Since I didn't get to warm-up, had to use the first mile or so to warm-up. I don't know if it's because I didn't get a good night's sleep or the adrenaline but my heart rate was higher than normal and wouldn't go down, even though my RPE felt pretty low. This contributed to me being a bit too conservative in my pacing. Around Mile 2, I thought I felt something drop off my pocket and didn't think anything of it. At Mile 3, I was looking for my Endurolyte electrolyte pills and realized that I had dropped the container! I was worried I would cramp up during the race - so another factor that kept me pretty conservative. I resorted to drinking gatorade on the course so I can get some electrolytes. I was definitely in a slower group of people as I got passed by 3 people during the entire race (and kept all of them in sight as they passed somewhere around mile 10) and spent most of the time passing a lot. I have to remember to get to the race earlier next time and start off with a faster-paced crowd so I wouldn't be trying to get around people so much. At the start, I quickly realized I overdressed. Lost my beanie cap, neck warmer by mile 2, and the 2nd pair of gloves by mile 3. Really didn't need them except for waiting for the start. By Mile 3, I had my 2nd layer jersey unzipped. I ran the race at a pretty comfortable pace and probably should have pushed harder earlier. Didn't start going faster until about 7.5 miles (and was getting a little bit more running room at the time) and by then, I had already lost at least a couple of minutes. I finished the race comfortably and felt that I left way too much on the table - but it was my first half-marathon and I guess it's ok to err on the conservative side.

Get to venue earlier so I can get a decent warm-up in and also line up with people around the same pace. I felt that I spent way too much time trying to get around people, doing a lot of slowing and speeding up to get through gaps. I would also secure my electrolyte pills better or divide them up so I would have some handy for at least part of the race. I started pushing a little bit more at 7.5 mile point. Should've started it closer to 3-4 mile point - would've saved around 2 minutes.

jogged around the finish area and stretched. Waited for friends for close to an hour. Had yogurt, banana, and beer while relaxing then headed over to Mi Cocina for lunch.


Inexperience racing the distance; losing electrolyte pills; not warming-up; being over-dressed; Probably had at least another minute or two on the table without stretching too much harder.


This was my first big race experience (over 20,000 participants between marathon, half-marathon, and relay). Very well organized. Lots of water stations and clear signage. Lots of volunteers; nice entertainment along the way; organized at the end. My Garmin did show me as running 13.3 miles. Don't know if it's that inaccurate that I ran an extra 0.2 miles. Some of it was definitely weaving and not running tangents but seems at least a minute long. I will definitey do this race again next year!