Great race today. Weather was near perfect, upper 30s, low 40s and a tailwind - ideal for this point to point, downhill course. Didn't honestly know what to expect with how my fall training has gone but was pleasantly suprised with a near PR and a win. Started with 3 other guys and we decided to stay together for as long as possible (more their idea than mine since I like running alone). Nonetheless, it helped to have others to run with. Stayed together with me slightly leading through 8 miles, then when we turned out of Banner park, I threw in a surge and sustained it for 2-3 miles to open up a gap of 20-25 seconds which proved definitive as I came in for the win. First win at this 'hometown' race and I'm thrilled with the time as well, since I wasn't expecting to run that well. Splits:
1- 5:58
2- 5:56 (11:54)
3- 5:52 (17:46)
4- 5:51 (23:37) always the fastest (most downhill) mile of the race, guy running with me asked if we were going too fast and the other guy and I both assured him that you bank time on the first half of this race
5- 5:55 (29:32)
6- 5:58 (35:30) solidly under 37 at the 10k
7- 6:00 (41:30)
8- 5:56 (47:26)
9- 5:49 (53:17), gamechanger here, this was the surge that won me the race. I popped a GU at mile 8 and I felt great coming out of Banner, got the wind truly at our backs here and I took full advantage
10- 5:54 (59:11)
11- 5:52 (1:05:03) kept the surge through this 3 miles 9-11, 17:35 for this 3 miles, faster than my opening 3 miles
12- 5:56 (1:10:59)
13- 5:51 (1:16:50)
.11 - 40
total - 1:17:27, 5:54 pace, 3rd fastest half marathon ever, within 5 seconds of #2 and just 39 seconds off the PR, ran home to my parents' house for a cooldown, love this race!
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