First "big" race for me and only my 2nd 1/2 Mar ever (last one was 2 1/2 years ago). Very happy with my time and results. Kept a steady pace with no miles over 9:35 other than the 1st mile which was amazing for me (I always fade in longer races). Great fans... lots of people cheering. Mike did a 1.43... he is an animal (clydesdale as well!). Ran with music (headphones) for the 1st time in awhile which I think helped me stay focused and motivated (Great Big Sea).

I was having some bad foot pain in my last week before the race and also after the race. Actually had to stop running last weekend b/c of the pain. Maybe my shoes are shot? Or perhaps going from 10K to 1/2 Mary distance in 5 weeks took a toll on me. Anyway, didn't run at all the week before the race just to give my feet every opportunity to heal up. Fortunately, was able to avoid not being able to finish. Found that by leaning forward just a bit, it was less painful (I guess it changed how I hit the ground). I'll take it easy for awhile with the running and focus on swimming and biking until I feel normal again. Probably get some new shoes the week too just to be on the safe side.

Overall though, really happy with my performance. 10 minutes faster than 2 1/2 years ago! Yay!

(Post race note: On the drive back home, started blacking out some... was very glad Mike was along so I could pull over and let him drive. Probably more dehydrated than I realized, though it seemed to start soon after we stopped at Starbucks... related?)