Houston Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

I started out well, just following the throngs of people at the event. I was amazed at the number of people that came out for the event, and can barely imagine what it must be like for the larger events like NY. Around mile 2 I started needing to go to the bathroom, and apparently so did a few others as at one point several guys made there way to a large group of bushes. I couldn't justify following suit so I just held out until there were some official bathrooms a half mile later.

Then, I saw two people slip and fall, with one getting some nasty scrapes on her leg. I slowed to help, but they quickly got up and continued on...I just hope they got some help from the many medics I saw patrolling the course. I had to take about 2 walking breaks in the first 10 miles, but after that I needed to walk about every 15 minutes to catch my breath. It was about that time that my legs started to ache and I started feeling a little pain in my ankles. Neither was serious, but it made me worry that one wrong step might end my day. I must say, that I certainly like the idea that they put your first name on your race number. It took me a while to figure this out, but many of the spectators would read off your name and give you personalized encouragement. At first I thought that they were talking about someone they knew that was around me, but then it dawned on me - they were LOOKING AT ME! Since none of family made it out to cheer me on, it was very nice to have people that made the effort to direct their words of encouragement to me personally!

In any case, I finally made it to the last street that would bring us downtown. This was where the marathon route merged with the half, and I got to see the leaders of the marathon whiz by me on the other side of the median. I couldn't believe that they had run twice the distance I had, and had that kind of speed. Once I made it downtown, I was encouraged by the people lining the streets. At first, at was 1-deep, then 2, then 4-6 as you approached the finish line. Once across, they helped you get into the convention center to get your medal (very quick), your meal, and your finisher t-shirt (long line). I was generally happy with my performance, especially when I found out my "chip-time" was under 2:30.

I would definitely eat differently in the morning. Although it didn't really cause any problems, my stomach got a little queezy around mile 8. I wouldn't want that to happen again. Also, I'd bring my iPod with me to make the run a little more similar to my training runs. Although I was never bored during the event with all the strange sights and sounds, I could have used some mindless running to keep my mind off of how far I was going. Lastly, I'd take that one more bathroom break. I had thought 3 was enough, but apparently it should have been 4 as the first 4 miles were uncomfortable as I waited for a chance to go.

Once I was in the convention center, I tried to stretch the legs a bit. With all the people, and the post-race rush, I probably hurried this too much as I usually feel very good after the stretch. I was pretty tight, but I just wanted to get away from all of the people. I did hydrate some more and have a biscuit or two on my walk back to the car and on the way home.


The holidays! Pre-Christmas, Christmas, and vacation all prevented me from taking my last long-run. While on vacation, I didn't have too many chances to get a run in, then I got sick 10 days before the event. I feel that if I could have gotten in one more long run, and avoided getting the flu, my body would have been in much better shape.


Not having anything to compare to, I have to assume that this was pretty average for an event of this size.