Prairie Fire Half Marathon - Run

Immediately got separated from the girls, but started with Robert and Tony from my training group. Thought eventually someone would go ahead or hang back, but the three of us stayed together the entire time! My headphones simply didn't work the entire time (first time ever) so I chatted with the guys and had so much fun actually hearing the bands along the course and running each mile in the moment. We crossed paths with Christine, the other coach for our group, but she was so in the zone she only waved and kept chugging along. I get it, but felt it was a little odd as a coach to kind of ignore your people. Ah well. She PR'd so there's that.

Nutrition wise I decided during the practice run that one GU was simply not enough for me. I feel like it should be, but my stomach always tells me otherwise. So I took a Rocktane at mile 5 and another at mile 10 and it was absolutely perfect. So glad I did this.

The last two miles Robert got quiet so I tried to encourage us along. My legs were talking to me near the end but I actually felt pretty great the whole time. I couldn't believe we didn't stop AT ALL for walk breaks, except a few steps at each aid station to grab Gatorade. We were mindful to keep the 2:30 pacers behind us as we all wanted to finish under that, and we did. We freaking did. I can't remember the last half marathon I finished under 2:30!

Nothing, this was great.

After the finish chute we lost Tony, but Robert and I walked around then watched some of the rest of our group finish. Also got to see the 1st and 2nd place females finish the full marathon. I got pretty cold so didn't hang around too long after that.


Love my hometown race! This is a beautiful, flat course and a great time of year. Great organization, volunteers and finish medals.