My goal was to run sub 1:40:00 and PR. I planned to run on RPE, but wore my Garmin mainly for data collection and post race analysis. I did look at it occasionally for my pace. I planned to negative split the race - run the second half faster than the first half. About mile 7 is where I planned to pick up the pace; this is about where the turn around is located.

The first mile was too slow mainly due to dodging in and out of people. I thought I started close enough to the front, but obviously not. The next 2 miles were too fast. Although, after mile 1 I had decided to gain speed where I could, (i.e. downhill and with the tailwind) because the wind was blowing so hard. I knew the last 6 miles would be into the head wind and figured I needed to bank some time. So, I ran miles 2 and 3 faster on the downhills than I normally would have. By mile 4 I had settled into a good pace and just held it until the turn around. After the turn around I picked up the pace and was able to hold ~7:25 pace to the finish line. 7:25 is faster than my tempo run pace. Once on the Katy Trail we were running into the headwind. But, honestly, I didn't even notice it. I just relaxed, focused and ran.

Somewhere along the way I lost track of which mile I was running. I thought I was at mile 9 or 10. But then the I ran up on the mile 11 maker. That made me laugh...only 2 miles to go.

Hit the finish line and that was it. PR. Woohoo, new VDOT.

Looking at my HR data, I spent from mile 9 on in z4 and was bumping up against z5 at the finish line. Pretty much left it all on the course. Not sure I could have run much further at this pace.

Nutrition: Ha! Didn't have any. I ususlly use GU but forgot to bring some. Michele had some of the Power Bar shots from the goodie bag. I took a few of those with me but didn't eat them. I had some gatorade at a couple of the aid stations and water. I'm kind of amazed I didn't need my GU.

Not much. Start closer to the front. This was a training race. I tri trained right through this race. On Saturday I rode 2 hours. I'm really pleased with my performance both physically and mentally.

Walked around and drank water. Tried to stretch some. Then hit the food tent. Went back to the finish line to wait on Michele to finish. Found a spot along the fence on the Katy Trail. Climbed up on the brick wall and leaned on the fence so I could see the runners coming in. Saw Michele go by. Standing in this position for 10 minutes wasn't good for my legs. My legs became really stiff.


No taper.


Great race. I really enjoyed the knew half mary course.