Three cheers for another half marathon in my hometown. With our schedule being what it is these days, I wasn’t sure I could commit to running this race. I very much wanted to but I had to wait and see if we could swing it. I started preparing with a friend and made an effort to get my long runs in, acting as if I were going to do it.
Good thing I did because as we got closer to the race date, I realized I would be free that day. Bill and Mason were planning to do a cub scout canoe trip and Walker could fend for himself at home.
At dark o’clock, I met my friend Barbara at the start with her husband. This was her second half marathon but the first time she was planning to run it. Her husband had been coaching her along the way and giving tips about negative splits. Since my training had not been too rigorous, I did not have lofty goals. I didn’t really have any goals other than to have fun and finish.
One thing I love about this race is the hometown connection. I enjoy running into friends and chatting the miles away. It’s a great distraction and a lot of fun. My plan of attack for the race was to run at my usual pace and see what I could do. I was feeling pretty strong and enjoying the new race route. Somewhere near mile ten, I looked at my Garmin and realized that if I pushed, I might finish in two hours. I started picking up my pace, running the last three miles faster than the first and much faster than I usually do.
I saw Barbara’s husband at mile 12. Hae gave me a cheer and a time check. I gunned it for the rest of the race and finished at 2:04:52. Looking back at my pace splits, my first 5K was 10:04, 10K and 15K at 9:47, and the last 6K at 9:05.
I left nothing in my tank and finished with such jubilance. I was really proud of myself. I even got a medal.
Excellent effort! count me impressed
You just amaze me!