March Madness Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

I had followed some bt'ers blogs and knew the first half of the race was a net downhill so I wanted to put some time in the bank for a slower second half but at the same time not kill the first half only to fade in the last 5K. I also wanted to stay below LT HR of 178 even on the up hills to save some gas for the last 5K.

First few miles were in the 7:15 - 7:30 range and i was thinking this pace was too fast. My HRM didn't agree as I was sitting 10 beats below LT. So I keep the pace through the first half and felt really really good. About mile 10 I started to form a blister on my foot, my calfs were getting tight, and my right hip flexer started to bark at me. I had put about 4 mins in the bank in case of a melt down and I sort of was waiting for it to happen....but it didn't. Mille 10 still had four in the bank, Mile 11 I had added time, and mile 12 I was going to PR in a big way unless my calfs just locked up. I petered out in the last .75 miles, I didn't think I could break 1:40 and turned off the gas but as I rounded the last turn and with the finisher line in sight took off. If I would have pushed the last mile I would have been under 1:40 but mentally I knew I was going to PR by 5 + mins and just couldn't keep the gas down. Still managed a PR over 6 mins. I can't wait to see what I can do in Osh Kosh on a flat course!!

Got my Corall C slot for Chicago! A month early! Great race, very challenging course with Hills that never stop. There are some nasty grades out in Cary.

My time is watch time. I think the offical time will be 10 secs or so slower - no chip timing.