Wildfire Half 2015

7.19.15

The streak continues...

Half Marathons are getting difficult to find during the summer months.  I found this one for July.  The streak is intact, as I've completed 1 13.1per month this year with 2 "bonus" 13.1's.  

This race was coordinated by Mellew.  I've commented on them in the past, as I believe their races are "okay" at best, but, they do offer a consistent race schedule, so, I find myself running with them fairly often.  

This race took place at CH Collins stadium in Denton, which was the home to DAR's Monster Denton Tri, the Old College Tri, and Best of the Best. The run route for today is the bike route for the aforementioned  Tri's. 

I was up today at 4:30 for breakfast and coffee, and out the door by 5:30. I wanted to arrive by 6:30, as I had not picked up my packet, and didn't know what to expect as it related to traffic, parking, and crowds.  

I arrived in plenty of time, picked up my packet, and prepped.  The race emcee was knowledgeable, and was warning of heat, hills and wind.  I decided pre-race to take it easy today.  I knew that it would be a hot day, with little relief from the sun.  

As I looked around at the start line, it appeared to be a smallish field (results show 296). When the race started, I attempted to keep an easy pace.  Mile 1 was sub 10 minutes. I needed to dial it back. I began to sweat during mile 1.  Not good.  It was going to be a hot day.  I committed early  to walking up hills and through aid stations.  

At mile 2.5 I stopped for a quick pee break and continued. All good til mile 5.5.  My headphones  kept slipping due to sweat in my ears. I pulled one out to wipe it on my shirt and then rubber earbud came off.  I stopped to look for it, but, no luck. So...the next 8 miles would be music free.  Just after the earbud debacle, I reached down to adjust my race bib...it tore.  So...now to try to fix / adjust the race bib. I managed to attach it back to my race belt, and on I went...walking hills and aid stations. The temps felt a bit better and we had a bit of a tailwind after the turn, but, Lots of 11+ minute miles along the way.  

As I calculated my target time, I wanted to be better than 11 minute miles, so knew I needed to be at 2:24 or better.  I had a little energy left to pick it up slightly for the last 2 miles, and, sure enough, came in at 2:23:57.  The finish line was on the football field (like old college Tri). 

Just glad to be done with this one.  The streak is alive.