Last year this race was my first half marathon so I took it easy to ensure finishing. This year, after 4 more HM's, I decided to let my pace be determined by how I felt along the way and let myself go "fast" if I was feeling good.

From the start I went with the flow and weaved my way through some of the slower runners. First mile pace: 8:47 and feeling good, go with it! The first 4 miles are gently downhill and I let momentum carry me at an average of about 8:40, which is about 30-40 seconds faster than my usual training pace. Felt good so I kept it up, trying not to think about breaking the 2 hour barrier for the first time.

At mile 5 I hit the first very gentle uphill and slowed down a touch but still kept my pace under 9:00. The next couple of miles had some flats and some small rollers making for a mixed pace, still feeling good and going "fast".

Mile 10 is the only real hill on the course and it's a small one of only about 150' of elevation over a half mile. Slowed down my pace and cruised right up but as I got to the top the tendon down the back of my right leg started to tighten up. I could keep moving, albeit a bit slower and not quite pain free. In the back of my mind I did a bit of math and figured I could still hit the sub 2 hour mark even if I slowed a little. I found a good groove which lessened the pain and kept a nice steady pace until I was in sight of the finish line then picked up my pace a bit to finish steady and smiling as I set my own PR and first sub 2 hour HM!

Not much, great run at a faster pace than I anticipated. Only downside was the tightness in my right leg, not sure what could have prevented that other than going a bit slower.

Stretched out my legs and used a foam roller on my tight right leg.


Other than the issues with my right leg I ran a faster race than I planned.


Great half marathon, on a fun course.