For the past two years, the Shiner GASP has been one of my favorite events. For whatever reason, this year, they moved the event up a week. As a result, I couldn't go, as YMCA Healthy Kids Day conflicted with the event date.
As a result, I began to look for other events for the weekend. Initially, I planned to drive to OKC after HKD and run the OKC Memorial Half today. I went as far as to book a hotel room in OKC. However, in an attempt to save a little money, I cancelled it. Maybe next year, as I've heard that the OKC race is a good one. I set my sights on the Lonestar Half in Arlington instead.
I had no awareness of this event prior to a month or so ago, when I saw it pop up on Facebook. Susan and Brian Smith are connected to the event, so, I figured I'd give it a go.
I ran into Brian and Susan last week, and they gave me a few of the details. It sounded like a smallish race, but, it was close to home. It was scheduled to start at 6:30, which, is a little early, but, apparently that was due to the need to keep roads closed for a shorter amount of time.
While my alcohol consumption had been far less this week, my diet has been poor. My training has continued to be sporadic, at best. I was up a little before 4:30 with no alarm, as I wanted to have some coffee and allow myself plenty of time.
I rolled out at about 5:20, and arrived at the race site before 6. As with all races, a restroom stop is key pre-race. Perhaps my biggest win of the day was arriving to a bank of port-a-lets with no line, and, choosing a fresh port-a-let. #winning
I took some time to stretch before this half, which, I oftentimes skip for longer races. When the horn sounded, I got out to a fast start, and felt great. The early start time led to a cool start to the race. I was pacing ahead of the 2:10 pacers, and felt good. I ran the 1st 10k at a 9:50 pace, and, that was with extending .1 mile from early on in the race. I began to walk up a few of the hills and through water stations, but, still felt good. A quick pee stop slowed me a little again at about the halfway mark. The 2:10 pacers passed me just after.
My pace slowed drastically over the last the last 7 miles. I ran most of the way, but, took the opportunity to briskly walk the hills. The 2:20 pacers catching me was the motivation I needed to push through the end. 13.26 miles in 2:19:21.
As for the course, I had pretty low expectations going in, but, was pleasantly surprised. We ran by The Ballpark, Cowboys Stadium, and through some cool neighborhoods with big tree canopies. The end of the race fed us through the UTA campus. Good course.
I'll likely do this one again.
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