THANKSGIVING POINT HALF MARATHON
Well not a lot went right in the race, but hey it happens; they can't all be great. After two miles it was a three-man race between Jace Nye, Jon Kotter, and me. We stayed together through 7-8 miles or so and then I had to pull off for a pit stop. My stomach was acting up all morning and it didn't quit once the race started. After the stop I tried to get back in the race. I timed the gap at one minute and tried to increase my pace. I knew I'd really have to get moving. So, I increased my pace, or so I thought, but actually I was still running the same pace as before my stop. At mile 9 I timed the gap at one minute still and threw in the towel after that. My legs were heavy from last week and I didn't want to crank the finish hard with no promise of an increase in place. So I coasted in from mile 9 on and my legs were more than happy to slow down.
The bathroom stop was annoying and yes I was still perfectly in the race for first when I stopped, but in all honesty I don't think I would've had the legs today to beat Jace and Jon even without a stop. My legs really were a lot heavier and fatigued than I thought they'd be. I think 3rd was in the cards from the get-go. At least this way I got to rest my legs for four miles instead of battling for 10-13 and then taking third anyway. Jace and Jon both ran very well and deserved 1st and 2nd. Great guys and it was fun to run with them. We talked quite a bit throughout those first 7-8 miles...good times.
The best news is my knee didn't really bother me at all and still feels pretty decent. I'll take that good news, third place, and $150 bucks anyday!
For those that haven't raced this course, throw it on next year's calendar. It's a beautiful course and it's challenging. The organization is A+, as is the hospitality. Kendall, hats off to you for directed yet another great race!
Splits (I stopped my watch for the pit stop without realizing I had and so I can't remember exactly where it was at; I will look once I transfer my garmin data to connect.): 532 524 508 519 530 525 514 528 528 550 550 602 601 536pace for last 0.1 | 
