ING Georgia Half-Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

Where to beginning. Looking back on it, I think that was one of the quickest runs I have ever had. I don't remember much of it at all. I think I found the zone and went. I hardly recall looking at my watch except to check my splits.

I had a race strategy for ING. I live near the course so I run and drive these neighborhoods all the time. My plan was to pick it up during miles 5&6, then miles 8-10. I knew these were the real flats or downhills. Otherwise, I was to hold an 8:-8:10 pace hoping to have enough on the final 2 miles (which are inclines).

I went out a bit hard with my first mile under 8 but I was comfortable and my HR was in z2 so I rolled with it. I was able to pick it up during mile 5&6 dropping about 20s on each mile. I popped a GU at the 6 mile mark. When we got into the Highlands I picked up the pace.

Mile 10 was the first time some pain began to set in. At this juncture, I was concerned about blowing up during mile 12. I decided to back off the rest of the inclines and make up the time on the flats. Well the time doesn't really reflect that but I did. I took another half GU before mile 11 and prepared for the final two miles.

People were dropping left and right. I felt fresh after I rounded the stadium and picked it up a bit more. After I made the final turn, I knew I was on the last 1.2 mile homestretch I opened up the pace. You could hear but not see the finish line as you made your way to Centennial Park. I knew I was set on a PR, just wasn't sure by how much.


Pick it up a bit more in the middle. I raced the half mary but I didn't give it 100% the whole time. I think I left about a minute out on the course.

I ran a great race. I was smart at every turn. Since I knew the course, I moved to the inside and tried to cut every corner possible. Other than to go say hi to a friend I never moved from that inside position.

I alternated water and gatorade the whole time on the course.

Warm-down? How about warm up. It was miserably cold and wet afterwards. I chatted with Kraig, Zimmer and Brett then decided to bolt. Sorry guys, I was cold and live too close to hang out.


Nothing. More long runs? An actual taper? Not riding 50 miles two days before? I was fine.


I thought ING made MAJOR improvements on the race from last year. The aid stations were fully staffed and well positioned. Even with the weather the crowd support was fantastic.

My two complaints are that I think the course was long. Several people measure the course at 13.27. I don't think that is a coincidence. Also the finish line was horrible. We had to snake through Centennial Park. You lost all your speed with the 90 degree turns. Put the finish back on the street.