State-to-State Half-Marathon

The State-to-State Half-Marathon is a race I swore I would never do. I'd heard it was hot and boring. Also that it was boring and hot. It's a good thing I have an open mind about these things.

This is a wonderful small (less than 600 runners) race that begins in Oxford, Ohio, heads straight out of town through a couple of little subdivisions, back to the main road, across the Indiana state line, and then ultimately turns around and heads straight back to where it starts. The course is one rolling hill after another, the first half net downhill and the second half net uphill. The course is extremely well-supported; water/gatorade stops are plentiful, port-a-potties are abundant both at the start and every couple of miles along the course. Entertainment is entertaining, if not abundant. My favorite was the "gourd band" which consisted of about ten people playing various percussion instruments including gourds and coffee cans.

This morning brought with it perfect weather for running. The temperature was a chilly (ok, it was freezing!) 50 degrees and overcast. There were a few drizzles when I was about at mile 10. Walkers started at 7:30, runners at 8:00, and the 5k began after that. Both sides of the road were closed to traffic. This race was chip timed and included a (men's) technical t-shirt. All finishers got a medal and there were plenty of water, gatorade, bagels, and other goodies available after the race, including Little Debbie Oatmeal Cookie sandwiches. I wasn't in the mood to eat so I didn't take anything.

My stated goal was 1) PR with 2:08 or better. My strategy was to run 9:30s until mile 10 then pick it up for the final 5k. I did not even bring my ipod with me as I wanted to completely focus on achieving my goal. Did I succeed?

Mile 1: 9:19
Mile 2: 9:14
Mile 3: 9:08
Mile 4: 9:10
Mile 5: 9:06
Mile 6: 9:19
Mile 7: 9:39
Mile 8: 9:13
Mile 9: 9:30
Mile 10: 9:29
Mile 11: 9:32
Mile 12: 9:23
Mile 13: 9:14
Mile .21: 8:44

Six Minute PR: 2:03:10