Notes
Hugh, Dan, and I left Columbia about 7 am and arrived in Sedalia about 8:10. There were quite a few people from Columbia and several of the Long Run Lunatics running the race.
I ran a mile warm-up with Dan and it didn't feel great. After running it, I figured the smartest thing to do would be to take it easy today. The plan for today was to see how the first 2 miles went and then to try running a 6:37 (half marathon pace), 6:50 (marathon) pace, or a 7 minute pace. After the warm-up, I figured I would be lucky if I could hold a 7 minute pace.
I ended up taking my first Accel gel before the start since the package had exploded open on me earlier when I was placing it on my race belt. I had planned to take one at about 4 and 8 miles. Temp at the start was 38F. I wore a short sleeved shirt over another long sleeved and shorts which felt about right other than the wind. I decided to get rid of the gloves I wore during the warm-up. I lined myself up at the start back a few rows from the front since I was just going to hang back and take it easy. Dan and Hugh started off near the front. They were both planning to run their half marathon pace although Dan had mentioned his marathon pace I figured he would run it faster. I started off quite slow and caught up to Hugh in the first mile. I quickly helped him with a GPS problem and went ahead.
I ran the first mile in 7:11 so I was thinking maybe around 7 min miles would be a good pace. This mile felt much better than the warm-up. I continued on at a comfortable pace and am thinking how easy it feels. I can see lots of people ahead of me and spot Dan since he is wearing red quite a ways ahead. He doesn't seem to be getting any closer or further away so figure he must be running his pace. I hit mile 2 in 7:01. I took a little drink at the first water station. I continue and things have started to loosen up and my pace picks up. I then start setting my sights on people to pass. In most races, I start out so fast that I don't pass many people and often get passed so I am enjoying this.
I'm passing people and they are breathing a lot harder than me. I run mile 3 in 6:50 and mile 4 in 6:40. Then I see that Dan is getting closer so decide to catch him. Picked up the pace and ran mile 5 in 6:18 and then caught him. Told him I was feeling better and not sure how long it was going to last. I considered running with him, but was feeling good and momentum kept me going forward. Next, I see Darrin up ahead and he seems to be right on pace for running marathon pace as he had planned and I pass him. At about half way I am at 44 minutes so am thinking I have a chance to run a little faster than last year.
The rest of the race went about the same with a good pace that doesn't feel too hard and I keep passing people. Only if my legs felt better I really think I could have picked up the pace even more. This is an out and back course and is always encouraging to see your friends and other runners on the way back. I took my second gel after the turn around and then some water at the next station.
We had to deal with some wind for some of the course, but could have been worse. For the last 2.5 miles I run with a girl and we pass back and forth. In the last mile, I pass her and one other guy and then just keep a good pace to the finish. Lungs were feeling great today considering the pace. The legs didn't feel real great so I didn't feel like I should push too hard considering I am not 100% recovered from last weekend.
The end result of this race was much better than expected and totally unexpected. Here are my splits:
M1 - 7:11
M2 - 7:01
M3 - 6:50
M4 - 6:40
M5 - 6:18
M6 - 6:29
M7 - 6:29
M8 - 6:40
M9 - 6:33
M10 - 6:47
M11 - 6:40
M12 - 6:40
M13 - 6:33
M13.1 - 1:01
Finished in 1:27:53 at 6:43/mi which is my second fastest time on this course in 4 years and my second fastest overall half marathon time. I placed 3rd in the 35 - 39 age group. Dan placed 4th in age group at 1:29:16 and it was his first half marathon. Hugh had a tough age group but ended up with a half PR at 1:40:25. Both ran an excellent race.
I will definitely take it easier for the next couple days. Post race legs are feeling sore but I think it is more from running hard today than what I did last weekend. Hugh said he felt sore too.