Realized I forgot my Garmin at the start, which was a bummer. I had hoped to get mile splits, but in the end maybe it was better that I forgot it and could just go with how I felt. Start was pretty slow but people finally spread out. Felt good and passed lots of people for the first 6 miles or so then settled into a good pace. Usually Sula is out in front but she was dragging and I had to stop 3 or 4 times for her. Finally at Mile 8 whatever it was worked its way out and she felt better, which was good timing because I started feeling a bit tired. There were fun signs all along the course saying things like "Toenails are for wimps" "Pain ahead" "Jokers do it once a year". It was really fun. The dogs added a lot of smiles too. Some dressed in cheetah suits. Amanda ran alongside a pug for part of it! I was expecting the hills to be a lot worse than they were, hardly noticed them at all. My right hamstring started to twinge a bit at Mile 10 and my hip flexors were definitely sore in the last mile, but my breathing was under control the whole time and I feel like I could have pushed it a bit more between miles 6 and 10. Wish I had my split times! Had a quick swallow of energy drink at both aid stations. Miles 6 and 10. Thought about eating another hammer gel, but it was hard to get to since I shed my had and gloves and stuffed them all in my back pocket, plus I haven't tried eating gels while running. Should practice this.

Not much. This was a really fun. Maybe drink more the day before. Felt a bit dehydrated the last couple of miles.

Watched Amanda and other friends finish. Photos. Watched a bit of the awards which was pretty wild. Winners won cheetah print sashes and had to take an oath saying things like they pledged to wash their running socks at least once a year. Pretty hilarious. Changed in the car. Wished for comfortable, dry shoes. Inspected toe damage (not too bad, one slightly purple toe). Ate bananas. Realized when we got back to Missoula that a forgotten banana peel managed to ride all the way home on top of the car! Cold drinks with Holly and Tim and Amanda at the Kettlehouse, celebration dinner with Manda at the depot and home to watch a movie.


Inexperience.

Sula may have slowed me down a tiny bit. But it's hard to say because she also kept me happy and kept me going at the end.


This was my first half marathon. My sister and several friends signed up as well and it was their first too. It was fun to share the experience with others, including my constant canine running partner, Sula. I had no idea what to expect and had hoped to break 2 hours. I was happy with the whole experience and look forward to more half marathons to come!