Atlanta Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

First half mary. Didn't know what to expect or how I'd feel during and after a run of this length. Previous longest runs were 10 miles and 8 miles.

The run start was crowded. I really felt blocked in for the first 1/2 mile. After that, you really had to weave in and around runners. It seemed like they would form walls to block you from passing.

After that first mile, I was using my 305 to maintain a pace slightly slower than 7 min miles. I really wanted to make up for that first mile, but didn't want to push it too much harder at this point, as I had no idea what my legs would feel like later in the run.

After that first mile, I really started to warm up and pushed the pace a bit to low 7min mile pace. A few times during miles 4, 5 and 6 I was running sub 7 for a bit.

One thing that drove me nuts was the fact that ppl were seeding themselves way up front when they should have been in the back. I won't say much more about that...

The first 7 miles i really just tried to keep a pace of 7 min miles. That pace is really comfy for me. A few hills here and there, but nothing significant. I had never run this course, so didn't really know what to expect. I only had the elevation guide as a frame of reference for what was to come.

At mile 5.5, I took one of the two GUs I had and slammed it. I figured it would start working right as I got to Cardiac Hill. It was hard to swallow, and it took a little effort to get it all down. I decided I wouldn't take the other one after that...

Cardiac Hill. I looked at it and psyched myself up for it! I tackled it, but was surprised it wasn't as bad as I had thought. I run bigger hills on my training runs. I thought I was going to have to run 8.5 min miles to get up her, but was able to push it faster.

The rest of the way was uneventful. I'd pick ppl out in the crowd with bright colors. I'd catch them, then pick someone else. Really worked for me. Lots of ppl on the sides yelling "Happy Thxgiving!" I'd wave back and say the same.

The final two miles and I was being pushed by a female in purple top. I'd drop her, but then she'd catch back up. Again, I'd drop her and she'd catch back up. At one point, I asked her if she was going to do that the rest of the race. She freaking thought I was hitting on her!!! WTF? NOT! After that, I dropped her for good.

The last mile, a kid (i don't know his age) started to pace with me. I would try and drop him, but couldn't. During the last 10th of a mile, I sprinted and he kept right up. At the very end, he slowed a bit and I beat him by a nose hair. Thanks for the push, d00d!! I needed that! Maybe we should run together again!

Maybe go harder the first mile. Maybe run with someone that is a better runner that can push me to run harder.

I really need to train for distance more. I will run this race next year, but need to raise my mpw up to at least 20-25.

Walked, drank h2o and powerade, and picked up bag. Then walked to marta. Man, had to climb a flight of stairs to get to the train and that was another endurance test!


Inexperience played a big part. I could have pushed this race much harder at the start. I think I should have run 7 min miles or faster everywhere but the hills.

I also need to run more. My cardio is WAY, WAY ahead of my legs. I didn't wear my HRM today, but I bet HR data would shed some light and help me run better.

Garmin really helped out. I really liked knowing pace and distance, not to mention time. I think this tool will help me be a better runner.


Good race. Very well organized. The weather was perfect (although on the cold side of perfect) and the volunteers were the best.

I will run it again next year. I am not ready for a marathon yet. That will have to be 2010. Legs need some time to get used to this distance. Knees are really sore today.