The A1A Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

This is my smartest run ever. I'm so happy! I had the right amount of nutrition and hydration, grabbing something at almost every offering. I took a gu at mile 6. Coach said to think of the race in 3 mile increments and it really helped. Went out slower the first 3 and once I found my pace, I held it until the end when I *felt* like I picked it up, but my pace didn't show it! The first 2 the front of my leg and foot were very fatigued. It's a problem I've had at 5ks before, and I think it was maybe from the little sprints I did this week, so I was a little worried but pushed through it. We went over a bridge around mile 2 I think and that seemed to really help it. It started to loosen up and then I felt really, really good the rest of the race. My breathing was perfect and I felt strong. The wind was at our backs through the turn at mile 6 and it got a little tougher after the turn to run into it, but not awful. The first 2 miles in the park were protected from wind and I actually raced people and dropped a few that were battling with me around miles 9 and 10. I tried to pick someone, speed up enough to pass, secure my spot and slow it a bit then repeat. It was so much fun!!!!

My splits were: 8:32, 8:17, 8:23, 8:05, 7:58, 7:56, 8:02, 7:55, 7:57, 8:04, 8:05, 8:08, 7:59, then a 7:22 pace for the final .1

Cool down like I was told to do rather than stand and drink a beer :)

otherwise, nothing. I feel I raced smart and performed well.

Found my friend's husband who showed up to watch us finish. I gave him title of Jock Strap, as he was very helpful! We found my dry clothes, I got changed and we grabbed a beer just as the monsoon blew through! OMG it was c.o.l.d. and rainy. My friend developed an ITband problem on her last training run and it wasn't going to let her run, and my other friend hadn't really trained for the race, so they ended up walking most of it. They finally crossed about 1 1/2 hours after I finished and by then I was shivering and my teeth were chattering. My friend Val was miserable (she's a born and raised south florida girl) and almost got in a cab during the race!!! how funny would that have been??? They grabbed a beer and we made our way to the car.


Last year seemed better than this year as far as the race went, but I'm sure the weather dictated that. The music wasn't as fun and motivating. The water stops needed more volunteers. Didn't check out the food at the end, but they did have DHL take our gear bags from the start to the finish and it was a big mess in the rain trying to find bags. Mine was fortunately under a tent, but most were sitting out in the rain and in no real order. I'll do this one again, as its close to home and the weather was a freak thing.