Another year, another race. But, boy was this a fun race!

Short version:

• Pre-race –
  • Perfect 8 day running taper going in to the race.
  • Good sleep followed by a cup of tea and a banana 40 minutes prior to the race.
• Race day –
  • Weather – Cool(65 degrees), overcast morning and smaller than usual number of runners – even though I was in the middle of the pack, I crossed the start line in about 10 seconds after the gun went off!!.
  • In-race hydration: Water at mile 6 (as practiced), Gatorade at mile 10, water again at mile 12.
  • Good, consistent pace of averaging 8:30 min/mile with 170 steps/min during first 8-9 miles, slowed to 8:49 min/mile for next 3 miles. Finished strong… and, guess what – a PR of 1:57!! This was my first sub-2 hour half-marathon and it felt huge!
• Post-race –
  • Recovery was ultra smooth. I must have sat for barely hour-and-half after coming back – no nap. But I was perfectly alright – so much so that, I could prepare for (house-cleaning etc.), participate in and clean up after a large dinner party at home that finished at 12 am next day – all in all I was up for 21 hours straight – first 2 of which I ran my fastest half-marathon!!

Continued…

This year it was decidedly chilly 32 F thanksgiving morning. I woke up, got ready and then headed out to the SAP center after cup of tea and a banana. At 6 am, parking was not a problem. I strolled over to our company tent and over a steaming hot cup of green tea, chatted with couple of early arrivals and the volunteers. I could not resist the delectable and freshly baked blueberry muffin (the only mistake of the race) but stopped after just one.
After a quick group photo, I headed out to the start line – crossed it within a minute and was soon off to crowded but flat and fast course over next six miles.
After sixth mile marker and just a few yards shy of the finish line, I threw up (blueberry muffin grrr….) but was alright after that.
Despite that hiccup, crossed the finish line at 58:03 of chip time – that is at 9:37/mi clip – my personal best.

Overall, it was nice and quick race.