My plan was to run at a 10 min/mile pace for about 9-10 miles and then try to speed up for the last 5k, which would put me at about 2:08. The plan began well: the first 5k was at 10:01, then 10:06, but at mile 7, my legs started getting heavy and my feet were getting sore. I just couldn’t keep up the pace. Come mile 10, I really wanted to speed up, but couldn’t. I wasn’t out of breadth but just couldn’t move my legs any faster.

My fuel strategy was good. I ate a Honey Stinger about 20 minutes before the start and then about 200 calories worth of sports beans throughout the race.

I'd need more long distance training runs. In the last 15 weeks, I got 8 runs of 9 miles or more, including two at 13 miles. Overall, that is a fair amount, but I'd really need more to train my body. Some training weeks were hampered by travel, adverse weather, and illness.

Ate ice cream, talking with people I knew. Calf starting cramping afterwards as well.


Not enough long distance runs
Not enough speed training
10 lb. weight gain over the last year.


Great race for my first half marathon. It is a part of the Chevron Houston Marathon, so it is extremely well organized, lots of volunteers, porta-potties along the course, ample aid stations, and the crowds were awesome.