Running 11/22/09 - 11/28/09

**kacie tri-ing** · 11-28-2009, 06:20 AM

Ok--race report from the Atlanta Half Marathon

Woke up bright and early, and DH brought me to the chilly starting line.

Last year, I ran this race with a friend as I was training for my marathon. I remember how sore my legs were from longer runs the week before. It was her big race, so I ran with her and had a great time. We finished in 2:20.

This year, I had no time goals, though I was tempting myself to break 2 hours. I knew my running was improved, but I didn't know how much. My coach decided not to give me a time goal, but just to run how I felt.

This course is a little deceptive if you don't know it. The first six miles are a net downhill (even though it is rolling), and the last half is all net uphill (though still some rolling). Many a good runner friend has had a hard time with the last half of this race, because you are already tired when you start the trek back up.

I started the race feeling pretty good. I was averaging under 9 minute miles (which is faster than I had intended). I kept looking at my watch and telling myself to slow down, but I was feeling so good. I kept reminding myself of the last half of the race, but I just couldn't make myself slow down. I brought an apple cinnamon hammer gel and a vanilla gingerbread gu with me. They were fun flavors to convince myself that I was celebrating thanksgiving while running!

So the last half of the race comes along, and I just pushed my way up the hills. I slowed down a tiny bit, but my pace ended up around 8:40 per mile (ish). I had a few pangs in my achilles which slowed me down some, but I never felt like I was struggling too much.

I am just so surprised with how much I have improved. I never even imagined running a mile in under 10 minutes, let alone a half marathon!!

I have been pretty sore the past couple of days, and I have asked very little of my poor legs. I will try out a run/walk today to see how they feel, and a ride tomorrow.

I saw my coach yesterday, and he was incredibly excited. I must say that I think that losing weight has helped me speed up. Less to carry up these hills! All in all, I finished with 1:53: Ok--I am trying to attach some pictures! The first is pre-race excitement, and the last ones are by the olympic rings after the race.