ING Georgia Half-Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

This race was my first "A" race of the season. I was focused and ready to give my best, no matter the outcome and be happy with it. I had a good playlist set and a plan go go 100% the whole time and let my body dictate the pace. As the gun went off I took off like a frickin missile. Maybe pacing would have been wise here as I had a 6:19 mile 1 split. The hills started dictating the pace from there and I settled into some low sevens feeling strong to the 5k point where I was averaging just under 7/mile. I promised myself this race I would stay positive and reassure myself when the pain began, and it began around mile 4. did a gel and some water around mile 5. Somewhere around little 5 points (mile 7ish)Kraig caught me and passed me. I realized that I needed to keep him in sight as my pace began to slip and I made the excuse "I went out too hard" then I though to myself "BULLSH*T" that was my plan! Just then I managed to pass Kraig and get some alone time again (I prefer to be the one getting chased, even though I knew he was on my heels!).
I had then realized I was over 8 miles into this thing and I was gonna PR no matter what- then I got King Leonidis from "300" in my head and kept repeating to myself "Leave Nothing, but take EVERYTHING"- Thats how I was going to finish this race. I stayed focused and attacked the hills, recovered slightly on the downhills and kicked out my stride on the flats. Pain had left the equation and now it was a rumble in the jungle with Kraig as we knew we would push each other into big time PR land. we ran together through Piedmont Park and I took my last gel and water, then I just tried to stay on his heels from there. I was really focused on my own race, but by pushing each other to perform a little harder, it probably made a 2-3 minute time benefit. the hills and wind made the last 3 miles very difficult, but it was expected and time to dig deep. the last 1/2 mile I pushed it to the finish line with all I had left. I was cooked,but managed to raise my hands up and smile to the camera at the end.

Nothing. I had brought myself to the point of puking several times and my lungs hurt so bad when I finished I thought I could taste blood. Physically, mentally 100%. It was a rare day

ran into Brett, who finished 10 minutes before us (crazy!) and got a mylar blanket and some water. I coughed alot because my lungs hurt so much. Went to the room and had a shower and a big Fosters beer. Went to cheer in the other runners and then rode the bike to find Jamie on the Marathon course


Nada. Losing 15 pounds makes a huge difference, and that always used to be limiter for me. It was nice to have a rabbit out there too.


I have done this race all 3 years and it gets better every time. they have this thing down