Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

Our goal when we started to train for this was to try and do this in 2:30. With our training not being what we thought, we readjusted the goal to 2:45. So we started with the 2:30 pace group knowing that we were a bit slower. We planned to run/walk at a 9:1. Once we got started we felt really great so we decided to just keep running till one of us felt the need to walk. We ended up not walking till 29 min, then the run/walk started. As we were running we noticed three ladies about the same pace as we were, also doing a run/walk. We played a bit of pass and be passed for quite awile. I think that they may have noticed the same thing because it got a bit competative. Took a GU at the second water stop. It started to get pretty warm and one stop had a lady with a mister, that was a welcome surprise. Was amazed to see the finishing group come by looking so fresh and fast. Gave Steve a high five on his way back. Amazingly felt pretty good at the turn around. We finally put enough distance between us and the three ladies between 8-9. We REALLY didn't want them to beat us! During that time we saw a 12 year old boy and his brother running. Was great to encourage him to stay strong. He had only ever ran 5 miles before that and had not taken a walk break. At mile 10 we saw that out time was 1:51. At that point we knew that we could beat our goal of 2:30. We were so overjoyed that we crossed the mat like we were crossing the finish. At 11 1/2 I told K that I thought that I had hit the wall. My legs, left knee, and feet were REALLY getting tired and didn't think I could finsh. She said "you did not hit the wall and we are going to finish strong, now run!" Got the energy back some how and we then saw Steve at the finish telling me to beat her. There was no way that I would not finishing this race with her and our arms held high! A great first half mary finish!!!

Really don't think that I do much differently except more training. We did manage to get our long runs in but the rest of the time the training was not consistant.

Grabbed a couple waters, did a bit of stretching and walked back to see if we could see Ginger and Chris finish. Was really surprised to see the people in the med tent doing CPR on a lady. Then went and got a half of a sub but that really didn't sit to well so I grabbed a beer with Steve instead. Gotta replace the carbs, right??


Lack of consistant training


Think that they could have had a bit more water stops. Was pretty warm and they had a few people taken by EMS. But can never predict how warm it will be in April.