I write this with sore legs and a big smile.
This was officially my second half marathon to do. The first being Freescale at the beginning of the year. The difference? I completed this race nearly twenty minutes faster, with a time of 1:41:34.
The weather was optimal, a brisk 50 degrees at the start. Perfect for the 13.1 mile trek. The first few miles felt effortless, though I kept checking my watch to make sure I maintained my pace... as the big descent (first hill of the course) hit at mile 4. The 'King of the Hill' challenge was at mile ~5-6. This, ever so appropriately named challenge went by rather quickly, and in retrospect, I should have gone a little slower, as it took much longer for me to recover than in my previous training runs at the same point. I finished the king of the hill mile in 7:41.
Next came mile 7-9, when a major cramp hit right under my heart, and slowed things down quite a bit. I did some breathing techniques, and thankfully the pain subsided to allow me to pick up my pace and continue towards the finish.
The final miles flew by and I was joined at the finish line by my coach, wife and friends. Another GREAT race is now over. Distance challenge number 3 - DONE!
Stats:
Chip time: 1:41:34
Average pace: 7:45
