Mercedes Half Marathon
I was dreading this race all week. My runs during the week seemed to take a lot out of me and I was just mentally and physically tired of running. I got to Birmingham with about a hour till race time. I decided to not do any warm up miles. I figured I would take it easy at the start. I ran the first 2 miles around 8:15 pace and after a quick bathroom stop I felt good. The course is pretty hilly and they really took there toll on me early in the race. I found a second wind about the halfway mark and sped up a little. My fastest mile was mile 12 and it was 6:52. I was happy it was over and I had a really good time. Winter Winds 2 Mile 13:25 33/241 overall 5/18 age group
I decided to run this race after I finished the half. I felt pretty good and I wanted to get in one more long run before Mt Cheaha. Plus the 4 mile race was my first ever race in 2008. I got home from Birmingham around 11:30 and rested until about 12:30 and decided to leave to head to Huntsville. I got there and got registered and waited in the truck until race start. I did 1 mile warm-up to see how my legs felt. They felt pretty good so I decided I would push the 2 mile race. I ran the first mile in 7:01 and the second mile in 6:20. I felt good about the race and would like to race it serious one day on fresh legs. Winter Winds 4 Mile 30:54 47/199 overall 5/14 age group
After the 2 mile race, I knew that the 4 mile race would be a struggle. I suffered the whole time and I slowed my pace to around 7:40 and just tried to finish. I had to walk once on a hill. I was tired of hills by this point so I walked to the top and then resumed running. I finished in 30:53 I think. I was pleased with that. After the race I got a little something to eat and left to come home. I probably should of knew better about doing all the races but I decided to go for it.
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