AUSTIN HALF-MARATHON

For the first time since December of 2006, I ran in an event feeling good with great conditions.

My goal was to run the Austin Half-Marathon in under 1:30. But I really didn't care how fast I ran it at all.

I was supposed to run 1:20 anyway for my Half Ironman triathlon training so it was really just a training run. Not to mention I had to ride about 55 miles the day before so my legs were somewhat fatigued on race day.

I met Gregg F. at his friends' house at 5:30 AM, and we walked to the start line which was about a mile away. Ryan dropped me off and headed back to his apartment to meet up with the rest of the family. Gregg and I had about a 15 minute walk that got the blood pumping. It was a good time.

We got there around 6:15 and had to wait around about an hour before the race started. It wasn't too cold or humid or anything bad weather-wise...I had on a "trash" beanie and sweatshirt which I discarded shortly after the race started.

I started out with the 3:00 pace group and stayed with them for about the first two miles. About 15 minutes into the race, I left the group and went on ahead.

I crossed five miles at 33:00 and six miles at 39:30. I wanted to be at 10 miles around 1:10 so I could run the final 5K in 20 minutes. I made it to 10 miles at 1:07:15 so I was able to cruise in the final 5K without exerting myself too much.

I ended up running a 1:28:44 which was 78th place overall out of about 7,000 runners who did the Half.

It goes by so fast compared to the full marathon. Before you can even get going it seems like it's already halfway over.

Jenn, her parents, Ryan and Abbie, Brandi and Cindy were all there waiting for me at the finish line. Always good to have family there supporting...

After the race I had to ride about 15 miles back in Georgetown then ate a feast of a lunch and half a pecan pie...it was a good day.