2013 Texas Independence Relay Recap

Not only was this years team the fastest we've ever had, it was definitely one of the most fun. We finished 37th out of 145 teams with a time of 27:50:39. That's an incredible average team pace of 8:22! We also had three brand new team mates to the Team 1 family this year and all were perfect additions. We have been so fortunate with team chemistry from year to year and it really is what makes the experience so fun. Sure we all like to run faster each year, but the point of the weekend is to be a team. That's something we always excel at. With all that time spent together, you quickly bond with your team mates. You forge lasting friendships over weekends like this. This is what makes the TIR special.

Prior to this weekend, I had resigned myself to thinking that this would likely be the last Team 1. With major life altering events on the horizon for us, I seriously did not think we could continue to be a part of it every year. A teammate said something that really changed my mind. He said would be good to keep it going for tradition and continuity. It made me realize that the tradition was important to others and not just me.

2013 Sugar Land Half Marathon Recap

Beautiful clear skies, a crisp 33 degrees and only a slight wind. You could not ask for more perfect running weather. This was my shot at a new PR and I did not want to let it go to waste. I felt so great in the 10K last week before that I felt I could be a little more aggressive with my pace. My strategy was to steadily hit 8 minute/mile splits and see how I felt in the last three miles. After finding some room to run, I was right on it. I didn't stop at any aid station and only an untimely shoe lace malfunction at mile 8 forced me to break my rhythm. I found myself running with an ad hoc running buddy which surely helped me stay on pace for much of the second half. I know I was under 8 for much of that back half. I was certainly in the mid to low 7s in the last 2 miles. I ended up with and 8:21 pace first half and a 8:00 second half, which was awesome. I had never felt so strong during any of my previous half marathons. I finally broke my long-standing half marathon PR by almost three minutes. Strong start, stronger finish.

Here's the line.

             Overall         ---- 1st Half ----                  ---- 2nd Half ----              Chip
Place Place Rnk   Time         Pace        Rnk Time  Pace       Time
9           110 11 54:14.9 8:21/M 8 52:25.5 8:00/M 1:46:40.4

As amazing as the personal achievement was, the best part was being able to cheer on so many of my family and friends who were out there, some of whom were running their very first half marathons! Congratulations to all!

I am so thankful have an amazing support system, lead by my incredible wife who is always there to cheer me on. :)