This is my second time running this race. The first time was the inaugural 2 years ago. I ran a PR by about 10 seconds. So, when we decided to run it again, I said I wanted another PR. The course is obviously a fast one despite having to cross the causeway 2 x and having about 4 miles of trail. I've never targeted a race for a PR before and certainly have never articulated my quest for one before, but I did for this one in the hopes it would keep me on the training track.

About 6 weeks ago I thought I was on track in my training, but then things kind of took a bad turn. Not horrible, but I wasn't doing the work I thought I really needed. Mainly, I been racing so many shorter races I didn't feel like I was getting the long miles in, but I was still hopeful.

Of course. the weather got hot and humid and there was a severe weather threat the morning of the run. This was deja vu as the last time we raced Tomoka it was storming right up to the time we arrived at the site, stayed hot and humid for the HM and then started storming again, causing the marathoners and volunteers some real trouble!

We got to the race site later than we normally do and, since we still had to pick up our packets, had to hustle a bit. I made it to the start with about 3 minutes to spare!
My goal was to run a 1:51:xx. I didn't care what the seconds were, but really wanted the 51. I could still get a PR with a 52, but it would be close. So, I decided to run keeping the 1:50 pace group in my sight while trying to keep my miles at 8:30.
The first mile was right on pace! That even included the causeway crossing! The next couple of miles were 8:24s. So, I was feeling pretty good about things. It was a bit odd trying to check my pace during the miles as this is not something I ever do. Normally, I run as hard as I feel I can run without blowing up. If I've got something left with a few miles to go, I pick up the pace. So, trying to ensure I was staying right on pace was hard. Plus, I don't think my watch was a good cooperator:) Every time I looked at it I saw a different pace and then the mile would register something else!

I am not a big drinker during a race. In fact, I normally only take water a max of 2x during a HM. I don't take any nutrition. But, I was thirsty to start the race and it was hot and humid, so I took water about 4x. I tried to take it another time, but there was a passing error and the cup fell to the ground :( Despite the thirst and the weather, I was feeling pretty good. I am lucky that the heat doesn't affect me too badly. I felt it, but it didn't bother me too much. My left hamstring has been an issue lately and it did cause me to alter my stride from time to time. It was annoying, but it wasn't anything I couldn't deal with.
The first half of the race went exactly as I wanted. I was on pace and the 1:50 group was right where I thought they should be. Then we hit the trail portion and I found myself slowing down. At one point I looked at my watch and saw 9:15! Yikes! I had to shake myself out of my slump and pick up the pace!! The mile with the 9:15 was my slowest at 8:45. Damn. But, I picked things up and seemed to be getting back on track.
Finally, I was out of the trail and back on the road heading for home! Not too long after that - at about mile 8.5, my phone rang. Yes, my phone. I am on call for work, so I had to run with my phone. Getting a call Saturday morning is a pretty rare thing, but of course I got one today.
Ugh. Nothing to do, but answer it. So, I slowed to almost a walk and said "hello". I was panting -of course, so I had to tell the comm center operator that I was running. I didn't want her to get any funny ideas :) She laughed and we discussed that I was in the middle of a HM. She apologized, but I told her no worries, I was on call, so go ahead and put the detective through. She did and I handled the call. Of course, as I was on the call, the runners heading in the other direction all had a good laugh at me! I also had about 3 women pass me. Rats! The call was not too terribly long and I did keep running -albeit more slowly, so I didn't feel too horribly about it.

After the call, I tried to pick up the pace and make up time. It took awhile, but I finally caught and passed 2 of the 3 women who passed me. The 3d woman was flying! No chance I could catch her. I also passed 3 other women. My miles -unfortunately, were now 8:35s, so I was slowing down. And, I still had the causeway to cross in the last mile. Each time I checked my pace I was about 8:15, but somehow the mile pace was always about 8:35!! In the final 2 miles I tried doing the math and realized it was going to be very close. I still had a chance to get to 1:51:something, but I would have to pick things up just a bit.
The causeway came and I was moving pretty good. I even passed a couple of people. But pretty soon I was brought to the brink of puking, so I had to back things off a bit as I decided puking would slow me down even more! I was still running with the puke feeling right at the edge, but not at "oh yeah it;s happening" as I was before easing up a bit.
Then I was at the top and then heading down! woo hoo! The end was near! Of course, the way the course is set up, the finish is to your right just as you hit the bottom of the causeway. Too bad it is across the street, so you are directed left and around a bit, so you eventually run under the causeway before coming into the finish area. It is a cruel course! On the way down the causeway I picked things up and ran as fast as I could. I have no idea of my pace. I tired to keep this up for that final probably .25-.30 push to the finish. I think I got under 8 at one point.

Crossed the finish and looked at my watch. 1:52. What were the seconds? I had no idea. I would not know if I had a PR until the official times came out.

PR! By just over 7 seconds!! I didn't get the 1:51:x that I wanted, but I did get a PR. Yay! I wonder if I could have had the 51 without the call. Who knows. Maybe having that little break kept me from completely blowing up. It's a bit frustrating, but a PR is a PR so I can't complain. And I got 3d in my AG, so all in all a good race!!.

not be on call!

Grabbed water and a beer and walked back to the car.