Finished ALIVE Last!

I completed the Whole Foods Running School Half Marathon this weekend.  It is my 16th half marathon since October 2009 and I logged my fifth fastest time.   The best part was that I managed a first in all my running athletic history.  I finished in DEAD last!  Though since I'm still breathing, I prefer the term alive last if there is such a thing.  It's hard to believe that my fifth fastest time, or top third, would mean that I was the 143rd finisher out of 143 finishers.    The funny thing is that it was probably one of my best races in recent memory.   The course was beautiful and you couldn't ask for better weather in January.  The aid stations were well-stocked and most of them still had people at them when I brought up the rear.  Speaking of "bringing up the rear"  I didn't expect all the elevation on the course.  Lots of rolling hills that didn't feel that bad until it seemed that mile 6 and 7 were entirely uphill.  A slow, gradual climb that really took it's toll after a while.  The course had several out and back jaunts along different parts of the trail.  It was great especially for me being so far behind to see folks several times along the trail.  I have to say it say that it made for an encouraging race.  Participants cheering me on as the straggler.  I felt good and didn't think I looked too bad but I sure got a lot of encouragement!  The race was almost entirely run on trails so that meant I missed out on the experience of a police escort that usually accompanies the lonely runner at the end.  I did 2:1 intervals throughout and my running times remained pretty stable throughout which I found most surprising.  My last few halves I wanted to end at mile 10, but this one I was strong through the end.  Yeah!  Progress!   I think all my high intensity cross training and the incorporation of weights has helped tremendously.  It makes me look forward to my remaining running events in 2011.