Notes
Very happy with this race. I felt like Joe and I really ran a smart race. I was feeling great the whole way and was tempted to speed up at several points. Definitely had a lot more than I should have at the end, but my A goal for the race was sub-1:30 which I handled fine. With my leg issues the past couple of months, my training has not been what I have wanted it to be, but I am still very satisfied with the effort.
I pretty much ran this race exactly how I envisioned. We stayed conservative and controlled through the first 8 and then started ratcheting it down. After that all I did was pass people. I would pick someone to chase, catch them, then pick the next person. Really nice to finish a half marathon feeling smooth and controlled. That's a first for me at this race distance. Beating my previous PR by about 18 minutes isn't too shabby.
Next 1/2 goal is sub-1:25, and if I can get in the training that I want to this spring/summer, it may be in reach this year.
Also, it's official, the A5's are my current favorite shoe. I was nervous they would be wear me out over the half, but they really didn't at all. By far the best racing shoe I have owned so far.