Short version: (3:42:38)(results are here: http://www.runpix.info/dwr09/00/finord.php?FO=742&FirstName=&LastName=&lan=&aset=1&dist=42&x=42&y=13)
Long version:
I had signed up for the White Rock Half Marathon about a month ago, when I wasn't quite recovered from my calf/shin issues that I had at St George in October. By Saturday's expo, I was feeling pretty good. The race day forecast was ideal - mid 40's at start, going to about 60 by noon. No wind. A friend of mine, Ty -- who's PR was 3:46, was going to shoot for a 3:40. Even though my longest run since St George was 11 miles, I thought I could at least pace him for a little while. So, I paid an extra $40 at the expo and signed up for the full.
I stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas (the landmark hotel with the lighted ball tower attached) ($119 per night -- 1 night stay -- quite the bargain divided 3 ways :D ). I stayed with Keith and Corey (friends of mine running their first-ever half marathons). I highly recommend this hotel -- the shuttle service to/from the expo, and to/from the race made things so much easier, than trying to find parking, fighting traffic.
I started the race with Ty and John (who finished his first-ever Ironman 2 weeks ago in Cozemel). We lost John after a few miles. We started a little slower than we had intended, due to the massive crowd. Ty was content on staying at about a 8:50 pace for a while. So, I stuck with him. We picked up the pace quite a bit at mile 20 (very unusual for me). I stayed with him until mile 24 when he got a second wind after realizing he was going to PR! I could not keep up with him. I finished 18 seconds behind Ty with a 3:42:18 -- not my best, not my worst. But, I was happy to see my buddy get his PR!!!
Keith and Corey finished their Half Marathons (with PRs, too)
I love this race, mainly because I ran into so many runners who I knew. Even while running with 20,000 people, I saw at least 4 or 5 friends. It was a great day!
Amenities: Long-sleeved cotton event shirt, finishers' medal, long-sleeve tech finisher's shirt (short-sleeve shirt for Half finishers), after party (food was lacking--only bananas and granola bars, beer and water left by the time I got there)
It is run on a Sunday, which might keep some of my best friends away. :(
Pictures are here:http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=13397&id=1837428836&l=741aa93033) | 