A brand new 1/2 Marathon in N Alabama (Florence). I certified this course last June, so I had to run it. Going in I told myself to take it easy as I will be running Mtn Masochist 50+ miler next weekend. So I stayed comfortable, and comfortable today was 6:20 pace. I was in 4th place at the 1/2 mile mark and that is where I stayed the remainder of the race. On the long straight streches I was able to see ahead to Heath White and Tim Vinson(2nd,3rd) but I was not trying to catch them as this would have been detrimental to my pacing. Most of the good hills are in the last part of the 11th mile and then rolling hills all the rest of the way. That section is where I fell off pace a little, but still remained somewhat strong and was able to bring it in for a new PR! Tim was technically 1st Master, but awards were 3 deep for Overall and they didn't have double dipping, so I got first Master. Tim and I got a 5K warmup and a 4 mile cooldown to get in a 20+ day.
My wife Kelly ran a 5K in Hartselle this morning and won the Master award as well, PR'ing in the process with a 24:52.
We had a great day of running. Only thing that would have made it better is if we ran in the same city! | 