Warner Robins Half Marathon

I usually run the Warner Robins Marathon, but this year I decided to run the Half because I need to prepare well for the Country Music Marathon this coming April. I am incorporating weekly speed sessions in addition to my long runs. This should help me to come closer to my goal of a 5:15 marathon (I would not be unhappy with a 5:30, though.)

Well, back to the WR Half! I awakened at 5 AM and took a nice hot shower. Then I dressed for the race. While getting dressed, I some how pulled a muscle in my back. I decided that this might not be a good day to run a half marathon. However, since there was a race packet with my name on it, I ventured forth. I have heated seats in my car so I used them for heat therapy as I drove to WR. It was very cold outside and I was frozen from scraping ice off of my car. I really did not think I could possibly run the Half Marathon after scraping the ice, because not only was my back hurting, but now my left hand was crying out from the cold.

As I traveled toward my destination, the warmth of the vehicle began to remove my pain from my hand and from my back.When I arrived at the Museum of Aviation, parking was a breeze and I still had 1 hour remaining before my run. I did a test run and decided that I would, in fact be able to run this half marathon! I gave myself permission to drop out, if necessary, went into the main museum hanger, talked with fellow runners, while staying warm and sipping a cup of hot coffee.

When it was time to start the race, my spirits were high, and I felt as though I could finish faster than last week in Columbus. I decided to be cautious, nevertheless and started out at the back of the pack.

My splits were very good for the first 10 miles. At mile 10, I slowed to an average pace of about 12:15 per mile. I felt pretty good about this considering the fact that the week before I had slowed significantly at mile 8.

The first 10 miles were pretty good considering the fact that I had almost not run this one. I am particularly pleased with my performances for miles 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 which were all faster than 11:00 per mile.

I am now looking towards the Tybee Island Half Marathon on February 5. Who knows, perhaps I will be able to keep the pace for the final 3 miles and see a gain!!