My first 1/2 marathon, and it was my birthday. I suck at pacing! And I have no ability to do simple math when I am running. I wanted to run ~ 9 min/miles and paced off of two guys who said that was their pace. Even though there were mile markers with time every miles and I had my Garmin on, it took me a little over 4 miles to realize I was running way too fast. I stated to feel like I was going to throw up, and I slowed down a bit. Made myself take another gel and drank a ton of water. Probably too much water, at the 6 mile water station I had to stand in the port-potty line for about 4 minutes. After loosing that time I started to walk the water stations. Finally at about mile 12 I no longer felt like I was going to throw up. I was very glad when it was over.

Learn to pace at least a little bit.

Walk around looking for more water. They gas you a bottle when you crossed the finish line, but after that all I could find were recovery drinks and beer. Tried to eat pretzels but dropped them on the ground when I was stretching. Walked back to the car and drove to Oak Cliff to help Johna sell jerseys at a bike rally - which actually entailed sitting on a chair talking with her.


Started way to fast.


The water stations seemed to be pretty random, and not enough volunteers at the last few (no one at the last one). I really wished I had my iPod for distraction. They advertised entertainment , but that consisted of a girl and guy with a guitar on a trampoline and 2 people on really tall stilts. The last 1/2 mile there were a couple of bands and the Mavs maniacs, but I really did not care to be entertained at that point.