Big D Texas Half Marathon Race Recap

What a perfect race last Sunday!  Big D Texas Marathon is hosted in Dallas at Fair Park.  I've been training for this half since basically last October, but more seriously since January.  I decided to skip the Bearathon (which I did in 2011 and 2012) in Waco and try a new race in Dallas. 

When I started training in October, I told Daniel my goal was to run the 13.1 miles continuously at a 10:30 pace.  He encouraged me to sign-up for a lot of races while I was training.  I've done one race a month since September!  All of the races and running kept increasing my confidence and in turn I would turn up my training.  Quickly I was able to run faster and longer. 

Running Along - Mile 9 (I'm behind the guy in red, waving)

 

By race week, my new race goal was 10:00 pace and I did just that on Sunday.  My final chip time was 2:11:23.  My mile splits were mostly consistent according to my Garmin.  I had minimal pain after the race and by Monday there was only normal muscle soreness, no pain.  I couldn't have asked for a better outcome.

Posing with my Finisher Medal

 

The race itself was a beautiful course.  We started at Fair Park, ran around half of White Rock Lake, but back down Swiss Avenue near all of the fancy houses, and then ended back at Fair Park where we were able to go inside an air-conditioned building for post-race recovery.  The weather was perfect.  The temperatures ranged from mid 50s to mid 60s throughout the run.

Sunrise Behind the Cotton Bowl Pre-Race

 

My feelings during the race varied.  Of course each time I saw Daniel among a group of spectators I got really excited.  Even though he didn't run this race with me, he was so supportive and drove around the course to see me at different spots.  It kept me going knowing he was waiting for me.  For the first 5 miles or so, I felt pretty good.  I chased the 2:10 pace guys (thanks DRC!) and even passed them for a short time.  Around mile 8 I began questioning why I signed up for this race.  And between miles 10 and 13, all I could think about was the finish line and how proud I would be after I finished.  Luckily my music and spectators along the course kept me distracted during most of the run.

 

Running to the Finish Line

 

Spectators always amaze me with their creativity.  Here are my top 3 spectator signs from the race:

1. Girl holding poster that said "Why do all the cute ones keep running away?"

2. Poster said "You can't quit.  You're not the Pope." (all respects to Pope Benedict XVI)

3. Around mile 10, poster said "Repeat after me.  I am having fun...I am having fun..."

 

Picture at the Starting Line (happy)

 

Now I am resting and deciding what to do next.  I've pigged out for the last three days, so I am going to have to learn not to eat everything in sight again.  Please stay tuned....I have some exciting ideas for my next running/fitness goals.