Run Run as fast as you can!  That's all i was telling myself for my first Selden Half Marathon.  This was my first "race" back after last years Ironman Arizona and it feels good to be racing.  I have been working on some faster stuff in terms of my run and this was a chance to build some early season speed before starting my long distance training later in the year.  The weather was rainy and cool but that didnt slow me down  : )  Click here for results and splits via google maps.

                                                                   13.1mi  =  1hr 21min 32sec
                                                             


Here is how it went.

-From the start I go out fast..... way too fast   5:27 = first mile. But maybe this will be insurance for later...
-2nd mile still fast but better, I can feel my heart rate spiking as I go anaerobic.
-I run with the first 5 guys for the first five miles.  This seems to be going well.
-Crest the first hill back towards starting area and head towards the longer out and back
-Daydreaming I get passed by three runners.  Back to business.
-Mile 5-6 grab some water.  One paper cup full from a military official who says he has run out of water.
-Mile 7 no water here either, and actually no water anywhere on the course!  I can hear people behind me moaning as the volunteer empties her own bottle of Poland Spring to fill the needs of 100s of runners!  Ahhhhh. Good thing it was cool.
-Mile 8 up! up! up! the long but shallow hill...  pace dips to 7:48/mile
-Mile 9 digging in grit my teeth i manage to wave hi to KIM and the crowd only to be passed again by another runner. 
-Damn time to focus less than 4mi to go.
-Find a rabbit (someone to pace off of) and hang on to his feet as I tuck in and run behind him.  Breathing very hard and muscles are sore and screaming! I pass the pacer with .25mi to go
-Under the arches 1hr 21min 32seconds.  A new PR by 15 seconds




                                                  
                                  Final Results: 9th overall, 2nd Age Group. Final Results: 9th overall, 2nd Age Group.

Even though I was coming into the race a bit "heavy" (~ +8lbs) I was happy to pull this one off.  Im fit to run for now and now its time to focus in on Wildflower.

See you soon,

GO TRAIN!

All the best,

Coach Cliff

www.TriStarAthlete.com