Country Music 1/2 Marathon - RunHalf Marathon


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Nashville, Tennessee
United States
Elite Racing
65F / 18C
Precipitation
Total Time = 2h 26m 42s
Overall Rank = 12146/
Age Group =
Age Group Rank = 949/
Pre-race routine:

Peanut butter sandwich 1 hour before the start. Some stretching.
Run
  • 2h 26m 42s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 11m 12s  min/mile
Comments:

I felt good the first 11 miles. I actually felt as if I could press a little more, but I was concerned about the last couple of miles and I should have been. In miles 11-13 there were 2 big hills. They were heart-breakers, very tough.

I stuggled some from the humidity. We have not had humid days like this to train on this year. I'm not sure I could have prepared for the humidity.

I was wanting to run a 2:15, but since this is my first 1/2 I knew I would be happy with anything less than 2:30. The course was tougher than I anticipated.
What would you do differently?:

I would have projected a faster race time. The course was packed and many people starting before me had no business being in those corrals. There weren't too many times I was passed (except on my scheduled walk breaks), but it was a struggle to pass others because the course was so full.

I would also do some more hill training. I thought I was prepared for the hills but they were more challenging than I thought they would be.
Post race
What limited your ability to perform faster:

Humidity, hills, too many people.

Event comments:

There were approx. 35,000 people running in the full and 1/2 marathon. They all use the same course until the split at 11 miles. Many of the roads used are the same for those going out of town and those coming back in. With the number of people running it gets way too congested. The race does start in waves, but you still have to "bob and weave" the entire race to make up any ground.

The streets were lined with spectators and there are bands every mile.

I thought the race was well organized but they need to find a way to solve the congestion problem.




Last updated: 2008-04-04 12:00 AM
Running
02:26:42 | 13.1 miles | 11m 12s  min/mile
Age Group: 949/
Overall: 12146/
Performance: Average
Course: The course was very hilly.
Keeping cool Below average Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 3
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Ok
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 4