Atlanta Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

Night before:
I had a horrible headache all day before the race and didn't get enough sleep the night before.

Start:
Got dropped off at the start line and headed over to sidewalk to stretch. Said hello to Oneill322 and her friends then took my place at the start. Realized I forgot my timing chip which really sucked. It was really crowded at the start and I didn't get moving until about a minute after the gun went off.

Race:
This was my first race without a friend to keep me company through a portion of it. I was really tired and instead of ignoring that fact by talking to someone I spent the entire race telling myself how tired I was. I know this impacted my performance some, but I was still able to keep it together and run a good pace (no PR, but it wasn't a wash pace either). It started raining around mile 3 and while I had brought a trash bag with me it was too hot to run in it. I ended up throwing it away and running without it.

My knees and back started bothering me around mile 7 and by mile 12 I think my body was telling me that it hated me and wanted a divorce. I was sore and sopping wet. I used my arms to get through the last bit and all things considered I feel like I finished strong, but after I crossed the finish line everything sort of froze and seized up. I hobbled to get some water and definitely started to feel both the miles and the temperature.

Overall:
Even though this is about 9 minutes slower than my last 1/2 marathon time, I'm happy with my performance. I went in to this run telling myself that I just wanted to have fun and even though my RR sounds like I'm complaining I had a great time. I really zoned during the race and it felt good to be challenged.

1. I'd get more sleep the night before.

2. Run more during my taper. I was slack last week and missed my 6 mile run.

3. More training on the course.

4. I need new race gear. I don't have a long sleeve technical shirt and wore a cotton one instead. It got really heavy after it started raining.

5. Remember my timing chip!

Hobbled over to the Family Meeting Area to wait to be picked up. Drank a coke, ate a banana and ran into Yumi from Get Fit. She PR'd and ran a sub 2 hour marathon. Go Yumi! Once I met my ride we drove to the gas station to get some eggs and bread and he made me poached eggs, toast, and grits while I showered off the grime and warmed up. Perfect breakfast!


Being tired. Reminding myself that I was tired.


Nice medal, ugly T-shirt! In fact, I think it's the ugliest race shirt I've ever seen.

Overall this is a good race. I feel a Thanksgiving tradition in the making.