Race #151
Half Marathon #49
South Carolina Half Marathon #36
2018 Race #12
2018 Half Marathon #5
Revolutionary Run Half Marathon #1

Back at the beach this summer, I signed up for several races this fall, not too many, just enough to have at least one race per month. I tried to find half marathons as well. This one, only a couple hours away in Camden, seemed like it would be a fun, doable run.

Although we did not figure out the logistics until a couple days ago, we had a fun morning. Instead of spending money on a hotel, we woke up early and drove down early this morning. I give HUGE kudos to Mom for driving me down. She’s the best at supporting me in running and everything!

We arrived at the race start about half an hour before the race started, perfect timing. I got my shirt and bib, got the bib pinned on and waited in the car for a few minutes with Mom.

With 10 minutes to go before the start, Mom and I started walking towards the finish line. Minutes later the race director instructed the half marathoners to follow the fife and drum players to the start line. Super cool to see the players dressed up in full gear.

The half marathoners assembled on the other side of that start line and waited for instructions. Those instructions never came. I hypothesize that in part of the directions that we missed while we sat in the car, the race director mentioned that the firing of a cannon would start the race. We stood and waited as the time ticked past 7:30, the race start time. At 7:34, we heard some sort of noise (it did not sound like a cannon). Everyone realized that that was our start gun and took off. An odd start but the only negative thing about the running of this race.

Going into this race, I had no goals. Since I have shifted my training focus to the stage race in Spain next summer, my training has shifted from short speed, or speed at all, to longer, consistent distances.

Gorgeous sunrise

I started this race towards the front to avoid dealing with slower, newer runners which resulted in many people passing me through the first several miles. My legs also felt yesterday’s speed work. I kept telling myself that this run was practice for the stage race when the only day I will get to start fresh is day one. I also kept reminding myself that I had no need to push the pace on this run.

Mile 1: 8:31
Mile 2: 8:53

Around mile 2, the course looped back around and passed the starting location, a local stadium, where Mom waited and took some pictures.

A fairly normal smile

Cheesy or creepy? You decide.

Around the time that we looped back near the stadium, I wondered if I would need to dash into the stadium (and add significant time) to use the bathroom and not a quick visit. I kept running but told myself that if we passed a gas station I would take the opportunity because I knew that I would feel tremendously better if I did.

We ran on the “main road” in Camden for a stretch. While I thought it was adorable, we did not pass a gas station. I figured I would just push through until the opportunity came about.

Eventually, I did forget about it for most of the time.

Near mile 5 the pavement turned into packed sand, some of it loosely packed for about a mile or so. I did not expect that. I usually don’t mind this type of trail but the sand was loosely packed and had no gravel. While pretty, this was not my favorite section.

Mile 3: 9:14
Mile 4: 9:01
Mile 5: 9:25
Mile 6: 9:28

Most of the second half of the race fell into a strong and steady pace. Occasional negative thoughts flittered across my mind but never lingered. I drank from my OrangeMud bottle at every mile and walked through every water stop so that I could drink the entire cup. I realized that I definitely like my Gatorade “thicker” (more powder) than they mix up the Gatorade for aid stations.

Towards the end of the race, within the last two miles, I considered taking another walk break but realized that I still felt fine. I had not pushed myself to the point of exhaustion. Instead, I had kept the pace at an easy, conversational pace (for me) and felt good, especially for the heat and humidity. I pushed the thoughts of walking aside and focused on making it to the finish line.

Mile 7: 9:11
Mile 8: 9:09
Mile 9: 9:22
Mile 10: 8:58
Mile 11: 9:06
Mile 12: 9:06

As we approached Mile 12, I could see the stadium and wondered if the course would be short. I would not have complained. We took a turn onto the street and could see the start arch and finishing arches ahead. I could see Mom in the distance as well and heard her say something about taking a right.

Yeah, the race organizers added a loop right before the end, a loop that consisted of more loosely packed sand, some of it on the second half of the loop even softer than the section around mile 5. When I got to that point, I hopped up to the grass on the side of the path and ran there.

When we returned to the paved road, I looked ahead and wondered if I could pass a guy that I had been slowly closing the gap on. He had adopted a run/walk strategy and I had closed some of a gap.

I told myself that only a tenth of a mile remained. I may as well lay it all out on the table. So I did. Right when I made that decision, I heard the announcers mention that only 30 seconds remained to finish under two hours. Of course, even though I had no time goals, I always prefer to finish under two hours.

I did not have enough distance to pass the other runner but the sprint I poured on brought me in just under 2 hours, by 7 one hundredths of a second!

Mile 13: 9:12
.2 nubbin: 7:00

I look forward to even more half marathons!