15 miles (first half marathon of the year)

I ran my first half marathon (13.1 miles) of the year today. I walked another 2 miles afterward. I'd probably run 10 or so halfs by this time last year (the last two, actually), but we all know this year is not like any other. Still, I felt really good while running, and after.

Jane ran the first half of it with me (she did 7 miles), and I purposely slowed us down to an 11-minute/mile pace. I intended to keep that pace for the whole thing, but I felt really good after stopping at home around mile 7.5. I had half a banana and from 7.5 to 8.5 I was booking along pretty good. It felt great. I eventually slowed down some, but the second half was considerably faster than the first, and I never did feel like I was dragging. It helped that it was a nice cool fall day with no humidity.

I think my 13.1 time was 2:17:27. I would have been happy with that just running a regular half - considering the lack of training this year. I was probably more disappointed that I didn't maintain a slower pace though. That's why I walked an extra mile, because today I wasn't concerned about speed but simply being on my feet for a length of time. The entire 15 miles took me 2 hours 50 minutes (I think it was like an 11:13-minute/mile average including the walking). 

I wore my new Brooks Ghost 13s and they feel really good. This was my first long run in them.

This was also my first time taking any energy gels. I had one around mile 3 because Jane had to stop and adjust her phone. I had the banana around mile 7, and I had another gel at the 2-hour mark. I have 3 gels left and next week I may also try some real food like banana, raisins, or marshmallows during the run. We'll see.

So, this week I will likely just do a couple short runs early to mid week, then if all goes as planned I will do the Triple Crown/Marathon on Saturday. I really hope it doesn't rain. I'm not sure what I'll do since it's a virtual event and all.

Anyway, I felt really good today. I hope that doesn't jinx me for next week, but I feel like I've peaked at just the right time this summer without thinking about it too much. I'm kinda-sorta excited about next weekend.