Having run a 20k on Monday, I approached this race as a training run. However, from the start I found myself unable to hold back, so just gave it my best. I warmed up for 2 miles and then made it to the starting line w/about 250 other runners. The gun went off and here are my splits...
Mile 1: 6:13 (Mostly downhill, so minimal effort...decided to just get into the race)
Mile 2: 6:37 (3/4 uphill, 2 runners way up and I kept my eye of the fuller pack of about 10)
Mile 3: 6:49 (this entire mile was a gradual uphill, tried to keep the pack in sight so I wouldn't get lost)
Mile 4: 6:39 (this is the mile I was probably most pleased with, 2/3 uphill and I was able to keep a steady pace)
Mile 5- 6:59 (a short, sharp downhill followed by 3/4 mile of gradual up)
Mile 6- 6:19 (all downhill)
Mile 7- 6:50 (rolling hills)
Mile 8- 6:28 (rolling- more down than up)
Mile 9- 6:59 (slight gradual incline)
Mile 10- 7:23 (all uphill- Tried to keep focussed)
Mile 11- 7:20 (rolling...close to a mental collapse- too much up for this stage of the race! Stopped at the water station and drank 2 waters)
Mile 12- 7:31 (almost all uphill...it's killing me)
Mile 13- 6:30 (aahh...all downhill, regained composure and confidence...I'm not in good hill shape!)
Last .10- 5:46 pace (actually on my Garmin it was the last .14- not too off from 13.1!)
Finished in 12th place (3rd in age group) w/a time of 1:29:30 (6:48pace on my garmin, 6:50 pace for the official time). It's my new pr for a 1/2 marathon. This run was far more challenging than Monday's run and I was able to finish strong, so overall I feel pretty good about the race. I'm still probably in better racing shape for 9-10 miles and have a lot of room for improvement on the hills. With a marathon in late November, I think I'm in a good place w/my training. Would like to take a moment to remember my late friend and roommate Todd Beamer who died in the struggle with Flight 93 on 9/11- God bless you Todd, you are missed!
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