Tobacco Road Half Marathon - 3.18.12

I went into my 7th half marathon under-trained but with great expectations.  I should really know better by now. Jonathan and I have determined that early Spring races aren't our best.  I dislike the treadmill so much that I just won't do it; therefore, Winter training doesn't happen as it should.

Anyhow, we got up at 3:40, ate an english muffin, got dressed, and hit the road.  We met up with friends to carpool to the parking lot, where we waited for the race to begin.  We got there around 5, so it was quite a wait til the race began at 7.  During that time, I re-taped my left ankle (both were taped the night before), ate a banana and a stinger waffle, tackled the porta-potty line, and just hung out.  I should have drank more water while I waited.

I met up with my running buddy around 6:30 and we waited in the corrals for the race to begin.  I didn't realized until I got into the corral how humid of a morning it was - my body's not used to that this early in the season!  I felt great for the first 5-6 miles.  It was just before the turn around that I started feeling tired.  I did hit that first section faster than I usually run, but I think my 'out of gas' feeling was more due to a bit of dehydration. I was sweating like hell, especially once the course went onto the actual trail (practically enclosed with a canopy of trees) as opposed to the open road.  Miles 7 through 11 were pretty tough.  At 11, we were back on the open road, which was a little cooler.  I felt like I finished the last 2 miles okay compared to how the previous 4 miles had gone. Most of the last mile was downhill, but the last .1 was uphill and I MEAN COME ON! :)

I ate one bite of a stinger waffle on the course and it didn't sit well, so I quit that right quick.  I did go through 3 nuun tabs (which Jonathan said was outrageous).  I was just feeling so thirsty from sweating so much due to the humidity.

After the race, I got my awesome medal, immediately ate a stinger waffle, sat on a curb for a few eating that and drinking water, then slowly ate some cinnamon chip bread.  I never once felt like I was going to be sick!  Nutrition success!  (Post race celebration included a hot shower, a nap in bed with wet hair, and fries & a burger with buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and pickles.)

I missed my A goal (1:59), my B goal (2:0x), and my C goal (PR'ing).  I missed a PR by 17 seconds.  Before the race even started, I mentioned that after my 70.3 on May 5th I would probably take a break from racing for a bit.  Well, we know how long that thought lasted.  Even though standing up from a sitting position yesterday was a feat, I've already been checking out the early Fall races.