The Maryland Half Marathon is over and done. Right from the start I must say that I don't normally enjoy these bigger events - I'm more of a Fat Ass type of guy (take from that want you wish!)But the sponsors,Race Director, volunteers, and police and ensured that this was not only a top notch event but an enjoyable one as well - thanks guys!
I had mixed plans going into the race - should I use it as a training run after my long run (Sunday races always through me off) or come in fresh and see what I could do? I also wasn't sure if I would pace my running buddies or run with Danny (who came in from West Virginia to run and ran a hell of a race.) It didn't help that I was under the weather from much of the week - only beginning to feel a little better by Friday. With that in mind I decided to skip my Saturday long run (ran three) and come in a little fresh, run it relatively fast and see what happens. Danny really wanted to break 2:00 and I though I had that in me as well - so Danny and I started out together and kept a fairly consertative (but tough due to hills) pace for the first 6.5 miles. At that point we were about 3 minutes off pace (those hills were tough!) and Danny went off into the bushes (or was it someones lawn?) and I opted to forge ahead on my own and see if I could make up the difference. From a 9:20 to 9:40 pace I ran a negative split (dropped into the 8:20s and finished even stronger)for a strong second half and a 2:00:39 finish. Danny came in not too long after with a 2:03:50 showing he can finish strong as well with a 9:28 pace. Great run Danny!
I ran into several friends out there on the course (I love the local running community!)and everyone looked strong. This was a really tough road course so a strong race on these hills goes a long way in my estimation. Great job to you all!
Matt and Moca came heartbreakingly close (sorry guys) to breaking 2:30 (missed by a minute!) and I honestly feel that this was due mainly to logistics rather than speed and preparation. Next race is all theirs. I should also mention that Moca ran with a sinus infection and little sleep (second race in a row with little to no sleep)and her and matt pushed each other hard all the way in. Add this all together and you get a terrific race and great effort - way to go!
A special shout out to Lori who ran her first race (and she picked a half marathon - a hilly one at that to be her first)and hoped for a 2:30 finish. She ran a 2:20 with room and spped to spare and felt strong after! Strong enough for a couple vodka tonics after....maybe that's why she ran so strong? Lori's son Nick ran his first Half and brought it in at an incredible 1:46!
Live music, great events for friends and family - it was a really fun day for a great cause as the money raised goes directly The Uiversity of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center. It's always good to run for a cause and I was happy and proud to be part of this one.
On a side note - about 8 miles in or so I almost ran crotch to nose (guess which was which) into a nice lookinng dog who seemed to be enjoying the race. Very friendly and wanting to play but I assumed he was running along with someone and after a quick hi and pat on the head I went on with the race. Turns out the dog was lost but with the happy ending of later being reunited with his (or her) owner. Next time I may have to take more time for stray pets to make sure they're with someone. Glad there was a happy ending!
Next for me (and Moca) is the North Face Endurance Challange 50k on June 4th and some 5-10ks (maybe) thrown in before and after for training. From there it's a straight shot for CAT 2011! See you there nd thanks for reading!
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