Mile 1- 8:52 - Started off in mid pack and spent most of the first mile running around slower runners and people walking three-abreast. A lot of wasted energy adjusting running speed while trying to find a spot to ease into my pace.

Mile 2- 8:01 - Not sure if it was the gradual downhill, or finally finding some open spaces between runners. Felt like I was pushing a little and trying to find my pace. The goal was to run 8:30 or so the first 4 miles so that when I hit the hills, I'd have some time in the bank.

Mile 3- 8:42 - Still trying to find the pace, but starting to run a little more comfortably.

Mile 4- 8:52 - The drizzling rain has stopped, but the humidity is up there as high as it can go. Trying to rest a bit here we fly down th steep downhill and the uphills are approaching.

Mile 5- 8:49 - Trying to run smooth on the first hill and hit mile 5 at the bottom of the long second hill. Was very surprised that my pace didn't drop.

Mile 6- 9:40 - And the hills are definitely slowing me down. Still powering up them with short quick strides, but I'm starting to worry about finishing the rest of the race with mile splits under 9:00.

Mile 7- 9:26 - Finished the hills just before mile 7 and started recovering on the gradual downhill and flat sections.

Mile 8- 8:55 - Nice gradual downhill with a surprise steep uphill section. Still powered up the hill and realize it's going to be a tought 5 more miles.

Mile 9- 8:40 - Mostly flat and gradual downhill and I started recovering well. Really felt good over this stretch and started picking people in front of me to catch and keep my pace up.

Mile 10- 8:34 - Running smooth and continuing to reel people in with an occasional person returniong the favor. I'm now certain that a sub 2:00 race his well in hand. Feeling relatively strong and maintain a good pace.

Mile 11- 8:31 - Small rolling rises and drops over the course of this mile. Keeping things steady and smooth and starting to feel the miles on my legs.

Mile 12- 8:38 - Same rolling course as the last mile. My hamstrings are starting to stiffen up, but are not screaming at me yet.

Mile 13- 8:52 - Good lord, where'd this uphill section come from. Not really steep, just a long gradual uphill that got me breathing a lot harder and slowed me up. I remember feeling really bad here two years ago, and now I know why. This is a tough mile!

Mile 13.1- 0:47 - Came around the corner into the parking lot striding it out and coming in strong. Legs tired, but not sore.



Go to the bathroom one last time before starting or at least try to get in line so that I'm ready closer to the start time. You can do a half marathon with a semi-full bladder, but it would have been more comfortable to try and do it without.

Lots of post race food, bands, and activities. Ate, walked to the car, drove home


Even though it was only 65 degrees, the humidity made it a little difficult to stay cool, especially when the slight breeze was at our backs.


I love this race. Each water stop was competing for the best aid station and although the rain probably kept them from going all out, there were several entertaining stops along the way: the carwash, the Grease stop, the Vegas stop and for the second time that I've run the race, a little girl around mile 6.5 sitting in her driveway in her bathrobe at the top of a hill with her cello playing the theme to Rocky!