Women's Half Marathon RR

This race came up on me fast. I knew Nov. 21st would be here quick...but I got back in town on Weds, worked and then BAM! It was here.
I knew it would be a BIG stretch to get my new PR and be under 2:10. I debated the day before "should I just run it & have fun and not try" or "see how I feel and go for it". And if I did try to "go for it"....when do I know it is not possible, or would it be too painful or if I would just set myself up to be disappointed. Of course on race day, all those questions/worries were answered.
It was a warm morning here in St. Petersburg. Had to already be in the 60's when we got to the race at 6 AM. When I am not COLD before the race you know it will be a warm one. I also realized I have not raced ANY distance since my full marathon in Feb. No wonder I felt nervous and weird.
So I decided I would head out with a faster 1st mile than training, so IF I had a chance to have a good time I would not have to make up for my really slow starts. So I headed out at about a 10:30-ish pace. I felt good and of course by mile number 2 I was in the 9:30 - 9:40 pace range. I knew if I held this pace for a while I could "stock up" time for when I slowed later. But I also knew at this pace I could burn out very easily. Long story short...I did. But I was OK with it. I went out fast and paid for it. But you never know how fast you can run unless you try. I really think the sunny 70+ temperatures did not help any.
So I held a good pace til mile 5 and started worrying and also thinking "do I slow now or keep pushing". By mile 7 - 8 I knew I could not hold this pace. But I was OK with it. I found my rhythm (although at a slower pace and kept on). Since the run was in my hometown I knew the roads, but I still marvel about how beautiful our little waterfront down town is. It was a great day. There were a few "out & back loops" just to get mileage that I didnt' love. We had to run thru the parking lot of Tropicana Field (our baseball stadium--Tampa Bay Rays) that was NOT fun between mile 11 & 12, but that was so we could run IN THE STADIUM, ON THE FIELD (along the warning track). That pretty COOL!!!
I also knew that I was close to running my 2nd or 3rd fastest half-marathon and I was pretty happy with that.
So the result was:
2:16:43, my 3rd fastest time. Pace 10:26
I placed 173 out of 633 in my age group (I am pretty darn happy with that!)
Without sounding like I am judging people by how they look, but I never feel like I look like a runner...I am short, stocky, not athletic looking. I watched younger, taller, more slender women finish behind me and it made me feel pretty good about myself.
Lastly I was 1530 out of 4746 total participants (there were about 60 men included in this)
The medal had a charm on it you can remove and put on a chain and wear around your neck. That is so great, cause wearing the medal the rest of the day, or next day or week is not an option...but I can wear the necklace w/ the charm on it!:)
Feet were sore yesterday, but no blisters and have all my toe nails! Actually I have not had any blisters or other injuries to speak of this training session.
Today my hamstrings and quads are a bit tight, sore...but feels good. Like I accomplished something.
So no PR, but still a respectable finishing time. I can actually say I feel happy and proud of myself. And in the end isn't that what it is all about?
So what is next on the list? I still have another 1/2 marathon in Feb. to run w/ my sister. But it will be at her pace, so that should be fun (not that she is slow, but not faster than me!). I have a 5K in Jan. scheduled. I am thinking I'll try and see if I can get under 30 min. I know I can run 9:30 for a few miles...I should be able to do it for 3!
Hopefully I'll get back to posting my runs on a more regular basis.
Thanks for all the support. Just reading about everyone's runs they post is great and helps keep me going. (Even if I don't post mine!)
Off today, but will just take it easy. I'll run on Weds and then this year I miss the Turkey Trot since I have to work. Maybe I'll make up my own Turkey Trot when I get off in the afternoon!
K

Yay! Way to go Kat!

It's amazing how much hot weather slows you down, so doing your third fastest ever under those conditions is nothing to sneeze at.

What's the half you're planning in February?

I am doing the 26.2 with Donna in Jacksonville, FL. But only the 1/2. I have done the half before, then last year it was my 1st marathon. My sister is a breast cancer survivior, she was there to see me do my marathon and decided it was time to lace up her running shoes again!
Thanks!
K

Way to go! Sometimes you just have to try out a race strategy and see what happens!

Nice job, kat! :D 60s at 6am, yeesh. That's toasty.