This is my third half marathon and I was really hoping to go sub 2 hours, based on my recent training. Previous races were 2:14 and 2:12. The weather was almost perfect for a fast run - 60 degrees and overcast. Here are my thoughts mile by mile:

Mile 1 (8:07) - WAY TOO FAST. Slow down. Ran with my friend who finished at 1:40. Gladly let him go alone after mile 1. I was shooting for 9:10ish on the first mile. First mile was over highrise bridge. Couldn't see the Intercoastal due to heavy fog.

Mile 2 (8:29) - Trying to slow down a little. Back over the bridge. I am now on my own, as my friend has gone on his own. Still running with 5k group at this point. I believe this was part of the reason for my fast start.

Mile 3 (8:22) - Still trying to slow down, but WTF? Faster than mile 2. 5k group no longer with us. I am now pretty much on my own. We are running city roads and due to limited size of field, there is good space between myself and other runners.

Mile 4 (8:43) - Ok this is more like it. Still not as slow as I would like, but I am getting closer to my desired 9ish pace. I am also starting to find my groove.

Mile 5 (8:39) - Still too fast. This mile is right along the Atlantic Ocean. Can't see much with the fog, but can hear the waves and feel the sea breeze. Decide that I need to force myself to run miles 5 - 10 at 9's to keep from struggling at the end.

Mile 6 (8:59) - Realized I was on pace to break my personal best 10k time. Not a good idea. Finally slowed to perfect pace. Took some gatorade and walked through water stop.

Mile 7 (8:48) - Still feeling great. I'm starting to pass people who are really falling off.

Mile 8 (9:09) - Good pace and still feeling comfortable. Walked through water station again.

Mile 9 (8:45) - Still feelling very good. Now I'm calculating my time and realizing that sub 2 hour is very much within my grasp. I'm starting to get greedy and realize that a 9 pace for the rest of the way will get me sub 1:55.

Mile 10 (9:06) - 3 more miles to go. 1:55 is within my grasp. Although, I am starting to tire a little.

Mile 11 (9:11) - Who's idea was it to go out so fast so early? I'm having second thoughts about hitting 1:55. And by the way, the thought of running a full marathon is nuts! There is no way I am going to run 26 miles - ever!

Mile 12 (9:18) - Forget 1:55, that was a stupid idea. Let's just concentrate on coming in sub 2 hours. I am struggling here. Although I haven't been passed in a long time.

Mile 13 (9:41) - The longest mile I have run in a long time. Passed by a couple of people and walked for 100 yards. I can't wait to see the finish line. At this point I have completely ruled out running a full marathon.

Finish - 1:56:15 - Pretty good kick for last .1 mile. Mission accomplished! Great race. I'm already thinking about when I can run my next half marathon. This is a fun distance. I was surprised to find out that I finished third in my age group (which goes to show the lack of runners). I received a third place medal.

Now time to take a couple days off to regroup and re-evaluate my marathon training. I will run a full marathon this year, I'm just not sure it will be in March. I may focus on half mary's for the Spring and look for a Fall marathon. I will wait a couple more days before making the final decision.

Go out slower.

Little walking. Catch my breath.


My fat ass.


Overall great course. Very pretty along Atlantic Ocean. Very fast, many people set personal bests. I will try to run this race again next year.