March Madness Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

Very well run race (volunteer-wise and organization). I got there way too early (6:15am) fearful of missing out on a parking spot. Left me too much time to do nothing. Should have brought a newspaper or something to read. Was pretty entertaining just watching the crowd. The running crowd is a lot different from the triathlon crowd; less gear to worry about I guess. There were some crazy-fast people in this race.

Here were my goals for the race:
- set baseline for HIM run event at end of summer: this is a tough baseline to beat after a 1.5 mi swim and a 50+ mi bike ride, but I think it is doable
- start slow, ramp up: OK; first mile was the slowest
- settle in, then dial in: felt pretty good - the miles just floated by. Did not feel taxed until mile 10
- spin up the hills: hills were not a problem thanks to the hill training I'd been doing in Seattle
- last 5K faster than first 5K: accomplished, last mile was fastest by far
- take what the course and my body will give: felt the calf muscles straining at mile 12, but tried to focus on a steady running cadence instead of on the tightness of the muscles.
- enjoy first running race since 6th grade field day: well it definitely was not like 6th grade field day, but I really enjoyed the race and am happy with the result of my first HM.

Hit the even sections a little harder. Was very happy with the hills, but not having run the course before (or a half marathon) I kept telling myself to hold back in preparation for the hills to come. Turns out that they were nowhere near the grade of hills I had run in Seattle and could have pushed harder on the straight aways.

light stretching, water, gatorade. Drive back to Northbrook.


Needed the 3 weeks back that I lost due to calf injury in Jan-early Feb, but oh well...can only take what this aging body is willing to give.


It's the first running race I've ever done, so I have to rate it a "5". Would do again next year if I can make it in again (registration fills up really fast).