Surf City Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

I was very relaxed at the start, cold but relaxed, and was looking forward to starting the run so I could warm up. The start was great it was interesting starting with so many people, in a Triathlon the run is usually very spread out. There was literally a sea of people in front of me and behind me. After the start my heart rate was not registering on my Garmin and I spent the first mile trying to get the HR strap to register. I finally gave up and decided there was nothing I could do about my HR strap. Then about a half mile later it started displaying a HR but, it stated it was over 220 which, I knew was not correct. However, my HR then started to register correctly and worked correctly the rest of the race. Throughout bumbling with my HR strap I kept close watch on my pace as I did not want to start out to fast. I did well at pacing my start, my 3 mile pace was 6 seconds slower than my 8.2 mile pace. My left hip flexor tightened up around mile 7. Then, because I was compensating for my hip flexor my hamstring started getting tight and then my left knee started to hurt. Between mile 10 and 11 my HR and PE rose dramatically and it was difficult to continue at the same pace. I have read that you should run with heart, the last 2.1 miles was all heart as I was tired and my left leg was really starting to bother me, but I refused to walk. In fact,I was able to sprint the last mile and finished strong. However, even with sprinting the last mile my overall pace was 11 seconds slower between mile 8.2 and the finish. However, I ran the entire 13.1 miles. I was only forced to briefly walk a couple of times at the aid stations due to traffic with other runners. I could not be happier that I ran the entire distance and cut 10 minutes off of my goal time.

Stretch my hip flexors more and try not to lose one of my gels. I could have used that gel later in the race.

I picked up a couple of waters and walked (limped) to the expo tent. Then, I got my food bag and stretched while eating the food.


My left hip flexor tightening up and the 40+lbs of goo I am carrying around


I entered this race because the run is my most dreaded part of a Triathlon. This is mostly due to the fact that it is also my worst event. I want to get better at running and have been working towards that goal. I will be doing a 70.3 this summer and need to be able to run a half marathon and nothing motivates one more than entering a race. During my training for this race, I gradually ran further and faster each week while battling though cold California mornings (relative), soreness and issues caused by improper footwear. Each week I set PR for distance and speed. I now enjoy running and look forward to setting additional PRs. In fact, this race is my new PR for both distance and speed (over 10k). My goal was to finish my first half marathon under 2:30, I was able to beat this by 10 minutes. This race has improved my running confidence and I am looking forward to additional run training. I hope to repeat this performance in my 70.3. Again, I could not be happier!