This was seriously the best race. So well organized, from the packet pick up to the bus transportation to the race actually starting on time. Much better than my experience with Hobble Creek Half.
Refer to yesterday's post to see what I expected from this race. Pretty much I expected nothing, I just wanted to finish. And sometimes you just surprise your self and I am very surprised and very happy with how well it went!
Met the bus at 4 and got on right away. They had lots of fires at the start to keep warm which was awesome. Made some friends while I waited, went potty and got to the starting line just as it was starting- on time! There were so many people there. Someone said 2500 for the half. I've never been in a race so big. It was fun to be around so many people. I started toward the back and it was also nice to pass people instead of always being passed.
I loved watching and passing the pacers too. Passed the 2:20 guy, then the 2:05 guy, then 2:00 girl, then the 1:55 guy.
Took 3 Cliff block shots at mile 4. Those things are the best. Way better than the liquid GU. They helped a ton too. And every 2 miles there was gatorade, water, bananas and oranges. That was so nice too. I know one of the reason's this race went so well is because I kept hydrated and kept eating. I would have a bite or 2 of banana at every 2 miles. I got a GU liquid at mile 6 and took that at mile 8. Then finished off my cliff shots at mile 10. So this race was definitely aided, and it definitely helped.
I realized at about mile 6 that not only could I beat my Hobble Creek Time but I could crush it. I think shaving off 3 minutes counts as crushing it :). And I would have been able to cut off more but at mile 11 I was getting these crazy stomach pains, felt like a charly horse on my abs so I had to walk a little there. Otherwise, I didn't walk at all.
I'm so happy. I honestly was hoping for 2:05. This was the best course, best weather, best aid stations, best best best. I'm sad we won't be living here next year because I would do this race every year.
Didn't see anybody I knew from the blog- bummer. RAD, hope you rocked the Marathon! My baby hated the finish line so we didn't get to stay and hang out like I wanted. I had wanted a free massage too but baby was seriously flipping out. She hates marathons.
Splits
1) 9:30- There were so many people to weave in and out of. So many.
2) 8:55
3) 8:54
4) 8:22
5) 8:18
6) 8:10
7) 8:20
8) 8:06
9) 8:22
10) 8:22
11) 10:01- When my appendix apparently burst :)
12) 8:48
13) 8:29
.16- 1:00
I have lost my race print out so I'll have to wait and see what my overall pace is once it's posted on the website.
8:41 AP. 21st in Age group of 200 people. 390 overal out of 1950 | 