Hottest Half 2015

8.23.15

The streak continues. 

Another Mellew event.  This one at community brewery in Dallas.  So, at least there's that.  

Temps in the 80's to start, but, even standing in the starting corral, it feels warm and sticky.  

I battled some back pain on Friday and Saturday and had a bit of a sour stomach this morning.  That, coupled with the lack of long runs, could be problematic.

I awoke at 4 a.m. with no alarm...here we go...

However, I did have a thought creep into my head today...what if I could keep my average pace per mile in the 9's?   My fastest 13.1 to date is 2:15:32, or, 10:20 per mile.  Could I shave that down??

I got off to a good start.  I felt strong and was maintaining a good pace.

The route was good.  after about 2 miles we were fed on to a hike and bike trail that would be our route for most of the way.

I was maintaining a good pace, when, as usual, I stopped to pee at about 5 miles.  I got back out to a good pace and felt really good through  9 miles.  PR was on the brain.

At about 9.5, the heat got the best of me.  I began to walk a bit, and, that would be my norm for the next 3 miles.  My thought of a PR quickly dissipated.  I had sweat thru my shirt and the temps were taking effect.

I wanted to pick it up for the last few miles, and, attempted, but, I was gassed.

Time:  2:19:37.  I'll take it, considering the heat.  In looking at my splits (below), it will be easy to tell when the heat took over...

Glad to have this one done.  8 for 8 in the 2015 half marathon challenge, with 2 to spare.   I have had a little trouble identifying a half for September, and will need to put some thought into Chicago for the full in October...it may be best to defer...