Notes
Started out w/ pacer - 1:50:00, but that was too ambitious and the pacer, rather than a slower start and build up, believed in "putting some in the bank" for later. We flew through the first 6 and then I let them go on so i could at least finish. The bridge going out wasn't too bad, but coming back up the bridge we had a strong wind. By mile 10 I was tired and knew the fast start was taking it's toll. I wanted the PR so badly. Had to beat 1:53:30 from the St. Louis half last year. Suddenly I became very good at math. I knew it would be close. The last 2 had nothing to do with physical ability - my brain - sheer determination and desire pushed me over the finish line for my skin of the teeth PR. It was emotional when I ended. Unlike the marathon when I knew I would finish and time didn't matter this time I knew I would finish, but time DID matter. I was racing myself and the clock - there were no luxuries. Wow. In the end I did need the time in the bank the sadistic pacer talked about, AND I now have a plan for the upcoming St. L 1/2. I will try to run this same race with the same splits only in REVERSE order. I'll try to start out with the 8:30s and end with the 8:10s. I learned a lot in this race though. It was the most beautiful scenery in the world, and running my hometown was awesome. It was classy, well run and friendly. Instead of "rolling down Hwy 41", as in the Ramblin Man Song, we were "running down Hwy 41." The finish line was under the incredible banyon trees on the Ringling Mansion grounds overlooking the bay. I can't believe I was born and raised there. Here are my wacky splits.
1 - 8:45
2 - 8:09
3 - 8:05
4 - 8:07
5 - 8:09
6 - 8:29
7 - 8:19
8 - 9:03 - bridge/headwind
9 - 8:30
10 - 830
11 - 8:31
12 - 8:33
13 - 8:32