Mardi Gras Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

As I stated in my logs, the plan was to use this as a training run and to slowly start the build back up towards Ironman Florida at the end of the year. I am much more out of shape than I was last year during this same race. Then again, I had IMAZ only a couple of months away, so it goes without saying that I was in better shape. Anyway, stayed with the training plan strategy since this was the first of 3 consecutive months with half marathons, so the build up was beginning here. Not to mention, I have to "play" a bit when I return to New Orleans. And that I did!

Anyway, back to the race.....The plan was to do 9:1 run/walk, but after getting caught up in the excitement of the race start and the fact that the first break would have been on Bourbon Street, I just kept going, then I felt too good to stop the second time, so I decided to wait till mile 3. So that turned into the plan. I ran the entire race except for miles 3, 6, 9, and 12, where I walked for about a minute to take in a Gu and some water, then it was back on my way.

The run felt good the entire way except around the 11-12 mile marks where I started to get some pain in my IT band/hip flexor area. I think this was due to wearing the Newtons for the first time for this distance. I have never hurt there before, so I think it was the pains associated with the "correct form" that the Newtons put you in. Other than that, all was good in the race. Powered through the aches and continued on at this Z2 pace and finished strong.

Nothing other than set up a back up alarm so that I don't over sleep and miss the race.

Crossed the line, dropped off my chip, walked up the ramp to the beer stands, grabbed two beers then walked back to the hotel.


Lack of training early in the year. And a few extra pounds that I haven't shed yet.


I really like this race. It is very flat and very well put on. A great early season race in a great city. Should be put on the schedule for a major BT get-together. Since this race is just before or just after the big Mardi Gras festivities, the crowds aren't as big in town, the hotels are very reasonably priced and you can't beat the fun in the city. Great food, great drinks, great times, and a little run thrown in. This is a must.