Wounded Warrior 13.1 2015

6.14.15

the streak continues...

as explained in yesterday's post, my plan for my June 13.1 shifted last week due to a scheduling conflict for next weekend.

This event was coordinated by Dallas Athlete's Racing.  I've raced with them several times over the past few years...mostly triathlons, but also a bike rally and a 5 mile run in 2012 and 2013.  They do a really nice job with their events.  Today was no exception.  This event had the feel of a "big" half marathon.  The results show 1300 for the half and another 1300 for the 10k.  The 5k was held yesterday.

The event was held near the Marriott Las Colinas and the Irving Convention Center.  Apparently, the course typically utilizes the Irving "Campion" Trail System.  This was the same trail that was used for the Texas Half earlier in the year.  That race sucked.  Due to the recent rain and flooding, the course was changed to a 2 loop course, and I was glad.

I was unsure how I would feel today after my 62 mile bike ride yesterday.  Surprisingly, I felt really good when I awoke this morning.  I really felt no issues due to yesterday's ride, and I was eager to go for my run.

The race start time was 6:45...smart.  I arrived about 6:15 and had no issues parking.  the race site was well organized, parking was plentiful, etc.

I got off to a very comfortable pace and felt good.  While we had some mild temps and cloud cover, it was incredibly humid.  We started with a long gradual hill, but, nothing too bad.  we turned around at about the 3 mile mark and headed back towards the start line where we took a quick out and back on a side street before heading out on the 2nd loop.  I felt really good for the 1st 10k.  No issues with fatigue, nutrition, cramping, etc.

I slowed a bit for miles 7 and 8, and paced just over 11 minutes a mile.  About that time, I found myself along side a guy I recognized from a few FW races.  We ran together and talked for the next 2+ miles.  The timing was good, as my pace increased as we ran together.  We made the turn again at mile 10, and I slowed to walk up a hill.  I finished mile 10 strong, but then ran out of gas.  As a result, I walked mile 11.  I was hoping to keep my time in the 2:23 range, keeping me under 11 minute miles on the day.  I picked it up again for miles 12 and 13, and finished strong as I entered the finishing chute.

2:24:05 for 13.16 miles.  While my official time will show me just over 11 minutes a mile, due to the additional .06 miles, my actual time was just under 11 min a mile.

This was a great event.  DJ's and water stations every few miles.  Because of the looped course, music was heard often and aid stations were plentiful.

I skipped the post race festivities and headed home.

As always, DAR did a great job.  I'll do this one again.