Race report

Post race, sporting the technical t and my finisher's medal.

The short version is I FINISHED IN UNDER 2 HOURS! Don't know official time, but it was 1:55 when I crossed the finish line, which means I maybe did a 1:53 or something like that. I'm checking to see when results will be posted. My Garmin thinks I did an 8:37 pace for the entire race, and I'm very happy with that!

Here's the longer version.
I got to the race an hour early. I checked my weblog from my Blackberry, and read the comments from Take One and Shelly -- thanks girls -- your comments warmed my heart and were with me throughout the race!

I lined up with the 9 minute mile people, and met a wonderful woman, age 66, who loves to run. She told me she started when she was 35 and hasn't stopped. I asked her how her training has changed, and she said that she's gotten slower (just finished her last marathon in 4:20 -- yikes, that's slower???) but she's still loving running, and is considering ultras. My new running friend looked wonderful and had the kind of energy and enthusiasm for life that I want to have forever. Great way to spend the last few minutes before the starting gun!

Miles 1 and 2 were run WAY too fast. I haven't downloaded Garmin data, but I think I was sub-8:00 for both miles. I tried to run slower, but it was just so fun! (Ok, so now I've downloaded Garmin data, and I was wrong. Although at times my pace was fast, I did the first mile in 8:37 and the second in 8:26, so I didn't run as stupid of a race as I thought!)

Miles 3 - 9 went great. Course is beautiful (click here for photos of the route) and the weather was perfect -- crisp, light breeze.

Mile 10 was when it started to feel hard. But I kept thinking about Tim and Austin and Tucker at the finish line, and that cheered me immensely.

At mile 12, SURPRISE -- there was Tucker! He had walked from the finish line back looking for me, and I guess there was about 3/4 of a mile to go when I saw him. Let me tell you -- my kid is an awesome race partner -- encouraging, sweet, willing to go at my pace (which was about 8:30 at that point -- still gotta download Garmin data!), and just wonderful.

Like I said, I crossed the finish line with 1:55 showing on the display, and hearing the cheers and whistles from my husband!


Me and my last mile partner!

After the race, we took pictures, I ate the BEST oatmeal raisin cookie, and then we headed to my parents house (they live a mile or so from the starting line). Had a nice visit there (although what I really wanted was a shower!). Then Tim stayed to work on their computer, and I headed home with the kids, with a quick stop by Noah's Bagels for my favorite indulgence: a super onion bagel with veggie shmear.

Lucky me -- I have 3 great guys to support my race!

If anyone local wants to run a great half marathon, Parkway is one to consider. It's well managed, there are lots of aid stations, the course is flat and fast, and the atmosphere is super duper fun, with lots of great free stuff at the end!

Now I'm showered and my tummy's full and I think it's time for a nap.