The other night I had a goal time come into my mind of 1:58. I knew that was not realistic at all. So I kept that as the absolute "OMG" goal but realistically set a goal of keeping to 10 minute miles. Every time I passed a mile marker I'd check my HRM and cheer a bit cause I saw I was keeping my pace.

Around mile 3 I opened up a second gu that I worked on for the next 4 miles. That did me well for most of the race. I never needed to stop at the water stops since I had a belt with 4 bottles on so I was able to keep a consistent effort without slowing at the aid stations.

There was a homeless man hanging out under the bridge leading into the park. It was kind of sad, but he was cheering for everyone which I found interesting.

As I ran I would keep a mental track of the folks from my corral for passing them. There was one dude that must be military. Had the Army look with the high & tight buzz cut. Yeah, he's gotta be a ground pounder. Looks it too. We passed and re passed each other several times in the first 6 miles. I think I passed him for good after Bryant Park.

I was happy , hit the 6 mile mark at 59:59 by my HRM.

My hips would whine at times but I still felt pretty good so I just kept moving. I felt them around mile 5, then around mile 9 they started up again. I was hoping to pick it up a bit from mile 10 with a had sprint at the end but at mile 10 I took stock of the hips and decided that keeping a steady pace and not injuring myself any worse was a higher goal. I also knew at that point that there was no way the 1:58 was happenening so just give my best for the day. I reminded myself that anything under 2:17:11 was a PR.

I think I had a third gu in the last 3 or 4 miles, just enough to head home.

As I headed down towards the finish area I heard Jen shout my name. That was cool, really picked it up for that last 0.1!!

Nothing, this is the best time I have finished a half mary in. I have chronic hip flexor issues and managed to finish my highest run volume month ever with only mild irritation in them.

FOOD...Loved the mylar blanket! Hung with Kristen for a few minutes....first time ever I beat her in a race! Yay, me!!
Hung with Carrie, Jen and my husband while waiting for Beth to finish.
Warm clothes, dry socks....oh those felt wonderful!


Hip flexor issues since last year, something I have to watch all the time when I go for volume.


Sportsbackers does a good event. Richmond supports this race well. Loads of spectators with cowbell, noise makers and posters. Fair amunt of bands or mobile DJ's--though I used my ipod and had a blast singing along with that :)