The first mile was at exactly 7:15 which was the pace to hit my goal time of 1:35. I really wanted to negative split the race, so maybe 7:15 was a bit fast, but it felt good. I kept that pace through the first 6 miles....

After mile 6 there were a couple of slightly downhill miles so I figured I was still good, but was surprised that I'd slowed to a 7:35 pace. It pretty much went downhill from there. By mile 9 I knew the 1:35 finish was out of the question, then I started doing the math calculations to ensure that I finished under 1:40. Not much I could do about picking up the pace, unfortunately.


Mile 1: 7:15
Mile 2: 7:14
Mile 3: 7:13
Mile 4: 7:21
Mile 5: 7:27
Mile 6: 7:01
Mile7-8: 7:36
Mile 9: 7:48
Mile 10: 7:57
Mile 11: 8:17
Mile 12: 8:23
Mile 13: 8:29

According to chip timing:
1st 3.1 miles (5k) 7:14 pace
Next 3.1 miles (10k) 7:10 pace
Next 3.1 miles (15k) 7:55 pace
Next 3.8 miles (13.1 miles) 8:15 pace



Next time I need to consider modifying my goal time to take into account 90% humidity and 65ºF weather. Last year I finished in a solid 1:40 so I figured 1:35 would be a good goal this year, but last year's conditions were very favorable (45ºF and dry). I 1:37 or 1:38 would have been a more appropriate goal this year.

Also, to negative split I should try to start the first 3 miles at about 10 seconds per mile under the goal pace, the next three at goal pace, and the last 7 (the easier part of the course) at just under goal pace.

I was happy with the race since I made an honest try of hitting my goal of 1:35. My training and race conditions made that goal unreasonable, but I tried anyway and was good for the first 6 miles.

Note to self to avoid injury and perform better during next year's race:

1) Make sure you have at least 3 weeks at 35 miles before starting the same plan

2) Ease into faster stuff with only one tempo or intervals for at least four weeks before adding the second.

3) Ease off on the faster stuff if it is hurting subsequent workouts, particularly the long run.

4) Lower the mileage of the long run during build weeks if the temps are above 85f and sunny.

5) Adjust goal times with temperature and humidity at race time in mind.


The logistics of getting to the start line was a bit of a hassle though I was never worried about getting there on time. Not enough port-o-potties at the race start so I went in the golf course as did a couple other guys. I'll likely do the race again next year since it's the only major half marathon in town.