I really wanted a PR so I geared the previous 8 weeks of training specifically for that. For some reason it's really important to me to get a good off season half-marathon before I start working towards long course triathlon training. I feel like it sets up the whole year for me mentally. Anyways, onto the race. Ran with my Garmin 310xt, which I don't normally do, but I wanted to pace as evenly as possible. First mile was a little quick for me. Went 6:05 so I immediately pulled back in the 2nd to 6:15. The rest of the race was staying between 6:10 and 6:20. I've noticed running a half takes a great deal of focus for me. I can let my mind wander and as soon as that happens my pace drops. So I just put my head down and concentrated on turn-over, breathing, arm swing, and anything that results in forward propulsion. It seems to work for me and probably why I can't run with music. Took about half of a Crank Sports E-Gel just before the mile 6 aid station and chased it with water. At mile 10 my left quadricep really tightened up and got progressively worse with each mile. Didn't affect my pace but was definitely uncomfortable. I tried to run the tangent but with the abrupt u-turns it was nearly impossible.

Nothing. I'm happy with my time and it's nearly a 2 minute PR for me. My last PR at this distance was at Canyonlands in Moab, which is a much quicker course with a net overall elevation loss and few turns. I was absolutely wrecked after this race. Delayed onset muscle soreness lasted a few days longer than normal, but I really pushed it.

I tried to get a cool down jog in but after a couple of hundred meters my legs said no more.


No limiting factors. I was rested. The temps were cool with only a mild wind in some directions. Everything just sorta came together.


Now that's outta the way I'm really looking forward to some hard bike and swim training (maintenance mode since the end of last tri season). I'm gonna cut a little run mileage but keep the key workouts. I feel like I've found a balance between new fatherhood, work, and triathlon. So I'm really looking forward to this race season. Ideally I'd like to get 3-4 half irons, some Oly's, and a few sprints in there. I think I'll wait till 2012 for another full iron, although I have been approached about Vineman Full. I'm still on the fence with that one though.