Run for the Zoo : Half Marathon

Phil and I ran the Run for the Zoo Half Marathon yesterday. We had a great time running together. We laughed and talked the first 6 miles or so. I felt really good. I was in the zone, it was not difficult. I feel like I trained perfectly.

Before the race ;)

I took the first two miles easy, I always do. They were my warm up. 

Mile 3 and 4 I picked up my pace, the path was tight so there was quite a bit of weaving through other runners. I will blame that for my 10:14 min. pace for miles 3 and 4. 

Miles 5-10 I was feeling good. I took a GU around mile 7. These miles flew by. They were also my fastest miles that I ran.

Miles 11 and 12 were a mental battle. My body wanted to stop. I was telling my body to keep going. I could feel my knees starting to ache. I was HOT! I slowed down a little. I took a few deep breaths. I told myself that I trained for this. My body was capable. 

Mile 13 I just ran. I ran hard for how tired I was. I grabbed Phil's hand and we crossed the finish line together. 

Here is my split: I ran the whole time, I did not stop for the bathroom nor did I take any walk breaks.

MILE     TIME     AVG. PACE
1    10:38    10'38"/mi
2    21:08    10'30"/mi
3    31:21    10'14"/mi
4    41:31    10'09"/mi
5    51:26    9'55"/mi
6    1:01:07    9'41"/mi
7    1:11:00    9'53"/mi
8    1:21:00    10'00"/mi
9    1:30:52    9'53"/mi
10    1:40:48    9'56"/mi
11    1:50:51    10'03"/mi
12    2:01:01    10'09"/mi
13    2:10:57    9'56"/mi

This is me after 13.1 miles. 

I could tell that I was in need of sugar. I have ran half marathons before, I usually take more GU, this time I didn't and my body did not like it. I felt very lightheaded. Phil grabbed me some fruit, which I devoured. I also chugged 2 cups of Gatorade. My body needed to be replenished. I felt great after some oranges, which I might add, that was by far the best orange I have ever eaten :)

After we walked and stretched out our legs we went to breakfast. 

We went to The Grove. It is a very hip all organic breakfast and lunch cafe. 

After my Gatorade and orange and banana, I wasn't very hungry. I ordered a balanced breakfast and only ate about 2/3 of it. Phil finished the rest.

All in all, we had fun. I wish I ran faster. I am satisfied with my time. Next half I hope to shave some time off though.

After the race