Notes
Fog qualifies as humid, right? Same routine today, got up at 5:00, pick up DD at 6:00, drive, this time, to Roca. In order to position DW in proper cowbell location, asked a couple of race officials which direction we were going to be running. One pointed north, one pointed south. Okay. Got that straightened out, we're running south. Started gathering at the starting line as race people were apologizing for the PA being out. They did a verbal countdown, and then we were off. I was nearer the front than yesterday, and had little "gun" to starting line delay, and virtually no congestion delay. That was nice. The trail was nice, too; shadier than I remembered, with plenty of trees along the east side. I was trying to pace myself, but differently from yesterday. Figured if I stayed at a brisk but relaxed pace, I should be okay. Remarkably little passing after mile 3; I passed 3 or 4, none passed me. I focused on a guy who was ahead and running a pace that was close to mine, but not an easy catch. I thought he could be in my AG, but was probably younger. He stopped for water once when I did not, and he caught up and passed me, assuming about the same position, distance-wise, ahead of me. Nice supporters at the road crossings. I was feeling a wee bit tight and a wee bit tired, but not like I was pushing anywhere near the max. Maintained 20-30 yard follow distance to the turnaround, where we both got water, then started the return. Knowing I was on my last 10+K, I picked up the tempo, same relaxed stride, but quicker steps. I suddenly seemed to get a second wind, and easily caught and passed my target guy. I said good job as I passed, and never saw him again. My next target was a gal who was running faster than I, but she periodically walked. Gallowalking, I guess. I'd pass her, then she would resume her running and pass me. This happened several times, but with about three miles to go, I was expecting her to pass again, and was planning to tell her to run it in and not let me pass her again, but she never showed up again. Two other youngish gals passed me around that time, and they were running strong the rest of the way; I wasn't going to catch them. They must have been holding back quite a bit. I found myself feeling pretty great, though, and finished really strong - in fact, the PA guy noted that aloud (PA was fixed by finish time).
Toweled off, got quite a few of the snacks, and joined in on the cowbell duty until DD finished, and I gave her a high 5.
Double half is tiring, but not nearly as painful as a full. Feel I was well trained for it; by the second day, it was quite apparent who was not so well trained.