Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon

Another week, another half marathon.

I felt pretty good going into it. I waited until race time to decide what I was going to do. I didn't think the humidity was too high and it was very warm. I decided to try to give it my best.

The race started out well. I was running 9 minute and change miles, which is pretty good for me for longer races. After the experience of last week's water stops in Boston, I thought I would hit the last tables of the water stops. I was surprised when I saw that there was a total of two tables. It was another race of stopping and fighting others for cups of water or Gatorade. With it being really warm, I did get a drink at all of the water stops. During the middle of the race, it did cause some minor cramping. I slowed down my breathing and the cramps eventually went away.

After passing the 12 mile mark, I knew what was coming. I was told that the race ended on two hills. As we were going up the first hill, a woman next to me said "And so it begins." Yes, the hills. Someone ahead of me said, "Why couldn't we have had these hills at mile 2?" I tried not to slow down, but I did. I did my best running up the long hills. I'm still very thankful to have added hill workouts and trails into my running. It always comes in handy.

I finished in 2:02:36. That time was 1:23 better then the half marathon I ran in Boston on May 29. I was happy with my effort out on the very warm course today.

Chip time: 2:02:36
Overall Place: 1487/3133
Gender Place: 470/1457
Division Place: 92/275
Pace: 9:22