year 3 for this event.
This event, in its 49th year, is the signature Marathon in Dallas, attracting nearly 20,000 runners. With a 5k on Saturday and a 13.1 and 26.2 on Sunday, this is definitely a big race.
Last year, just a couple months removed from the Chicago Marathon, I opted for the 26.2 and got my ass kicked. The lack of training between the 2 marathons made for a miserable day. While I was on the fence about whether or not to Run Dallas again, I suspect that as long as I live in the area, I'll participate.
I had not run a 13.1 since April, and, that one was ugly. However, my training runs of late have felt good, and, I PR'd 2 weeks in a row at the 10k distance. Those factors, coupled with my recent completion of Austin 70.3, had me feeling good going into today.
I knew several friends participating in this one, which always leads to a good time pre and post race.
I awoke this morning at 3:30 with no alarm. I'd set the alarm for 5, but, didn't go back to sleep. I was out the door by 6, and in the ($15!!) parking garage by 6:40. Plenty of time to prep and connect with friends before the 8:05 start (my corral was scheduled to be released at 8:15).
I headed over to the Omni where FWRUNCO was meeting before the race. While I'm not officially training with the group, many of my friends are (or, are coaching). It is always fun to connect pre-race. They were kind enough to let me join for the group photo.
Soon after, I headed to my corral. I ran into a few folks that I knew in the corral, and we visited for a bit before our corral was released.
Prior to today, my 13.1 PR was 2:07:47, set at last year's FW Marathon 13.1. At the time, I was just a few weeks removed from Chicago, the route was on the FLAT trinity trails, and, the distance came up a little short, at only 13.08. All that to say, I had some advantages over today's conditions. However, I wanted to be better today.
Going into race day, I determined that I wanted to try and hold a 9:30 pace if possible. This would bring me in at 2:04:32. Now, of the 21 half marathons I'd run prior to today, I only had one under 2:15. But, as stated above, I was feeling good going into the race.
I was near the 2:00 pacer, and, for a few fleeting moments, considered trying to keep up with that pace, but, soon after the race started, I dropped back and fell into my pace and rhythm.
The weather was perfect, with an overcast 50 degree day. While there would be a little wind to contend with, the conditions were really good.
When the gun sounded, we were off. As with all races, it can be difficult to find room to run early on, but, things began to thin out fairly quickly. Miles 1 and 2: 9:17, 9:07. I was feeling good. I stopped for a quick pee break at mile 2.2, but didn't lose much time. Miles 3 and 4: 9:44, 9:12. By mile 5 I was beginning to feel a little fatigue, and, had thoughts of the training the would be needed for the 50k at Cowtown. Additionally, this course has some hills mid route. I was slowing a bit. Miles 5,6,7: 9:28, 9:50, 10:00. I hated that I had a 10 minute mile on the books, and, was determined to not have another. Miles 8 and 9 are good, as the course heads down Greenville Ave, and there are lots of spectators, music, etc. Miles 8 and 9: 9:50, 9:45. I continued to take in liquids at every aid station, and kept moving. The 13.1 / 26.2 split occurs at about mile 9.5. I was thrilled to be turning right rather than left, as I knew that my race was drawing to a close. Miles 10 and 11: 9:40, 9:49. At this point, I could sense the finish line was nearing, and sped up a bit. Miles 12 and 13: 9:36, 9:29. I ran a 7:48 pace for the last .2 (yes, I'd extended the route by .1), and finished strong. 2:06:42. A PR by more than minute. While the official results show me at a 9:40 pace, Strava has me at 9:31 due to 13.2 miles. Although not well managed, I'd run my planned race. And, I was 40 seconds per mile faster than my 2014 race on this course. That's substantial. 186 of 440 in my AG and 2310 of 6708 overall.
Nutrition plan for this one: BASE salts every 2 miles, Rocktane Gel every 4 - 4.5 miles, and, fluid at every aid station.
I hung out for a bit with several of my racing buddies and had some low quality beer. Good day, good run, and, good times with friends!
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