Urban Bourbon Half Marathon - Race Report

I ran the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon yesterday. I ran my butt off. I did a personal best and broke 2 hours. I felt so beat at the end. At mile 10, I was trying to figure out what could be my slowest speed and still come in under 2 hours. I have never run so hard. For the first 5 miles, I kept up with the crowd. My watch beeped an 8:45 minute mile, which is an unsustainable pace for me. My pace slowed between a 9 minute and 9:30 minute mile.

I usually don’t carry water with me during half marathons. This time, I carried a 300 ml bottle with me. I found this to be more efficient to ensure I am taking sips more often but not stopping. I did stop to fill up the bottle and also to finish an energy gel. My fingers were numb in the cold and it was hard to get it all. I was spreading chocolate gel all over my fingers and the mouth of the bottle.

I found myself having some breathing difficulty. It was a combination of being run down after a couple of 5:30 am runs during the week, baked goods and the crazy temps going from summer to fall in one week.  

My training regimen of strength, hills and improved nutrition have all helped. I got to see how uncomfortable I needed to be to achieve that time. I was aware I was “racing” rather than trying to “get through” the distance, which I have done often.

The MRTT crew was wonderful to be with post event. I got huge hugs when I told them I did a PR. We ate, recovered and enjoyed each other’s company.  

Bourbon Rangers!