- June 12, 2011 Estes Park Half Marathon in Estes Park, Colorado. Average Elevation: 7,785 Official time: 2:43:36 Average Pace: 12:30
- July 31, 2011 San Francisco Half Marathon (2nd) in San Francisco, California. Official Time: 2:37:14 Average Pace: 12:04
- November 5, 2011 Heart Center of The Rockies Half Marathon in Loveland, Colorado – canceled due to reoccurring sickness
- June 17, 2012 Estes Park Half Marathon in Estes Park, Colorado. Highest race in the country!
For my first race, I was very satisfied with my results. I started training 16 weeks prior to race day but then battled a sickness for about 6 consecutive weeks. I discovered (after a lot of miserable days & emergency visits) that I had a gluten intolerance. This really ruined my training plan. When race day arrived, the longest run I’d completed in the few months prior was 4 miles (non-stop). I still wanted to race.
I had planned on running/walking most of the race and wanted to finish under 3:00. As you can see, I finished well before 3:00. The hills were harder than I thought and the gradual incline that lasted for miles was hard on my legs — as was the high elevation. I didn’t beat myself up for stopping to walk for a minute or two occasionally. During the last 2 miles I was hurting… my legs were tired & it was hot out. I walked much more than I should have in short increments (walked for 30 seconds, ran for 2 minutes, walked for 15 seconds, ran for a minute, etc) and I know this cost me a lot of time. I haven’t been sick in a while and training for the SF half is coming along… slowly, but surely.
My Tips:
Bring several GU packets with you and keep them in your fuel belt for the race. Andrew’s sister recommended them the day before the race and they were much tastier than the Clif Energy Gel shots I had picked up at Sports Authority. GU Energy Gels are seriously incredible. I took one about 10 minutes before the race began and had one approximately every 45 minutes during the race. I specifically remember energy boosts around miles 4 and 7. At mile 7 I was able to pick up my pace for 3 miles and I attribute that ability to the GU. They are available for $1.35 each at REI. I recommend the Tri-Berry flavor (w/ caffeine). 
