1st I think that my success in this race is mainly due to my buddy Austin running with me the entire time. He is an experienced runner who will normally run a half in 1hr30m, he decided since this was my 1st one he would hang back and "enjoy" the run! Of course it may have been a deposit for me running at his pace in the future!

Started at a strong pace and felt I was running comfortably. I was hoping to run the first half at a quicker pace and then when necessary (or forced) slow down to a 9m pace to finish the race. The 1st 6 miles seemed to go by pretty easily. Miles 1-3 went by pretty quick due to having to pass a lot of people. The start was in waves and my corral was in "D". I am not sure what I put in for a finishing time but I was definetely starting too far back! I positioned myself at the front of the wave but we still caught up to wave C pretty quickly. Miles 4-6 flew by, we continued to pass a lot of people and made our first trip back into the subdivision, which was a good change of scenery. On mile 6 was where Austin showed me the diffenence in our "endurance" level. He stopped for a potty break and then caught up with me with-in 3/4 of a mile. He stated he had to go under a 7 minute pace but still showed back up with a smile on his face. Crazy runners!

Around mile 7-8 was when I first had any discomfort. The discomfort started in my lower left calf and seemed to just move up the calf as the miles added up. During miles 7-9 was where I had any real mind games. When my leg started to hurt, I also had some heaviness in my breathing and then my mind jumped in. Began as a whisper (slow down, slow down) around mile 9 it was louder. Took a little effort but was able to hold pace for the most part, but mile 9 was the 1st one to go over a 9m pace.

At Mile 10 was where everything seemed to hit a wall, actually a bridge. This was where the course crossed the bay to go into Manteo, NC. Didn't seem to be a tall bridge but when it is at mile 10 of my 1st HM it did seem to grow as I went up it. I made it up the bridge with minimal loss to my pace but I think I sacrificed a lot to get to the top. Once at the bottom of the hill I attempted to get back to the 9m pace with no luck. The discomfort in my calf was really screaming at me now. Struggled for another 3/4 of a mile before the dreaded 1st stop came! Stopped stretched out my legs and then restarted. This happened 4 times over the last 2 miles, each time I had to stretch out the calf and then go into more of speed walk before I was able to do something that even ressembled a run.

Biggest change I would have made is to slow down more on the bridge. I believe if I would takent his hill slower I would have had more left for the last 3 miles and possibly would not have had so much cramping in the calf. Other than this my effort was good and I pushed through all the minor issues.

A lot of stretching. After about 45m BBQ and a Blue Moon Draft!


Not much, I believe I performed at my current ability. My breathing never was stressed nor did I go into any hyperventilating. My heart rate was somewhat higher than I would have wanted early in the race but I do not think it affect the overall race. Once I get more "endurance" into my legs I will be able to quicken this time.


Race was well organized, post race party included free BBQ, beer, and the other normal post race foods. Live band. It was a good time to relax and recover from a strenuous run.
Also have to give a nod to the team X-tream guys. These were Wounded vets who completed the course in hand powered wheel chairs wearing full gas masks. Along with Team X-tream there were 2 other elderly gentleman that completed the course in wheel chairs, If these guys can make it through the course there is no reason for me to stop. These 4 individuals are a great inspiration!