Year 2 for this one.
After completing this race last year, we preregistered for this year's race while still in NO. The plan was for Lindsi, Lisa, Butler and me to run again. Several months ago, Indi registered as well. 5 of the 6 of us would race. Unfortunately, we had a childcare issue, so Lindsi had to bail, and, Indi was needed at home. As a result, only the Gossards, Butler and I would go. Too bad. Having everyone here last year was awesome.
The race had been pushed back a month due to Mardi Gras, so it fell on the same day as Cowtown. It sucked to miss Cowtown.
Butler and I drove down on Saturday, and will be here until Wednesday. We're staying in the same house as last year. It's a great house in a good location. I suspect this will be our go-to each year.
As for the race: I was unsure what to think about the race. I have not been running much, but, have already completed 2 half marathons this year. I PR'd on this course last year, so, knew that I could have a good time. I planned to run the 1st 10k at a 9:45 pace, with hopes of speeding up for the last half of the race.
It was cool, but, not cold at the start line. It appeared that it would be a great day for a run.
When the horn blew, I tried to settle into my 9:45 pace, but, it was simply too crowded. I figured if I could stay close to the 4:15 marathon pacer, I would be on track. As early as mile 1 I was slower than hoped, booking a 10:06. By mile 2, I realized my plan was not going to work. It was too crowded, the temps were heating up, and I was undertrained. I kept my hopes that I could speed up at the half way point, but, it never happened. About mile 3 I shed my arm sleeves, and around mile 5 I stopped for a pee break. While a great course and great city, many of the roads were in poor condition or under construction, leading to some poor running surfaces.
I continued my slow, steady pace until the end, and booked a 2:19:16. Yuck. My slowest half in quite some time. I'll need to begin training again if I hope to post 2:05's and below. I still hope to break the 2 hour mark this year. With my speed work during the summer, I suspect it will happen at a fall race.
Still a fun race. I hope that we will all return next year.
#goodforyou #sobummed
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