Dallas White Rock Marathon - Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

For some reason, I really was not too keyed up about this race. I knew that in the weeks prior, I had done long runs, with really good times, so I was just going out today, and having fun!
The first mile or so was a bob and weave contest, and also a jump up and down the curb without breaking anything show. The crowds started to really thin out at the top of the 1st rise, right where the throw away clothes piles were forming. I was feeling good, but felt like I was working a little harder than I should this early, but thankfully there was a nice 500yd downhill to lessen the effort. The next 4-5 miles went off great. I felt like I was working just hard enough to make a good showing, but not so much that I would pay for it. The 1st 5 miles went by and I averaged 11:56. Not bad, about where I would expect it. Ran past John 3 times in 3 miles, and I was totally misreading my Garmin. I was reading that I was doing 10 minute miles.....which I know I can't, but I was a little worried. I later figured out the problem, but the last time I saw him I was concerned at my pace. he just told me to go harder...thanks buddy! Miles 6-8 were hard for me. I don't remember anything specific about them, I just remember taking extra walk breaks. I was doing well with taking 2 waters, and 1 gatorade at every stop, unless it was gel time, then it was just 2 waters. Miles 5-8, my average was 12:56....bad, Mile 8-11 weren't much better, but nothing stands out about these miles other than know that when I hit 10, i'd be done in less than 40 minutes. I think I hit 10 at 2:03 or 2:04. The last 2.1 miles were by far the coldest of the day. We had a serious tailwind when we turned back into the city, and the temps had dropped 8-10 degrees. I knew this was time to let it all go. I stopped paying attention to my 4:1 times, and ran until I wanted a moments rest. I averaged 11:20 on the last 2.1 miles. I crossed with a bunch of people, with my hat on backwards, and a smile on my face. A totally different experience from Disney in January.
Coming in, I saw Andy and Marcy behing the railings, slapped some hands, then heard Aaron and Kenny calling for me, and closer to the line, I heard John! That was really cool!

I couldn't have done alot better. I could have gotten a minute more out of it at most, but you can't complain about a 47 minute PR!

Shiver.....Walk to the beer tent.....contemplate.....decided it didn't sound good to me right now. Had my finisher picture taken, and found Marcy. We compared notes on our day and I found out that she PR'd by 32 minutes! Met up with most of the other BTers and went to the floor of the AAC to get some grub. Sadly....it was all gone!


Weight pure and simple.


Well, coming into this, all I could compare my expectations to was the Disney 1/2 I did in January. I ran a 3:27 then, and today 2:40. Not fast, but a 47minute PR. Im estatic about that. I was glad that everyone else had PR days too. I now know what its like to be in the front of the BOP, instead of back of BOP. Ok, maybe middle of.
This training stuff reall works!