I ran considerably faster than usual. I grouped up with a couple of girls who were running at a pretty good pace early on and stayed with them for 90% or the course. The last 25% or so got difficult. Legs got sore during last part. Feet got sore. Power bar and Power gel kept my leg muscles working. I feel that I could have benefitted from more. I peaked and recovered from the half way mark--I think because of nutrition intake.

More planned out nutrition--including what I eat before the race. A belt with more water and power gels. I went for an additional gel in my belt to find that I forgot to put it there. Instead I ate a power bar, which may have made the running more difficult for a while--although it ultimately did fuel me. Definitely more water. More stretching and warm up before and after the race.

Jogged ca. 5 minutes out of the finnish line. But very slow. I really felt it when I went down to a Zone 1 jog. I did ca. 5-10 minutes of leg stretching, inner thighs, ass, and back. Drank two small cups of warm tea, which was the perfect thing in the cold weather. Later I had a sports drink, a Coke and more water. Ate a little bit of white bread. When I got home, I ate two corny bars before a hot bath. Long hot bath followed by a quick cold shower. Oiled up.


Organization of training plan and nutrition.


Great first half-marathon. My overall performance exceeded my expectations. I pushed a little harder than on runs, which was appropriate for the race. I would do it the same way if I had to do it again. At the same time I am glad that I did NOT push more or go any faster than I did.