Frederick Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

I had a great run. My strategy was to stick with the 4:15 marathon pace group as long as possible, which would hopefully bring me in under a 2:10. I felt good the whole race and I was within about 50 yards of the pace group the whole time (I got a little behind at the second water stop, but caught up by mile 7 or 8). The strategy worked well and I came in even faster than I thought possible. I had gels at 57 minutes and about mile 10; maybe a little overkill, but they seem to make me feel better, so who can argue. I didn't have a problem with the rain which picked up around mile 7 or 8. I think it actually helped to keep me cool.

If I'd had any idea how far my run fitness had come since last fall, I might have pushed it a little harder and tried for a 2:05.

J was freezing after waiting for me in the rain, so I walked through the short food building, and back to the car. It took quite a while to get out of parking, but we had the heat going in the car, so I felt ok.


Nothing except maybe my own underestimation of how well I could do.


Some of the aid stations were kind of short, so I just didn't stop, but with the temperature and it only being a half (for me) it wasn't a problem. Getting out of the parking lot after the race was an issue because the only way out crossed the marathon course (still ongoing) so it was VERY slow going. Overall, I really like the feel of a smaller race, and the volunteers were great out there in the rain. The small food/finish building wasn't quite sufficient for the number of people finishing during the half (at least around my pace), but was probably fine for the marathon group (less of them, spread out more). They were actively trying to improve the flow while I was in there. I had a great race and can't really complain!