Went out to fast.

I would everything differently.

Staggered to the side and stretched my knotted calves out.


Poor plan. Poor hydration. Poor (ie none) hill training.


Here is what I did wrong. I bought a new running shirt the day before the race and decided it looked better with my shorts....it was much to warm to be wearning and I paid for it. I forgot to take my vitamins that morning. I lost my mind and decided to drink Power Aide early in the race even though I NEVER drink any sort of drink anything like that. I drank to much also. The biggest sin I commited was this.... We all had timing chips so I told my friend that we could get in the back and let the crowd go and then when it was clear we would go run over the mat...well we hung back and were joking and when it was clear we lolly-gagged to the line only to find that we were NOT going to run over the mat. Then we ran to fast trying to make up the time. That was a bad idea haha!

For the first 9 miles I felt good and well paced though. But shortly after the over-pass (mountian) and another small incline I got nauseated and puked. That sucked. After a minute or two of walking I regained my composure and started to run. from mile 11-13 my calves cramped up big time. My electrolytes were all screwed up. I even had to stop and stretch out with in sight of the finish line.

Then I was told to go down the wrong chute so I had to go back out and cross the other mat (they had different chutes for half/full marathoners).

I decided to use the time on my watch instead of the official time... I thought I deserved it...

After finishing I vowed never to run a half marathon again... but now I'm thinking of trying the Austin Half to redeem myself

While my race was disappointing I reminded myself that 6 months ago 13 miles was inconcievable and now it is not only doable but within my reach to do it in a solid time for me.