Columbus, OH
Race Day Weather: COLD
Finishing Time - 2:25:20
Bib# - 153338 (I think)
This was the race. All year I haven't approached a race with the level of determination and enthusiasm as this one. This was the one half-marathon I showed up to with the single goal of setting my PR for the year. In fact, I was certain I was going to get as close to that elusive two hour mark as I have ever been before. I had completed this race before. I liked and knew the course. I liked the crowds and the energy here. As the National Anthem came to an end (I am a real sucker for the ole' 'Star Spangled Banner'), the crowds went wild. I jumped up and down in a combined effort to keep warm and psych myself up. I remember smiling and saying to myself I'm going to F*%#ing crush this one.
I went out strong and feeling good. First three miles: pace 8:30/mile. I met my wife on the course a block from our house in Bexley at five miles (est. :46 min.). A little stomach pain crept in, almost like a cramp. Okay. 10 K split 1:02:03 okay, slowing down but still pretty good. Damn what is this stomach cramp thing? Mile eightish: implosion...
One of the great things about races this large are the crowds and the energy throughout the course. The Bexley and German Village residents must be some of the greatest crowds in the sport, rivaling any other city. The finish line excitement is also unbelievable, at times reaching pandemonium. A literal army of volunteers kept the racers hydrated and motivated throughout. All the while with smiles on their faces and cheers in their hearts.
One of the worst things about races this large: totally cracking in front of all of those spectators. I have not experienced this sort of problem before. I have also not approached a race with expectations as high as these either. Needless to say I was very disappointed with the way this race went, which is probably why this post has taken me a week to complete. In conclusion, sometimes things just go wrong. I am however very glad to have completed ten half-marathons so far in 2013. Looking forward to Cincinnati next week - hopeful, but with cautious optimism. Ten down three to go!
Garrison
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