Half Marathon Report

So I realized I never posted about my 2nd half marathon... its not because it was meaningless and not because I didn't do well... I was just plain lazy about posting to my lovely blog. Therefore... I am posting this super late.

The good news: I set a new PR!
The bad news: I was sore for a week because of the ridiculous hills! My hamstrings were on fire!

I started the same way I started my first half... saying all along, I would pace myself, follow a pacer, speed up at the end if possible... and then, getting to the starting line and going as fast as a I can... until I get tired and slow down. I still set a PR with a time of

2:12:21 (10:07 pace)

Maybe next time, I will stick to my plan.. somehow I doubt it.. I just get so excited at the beginning and run my little heart out... This race was pretty awesome because it was a ladies race.. a few men did sign up, but it was mainly women. The course was out and back so you got to see everyone in the race some where along the course. My good friend also ran the race, she was running her first half marathon, and we both had a great time. We run at different paces but enjoyed the pre-race jitters and the post-race festivities together. The hills were pretty terrible and my hamstrings were on fire for quite some time after the race. The were really up and down rolling hills rather than slowly increasing ones.. so there was little "flat" ground on the whole course. I am glad I completed a second half marathon.. but I think I'll be waiting until next spring to do another one. I need a break on the long runs. But I have achieved one of my year goals... :)

pre-race! (where was my flash?)

Capitol 10 K Race Report

Guess what?

I have a new PR for the 10 k!!!!

My previous personal record was 1:01:06. So I was quite pleased with this race, even though I thought a PR would be tricky. First of all, this race is has a lot more hills than the course that corresponds to my best time. Also, there was about 18,000 people walking/running in this race. It was a gorgeous day, so no one seemed to stay home. Last year, it rained and it was a lot less crowded. Finally, I overslept and woke up at 8:30 when the timed run (my race time) started at 8:45. What the heck!!! Luckily, Bryan was there to save the day. He got me to the race and it started late. I was able to squeeze through the gate and start with the timed runners. whew. In the morning rush, I left my watch at home and forgot to glance at the starting time... so I spaztically ran the whole 10k. I tried to run fast because I felt I was running slow then I would slow down because my hamstrings got tight and then speed up.. it was not a consistent pace.. I guess if I want to PR, I should show up late and forget my watch. Anyways, it was a great day for a run and I am super pleased with my time.