I was in the open corral but I wanted to start pretty close to the front so I wouldn't have to dodge too many walkers. Only took about 5 minutes to get across the start line. The course was pretty nice - not too many hills, but considering that I had done most of my winter training indoors on a TM I was really feeling them by the end of the race.

I did my usual run/walk that I do for distances longer than 6 miles - running 3/4 mile, then walking 1/4. My goal for this race was to beat my previous HM time of 2:42:xx so I tried to stick with the 5:15 marathon pace group. That worked pretty good for the first 7 miles or so. I would fall a little behind on my walk breaks but managed to catch back up to them on my runs. After about 7 miles though I lost them - I was falling too far back on my walk breaks. At that point I decided to not worry about my time and just concentrate on finishing the race. I know I probably wasn't drinking enough and I was feeling a little chilled at times. The sun never did come out like was predicted and the wind was pretty cold on some parts of the course. Also my legs started cramping up so it became more about finishing. I'm actually pretty happy with my time - I only missed my goal by a few minutes and I know if I had been a little better prepared (for the hills and the weather), I would have made it easily.

Not do the majority of my winter training on a TM. I've run races in similar temperatures before but not more than 4 miles. Something to work on for next year if I decide to do another early spring half.

Tried to find my mom in the crowd, got some water and a few snacks, then headed back to my aunt's house to shower before the 8 hour drive back to Missouri.


Lack of proper training, weather was colder than I was prepared for.