Notes
Garmin time: 1:57:41.85
Garmin distance: 13.17 miles
Garmin pace: 8:57
Alarm set for 5:20 am. I slept pretty well, but got up a couple of times in the night to use the bathroom. Not showering this morning; just got on my shorts and Boston shirt, grabbed a banana - I felt this was sufficient nutrition for a half - put on my shoes while chewing on the banana, and took the dog for the half mile around the block. Packed my backpack, said goodbye to DW, and drove to the university parking lot across the street from my usual lot, for no good reason.
Proceeded directly to the porta-potty line, then went in to Cook Pavilion, just to "chill" in a warm place. Packet pickup and bag drop were in the pavilion this year, so it was more crowded than past years. Saw my 2:00 pacers here, but oddly, that was the only time I saw them. So much for using pacers.
Lined up for prayer, national anthem, and wheelchair/ruckers start, then it was our turn. Disappointed that the starting cannon didn't fire. The announcers didn't seem too sure about it, which seems a bit strange. They said if the cannon doesn't go off, they'd use the pistol, and if that doesn't discharge, they'd just yell GO. Odd - the cannon (howitzer) always gets people's attention.
Moseyed toward the left turn into the starting mats. This is a new, and hopefully temporary alteration of the course. The pavement was a little rough in places, and it adds a couple of right angle turns that weren't in the older course. Taiko drummers and a couple of church groups for the early entertainment. Apparently DW didn't make it in time to catch me at the start.
Pleased with my pace in mile 1, and really in all the miles of the race. Managed to stay very steady throughout. After I had the chance to stride out on the decline on 48th to Hwy 2 (miles 6-7), my legs got into a rhythm that I felt I could maintain. The climb up 20th street was tough, but I still managed to keep it near 9:00. Hoped with the 3 miles that were well under 9, I would make up for the miles that were slightly over 9.
Along the way I was passed by Chris S, and then on 10th St. Michael G. said hi and had a nice conversation with me. He left LI-COR several years ago and moved to PA, so I was surprised to see him. He's moved back to Lincoln and is working virtually.
In last mile, just caught DW cowbelling and cheering. Happy to see her, and to wish the FM people good luck as we turned off for the finish. Two extra turns here, but the finish did not seem long. Race clock showed over 2:00, but my watch confirmed that I accomplished my goal. Got my medal and water bottle, thanked the Guards(wo)men as we were herded through the parking garage where we got our nice goodie packs - the packs were nice zipper lunch bags; the contents looked like a parent of a 5 y/o did the shopping. Tried to exit S of Champions Club, but a Guardsman directed me to go around to the N side. Then walked around the N side of the stadium, only to find that I had to go even farther north, due to construction. Made for a LONG walk back to the car.