Denver Half Marathon

This is my third Half Marathon. This qualifies me to become a Half Fanatic. Being that I had just run a Half 5 days prior I was not so sure how I would do. I felt a case of the nerves coming on and for once I thought I would toss my cookies. This race only had 416 people registered so I was worried I would be left in the dust.

The start was crowded, and once again the start was fast! That's funny, see the guy in the green shirt standing in front of my picture? I passed him about mile 11. I remember that head band. SEEEEE starting out fast is not a good idea!

The trail was decent and had rolling hills. I saw parrie dogs talking to each other and the views were nice.  About mile 3 we headed out into so single track running, and I was scared I would be the slow one who would keep people from passing.  I used the though process my friend Jeff uses. He says he just looks down the the feet and keeps moving.  Surprisingly it works!

As we rounded mile 4 we headed into the wooded area.  This is what it looked like:

This was more of a paved road trail so wearing my trail shoes was not such a good idea. Although they did hold up well in the sand, loose thick gravel and the dirt.

Since I knew I was not going for time and didn't want to burn myself out 12 days before the big race I decided I would stop and take pictures along the way.

Mile 6:

Mile 7:

 

Mile 9:

 

Mile 12:

 

Yes, I was a little alone feeling. Overall I was okay with my time, little down feeling though. I though I could do better. I have to remember to tell myself that we all have bad day and this just happened to be one.

Official time: 2:42:04
Overall: 377/416
Gender Place: 211/242
Age Place: 85/93

"I run in the snow, rain, wind and heat. I run until I cannot run anymore then I run some more. I run thru the blur of tears, the aches and pains and then I keep going. I have more running clothes than some running stores, I know Fartklet does not mean like it sounds. I go to bed at 9pm; I get up early just to do it all over again. Why do I do this? Because I am a runner and that's who I am"

American Discovery Trail Half Marathon

 

This Half Marathon is the second of three that I have set out to become a Half Fanatic.  Also since Kimmy and I have already gotten out qualifying times for the Pikes Peak Accent, we wanted to have fun with this run.

 

The start was fast! Kimmy is notorious for starting out to fast so I had to remind her to take her time, we will pick off these runners later. Looking down at my watch at mile 1 we had gotten a 9 minute mile. I knew there was no way we could keep this pace for another 12 miles so we slowed down and settled in to a nice pace where we could still talk.

 

The aid stations where well placed about every two miles but as always I carry my own stuff. I would rather be over prepared then under. Kim and I did our usual okay run to each aid station and walk thru it. After the first station, we saw the camera man, and as usually we ham it up for the camera.

 

Yeah, we always look like we are having so much fun.  Truth is we do. When we run we talk about what is going on in our lives, cry it out sometimes and even take diggers now and then.  This is "our time" as we like to call it. When all the worries of life can slip thru our minds and when we are done running we feel relaxed and free. If you don't run it is really hard to explain the liberating feeling you get after a good run.

The course was on the Santa Fe Trail and it was flat and uphill for the first 6.5 miles then down hill for the rest. The cheering crowds were great. I loved the gal at mile 4ish giving out free hugs, she was great! On our way back down Kim and I picked up another female runner. We learned it was her first half Marathon and was worried she wouldn't finish. She was tired and running low on fuel.  I gave her one of my GU's and Kim and I paced her out.

When there was three miles left, Kim told me it was time to go in her head and run it out.  As I slipped into my train of though I started to pull away from Kim and the gal we were pacing. I concentrated on my stride and kept telling myself, Kick, kick, kick with each stride. Once again I saw the camera man. Better look go for the camera, don't show the pain!

 

 

As I started to come into the finish I could see the end. Always such a great feeling, but as you can see I am tired.

 

 

Overall it was a good run and I am fairly happy with my time. Now time to rest, I've got my next half in 5 days, then I will be an Official Half Fanatic!

 

 

Official Time: 2:38:20

Age Place: 28 / 32

Gender Place: 177 / 240

Overall Place 359 / 445

"I run in the snow, rain, wind and heat. I run until I cannot run anymore then I run some more. I run thru the blur of tears, the aches and pains and then I keep going. I have more running clothes than some running stores, I know Fartklet does not mean like it sounds. I go to bed at 9pm; I get up early just to do it all over again. Why do I do this? Because I am a runner and that's who I am"