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. :)
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