This was my 3rd year for running the half marathon that is an out-and-back from MidAmerica Nazarene University. What’s perfect is that I was already scheduled to run 13 miles that day as part of my marathon training plan.

I was up early and ready to be there for the 8 am start time. After having temperatures below zero just a few days before, it was nice that the temperatures were going to be in the upper 40s.

My goal was to finish before 2:15, so I ran with the 2:10 pacer. I was able to stay with that pacer until about mile 11, but I was able to stay just ahead of the 2:15 pacer.

The best surprise was that Linda texted me that she was at a certain location and had come out to see me run (we had previously agreed that she didn’t need to come out). So, at mile 8 she was there with her cowbell and cheering. What a great lift to my spirits.

I listened to music that kept me at a 180 steps-per-minute pace, which was good, but I started to get a little sore about mile 11 and 12. Last year I remember getting tired and needed to walk at around mile 8, so I was doing much better this year. I brought my own Gu gels and water, so I wasn’t dependent on waiting for the water stops during the race.

At about mile 12.5, the 2:15 pace caught up to me, but I was able to push it out a little bit more and crossed the finish line at 2:14:43. What a relief to beat my goal.