I started out nice and easy with the 2:30 group, or just ahead of them. They caught me up around mile 4 because I was doing regular walk breaks, so my overall pace was a bit slower than 2:30. I started getting very hungry after about 45 minutes, because I didn't eat enough breakfast (probably about 100 calories). So, I started drinking the accelerade with water at each of the aid stations to get as many calories as possible (I didn't think to bring my one Luna bar with me, of course). But the accelerade helped a lot and I only got a belly ache when I didn't drink water with it one time.

It was a beautiful day and I very much enjoyed running back and forth over the river; I just wish I could have done it by myself, instead of with all these chattering wankers. I did enjoy the music and spectators, though, so I guess it was worth it. I started to fade at about 8 miles (my longest run before this), which I had expected. I just kept plugging along, one foot in front of the the other, and was able to pick up some and leave the 2:30's behind about mile 11-12. I haven't checked my splits yet, but every time I checked my watch in the last 2 miles I was under 10:00 mpm, so I'm happy with that. I didn't have much left at the end, so I think I ran it very well.

Eat a better breakfast! I also think a warmer race might work better for me. We'll see in May, I guess, when I run my second half-marathon. Of course, I'll be better trained for that one, too, so it'll be hard to tell if it's the temperature or the training ...

Walked, walked, walked, stretched, ate, stretched, drove home, stretched, slept, laid on the couch.


Training and migraine.


This is a fun race - all kinds showed up. It was crowded, but not obscenely so, just a bit uncomfortable at my pace. I'll probably do this one again as an early tune-up and to get me running in the early season.