Chicago Half Marathon - September 11, 2011

The big day finally arrived. I had trained using the Hal Higdon Novice Half training plan. My longest run was 10 miles. I had ranged around 10:00 minute miles during training, with some runs sub 9, around 9:50.  I was lucky it was a mild summer so I was able to do my long runs outside during my training. Shorter runs were done on the treadmill or outside.

I hydrated on Saturday. I stupidly drank too much that Thursday before celebrating my birthday and felt like crap on Friday and at the Expo. But by Saturday I felt much better and hydrated a bunch.

It was hot. They actually flagged the race yellow half way through.  The first 5 miles flew by. I had chills that I was actually doing this race. My pace was good, I felt strong. Around mile 6 I took a GU pack as I started to hit a wall. Mile 8 my Uncle John was playing the bongos and that was amazing how much energy that gave me! Miles 9, 10, 11, 12 were really long. I was ready for this to be over with. Plus it was hot and no shade heading back south on Lake Shore Drive. But all the cheerleaders and encouraging posters really helped. I finally got into a zone and finished. As I was rounding the finish line White Striped "Seven Nations" was playing and as I ran through the balloons and stuff I couldn't believe I did it!!

I tried to find my time but I couldn't get the website on my iphone to work. I was guessing I finished around 2:12 or so. As I took the train home after the race I finally was able to see my time - 2:07:44! I was thrilled and even more so that my pace was 9:45.