It was just cold as hell standing around in the corral. Once I got moving and into the sun I warmed up pretty well. This was my 1st 1/2 marathon and I was worried about the monster hills up ahead so I went out a little slower than I thought I could comfortably finish the race. I had a goal of an 8:30 pace. Probably a good thing for me though as I have a tendency to blow up.
Threw away my throwaway free sock gloves around mile 4 since I was pretty well warmed up and my hands were starting to sweat. About there the road turned up for about 2 miles, but it was a nice gentle constant grade. Just tried to keep my HR in check and run an even pace up the hill. Walked the water station somewhere over the crest and tried to take a gel in but it was so cold the gel was like trying to swallow molasses. This reduced me to a standstill trying to take it down and get it washed down.

Other than that it was just mild rollers until 9.5 miles. 9.5-10 was a steep grade but honestly not as steep as what I run 2x a week. Just kept my pace and passed a decent number of people on this 1/2mi. section. After the crest it was just a controlled fall for about a mile. I had conserved most of the day and felt like I had a lot left in the tank. I really picked up speed and tried to maintain that for the last 5k. Probably went a little hard 11-12 and slowed in the last mile but only slightly.

As always, train more, but this race is so early I really haven't done much speedwork.

Beat my goal time at my first 1/2 marathon.

Got my medal, shirt and water. Then realized my right thumb was numb. I guess I shouldn't have thrown the gloves away. Went inside and warmed up and had a pork sandwich.


Didn't stick around long since I had a sick wife at home and had to get back.