prob could have drank more 'cause did not need to P during or after race.

Walked around grabbing water,banana, & cookies.


Crowds. Started way back in corrals in this 30+k runner race. Never could hold decent rhythm. Spent big effort picking my way through the mass of humanity.


Post-Race Party was great with multiple live bands & huge screen TV with live local coverage of the race. Too bad some rain moved in to dampen the crowd a bit.
Overall I'm happy with my 1st HM performance. Beat my 2hr goal & with solid neg split (1:01:09 vs 56:04). Had fun, but I know there's a better time left in these middle-age legs.