Notes
Ran the Sedalia Half Marathon today. We signed up several weeks ago for only $20 each, the cheapest half marathon that I've run. Rather than shirts, the past couple years they have given out gloves. We've been running it most years for several years and this year was my 12th.
I warmed up for 1 mile and headed to the bathroom. Last night we ate out for dinner and I had salad bar, steak, and DQ after. I think I got something bad on the salad bar since I had a rough night and was up several times going to the bathroom and felt very bloated. I managed to to go once before the race and everything seemed good other than very bloated.
Temperature was 42F and I wore a lightweight long sleeve and shorts. Aside from the bloat, I felt pretty good. First mile was probably too fast in 6:24. I had decided to try for same average as last year which was 6:33. I started off in 3rd place which I maintained for over 9 miles. Miles 2 - 7 were 6:30s - 6:40s. I slowed down to 6:52 in mile 8. I had been on track at 6.55, to run 1:26-something.
After mile 9, I was passed by friend Todd (in 50s) and 1st female runner. At this point we were back to running in the wind and I just couldn't keep with them. He sped up even more and I couldn't catch either one of them. The last 2.5 or so with the wind behind me, I still couldn't manage to run better than 6:50s. The good news is no one was close behind so didn't lose my 5th place.
I finished in 1:28:26 so 2:25 slower than last year and my 8th fastest of 12. If I couldn't keep 6:33 pace, I was hoping to at least finish under 1:30. Pace was 6:45 so 12 seconds slower than last year. With my weight up 10 lbs (only 6 on Wed) today over last year, I was happy with the results.
About a minute after the race I had the sudden urge to use the bathroom and barely made it in time. I ended up spending a lot of time and went 5 times. Needless to say, I didn't feel like eating anything since felt like my digestive system had been through hell in the past 14 hours going to the bathroom 15 times. I guess running a half was the cure since I feel so much better now and not bloated and was able to eat lunch.
They ended up with 78 runners. There were 5 year age groups. I ended up first in my age group 45-49. Age group awards were blankets embroidered with the race name and we were able to choose between colors or different patterns.