Jessica and I met up and drove together to the Expo center where the race started. I was a little worried because when we got there it started sprinkling and it was about 40 degrees and I just couldn't imagine being went the whole race, but lucky for us it stopped right before we started. The weather was actually perfect, not much wind and a steady temperature of about 45 degrees.
I went in to this race recovering from a sore back. So I had planned on running the miles at about 9-9.30 pace depending on how I felt. I don't have my Garmin with me to give you the exact splits but the first 8 miles were around a 8.56 pace. The course was up and down rolling hills and really not as bad as I thought. Definitely not flat, but nothing I couldn't handle.
Unfortunately at around mile 8 Jessica had to slow down because her knee was giving her issues. So from then on I was running by myself. I picked up the pace the last 5 miles to 7.50-8 minute miles and I felt GREAT! Even when I came to the dreaded hill at mile 10 I just cruised up it, not looking up of course, but still really strong not slowing down much. After the hill I was passing all kinds of people and had negative splits all the way in to the finish line.
My goal was under 2 hours so I am really happy with my time!
First 1/2 Marathon FINISHED!
Luckily my back is feeling 90% better and didn't hurt me at all during the race. Today my body is a little sore, but I think by tomorrow I will be up for a few miles recovery.
Thanks to Jessica for running with me and Erin for letting Jessica run in her place!
It was a great day!
Congrats! You really rocked it. I would guess that will be the hardest half marathon (course-wise) that you'll ever run, so it's all downhill from here!! It's been really exciting seeing your running progress!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Way to go!!!! Sub 2 hours!? Woot woot.
ReplyDeleteI am glad your back isn't giving you any more trouble and hope it stays that way.
Rest and recover!
PS: we found a super old camera that had not be included in the bunch that was stolen so we're using that right now. :)