Start was very crowded. I started mid-pacl and did a lot of weaving in and out and trying not to cut in front of people. Felt great at the beginning. After about the first mile marker, though, dark thoughts crept in like how am I going to run a half marathon and who will I do the 10K in this summer's Olympic tri. Most discomfort was in my midsection. Stomach muscles were engaged nearly the whole race due to the twisting course and the uneven footing. After the first mile, runners got spread out in small groups and eventually in a single-file line. It was heartening to see the people behind me on the other side of a barrier during the switchback sections of the course. Was really hurting toward the middle of mile 3, and then I hit the pavement and there was a guy saying the finish was just ahead. Then I heard the crowd cheering, and there was a photographer and DJ playing music. So I was able to generate a decent kick to the end.

Splits:
7:03
6:47
7:49
0:47

Eat a gel or small snack closer to race time.

Sat down, walked around, drank water, stretched a little.


Core strength, nutrition


I don't have a lot of races to compare this to, but I thought it was well run and nicely organized. Post-race consisted of pizza, oranges, water bottles, and smiley cookies set up in a congested hallway where people were coming in and leaving. That could have been located somewhere else.