The Cowtown - Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

I started off a little fast but it was mainly due to the nice downhill section outside of downtown. Once I got to the first turn, I was able to take off my throw-down sweatshirt and run with just an underarmour long sleeve base and a running vest with shorts. It was cold going into the wind but nice when going with the wind. I spent the first 4 miles just getting my pace and breathing down and then just focused on being strong and steady. The weather was cold but clear so it was hard not to run faster and I struggled to keep my effort down. After the first 4 miles I was 4-5 minutes ahead of where I wanted to be but feeling really good. The next section had some hills and I went up them without much worry about my heart rate. I really enjoyed the run, even on the brick section of Camp Bowie. Once I got to mile 9ish? I started looking for my family but I was so far ahead of my goal that I must have missed them. I slowed down a bit but then hit the long downhill section of Camp Bowie and couldn't help myself and opened up my stride and just cruised down that long section. I did finally hear someone calling my name about mile 12. My wife and brother were yelling from the car stuck in traffic, so I kept going to the finish. Overall, I felt great the whole time. It sure was nice to have a well supported training run!
Miles Time Total Time Avg HR

Mile 1-4 41:34:25 41:34 161
Mile 5-8 42:30:12 1:24:04 149
Mile 9-12 40:00:58 2:04:05 157
Mile 12-13.1 11:38 2:15:43 161

Total Time 2:15:43 Avg HR 158


Run slower on the uphills.

Walked around looking for Steve, Marci, Aaron, etc and watched the 5k runners drink beer. I had a hard time staying warm after the race since I was still damp from sweat and being downtown where the winds were blowing through the streets. Walked back to the parking garage and sat in my truck.


Training plan that said to stay in Zone 2!


This is a small but nice race with plenty of sceanic views and quaint neighborhoods. I like the start and finish in downtown but the layout and organization at the finish line lacked some thought. I gave up standing in line for food cause it took way too long. Also, it was a mess trying to get back to the parking garage since the I couldn't get around the 5k race in progress. However, I would do this race again. It's a great course that I would describe as a miniature version of the Austin AT&T Half Marathon course. The hills are not as steep in Cowtown but some are more gradual.