Tobacco Road Half Marathon

This weekend was my much anticipated Tobacco Road Half Marathon. A big group of swimmers joined me for this race including Billy, Karen, Sean, Jeb, Ashleigh, Robert, Amie, an my freindly archnemesis Mark Mendendorp.

I have run a half marathon once before in 2006, back before my chlorine doused running hiatus. My time then was a 1:33. I'm not running as many miles as I was back then, but I'm running faster, higher quality miles with a little speed work mixed in. So I was hoping to beat my previous time and was really REALLY hoping to break 1:30.

Of course Mendendorp didn't need to know this. I told him that my main goal in running was "not to fall down." Mendendorp was feeling chivalrous. He generously offered to spot me fifteen minutes in the race; I graciously accepted.

a camera trick turned me into the pink blur

In swimming, I have always had a hard time hitting tapers just right. In retrospect, I think that I never tapered quite enough. So the week before the race, I really took it easy, even taking a little break from jiu jitsu. By race morning I felt great!

I kept pretty even pacing throughout (my 2nd half was about 1 min slower than my 1st). I felt loose and relaxed, except for a brief lull about mile 9. The miles went by really quickly and before I knew it I was sprinting toward the finish line. I ended up finishing in 1:29.06 (6:49 pace). I was thrilled!


Karen also had an awesome run. She finished in a 1:39, which was also a PR for her. She celebrated by dressing like a baked potato.


Karen and I also celebrated by getting pedicures. At this point my feet were calloused, blistered, and probably a little stinky. I felt bad for the technician, but she fixed them right up!




I placed 8th out of the women, bringing home some very practical, conveniently-sized drinkware.

Kevin made the following comment about my venture into the world of running - "It's like the evolution of species. Started out in the primordial soup (aka Campus Hills Pool), then started writhing around on the ground (grappling), and now you're a fully evolved biped!"

I am happy to be evolving, but do miss my primordial soup encased swimming buddies. It was great to see you this weekend! Even Mendendorp, who proved to be chivalrous even in defeat.