2013 Little Rock Half Marathon

First race of the season is always highly anticipated for a lot of reasons: first race of the season, seeing where my fitness is after the colder training months, sets the tone for the race season, and this one was awesome because it was another state marked off the list.

Amy, Cali and I set off for Little Rock Friday after work. In dark, cold, wet temperatures, driving was tense. We stopped in Jackson, TN, to rest then off to our destination in the morning.
After checking in, and unpacking the baggage, I went to the Expo at the Statehouse Convention Center, which was nice and well-organized. Throught the crowds and back to the packet pack-up, there seemed like a whole lot more runners were participating in this event. The race organizer really did well on the expo. I cannot help but compare this one to Cincinnati's Flying Pig, maybe because of the "Hog-Theme" of Arkansas? This is a great race for beginning runners looking to have a really good time. From cowboy hats, to swag, even to the Volunteer "Western-style" tees, the folks were really welcoming and fun. Even more, I LOVED the additional merchandise available for purchased. I picked up a sweet new pair of socks and a tee the reads, "Thirteen Point Freaking One," so I can just point when some one asks how many miles are in a half marathon.

While we did not get to explore Little Rock too much, we did find a phenomenal place to eat Saturday night: Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro. Great atmosphere, "Award Winning" cheese dip, some great sandwiches, and white Wedding Cake for dessert make the experience prime. The only bad part was the pain I was in as we left the restaurant from my glutonous eating habit - good thing I have a running habit!
Race morning was a chilly 25 degrees. I dressed, kissed Ames and Cali, and set off for a short run to the Clinton Library, across the walking bridge, then around to the start line after 2 miles. Corral A was my start and I felt in place. While I am sure many runners were much faster than I, those people set the tone for my run to be a fast-paced one. After a prayer and our great country's National Anthem, start time had finally arrived. Here is how my race went:

Miles 1-3: I felt really great out of the gates. I had my racing shoes on, my mental state was prime, breathing was good, and my body was quiet. Although around 30 degrees at the start, the sun was blaring I did not feel the cold weather. This was by far my best leg of the race; coincidently, it was also the flattest part of the course! About mile 3, danger hit. Sharp pains started shooting into my right shoulder. I managed to keep up the pace although really struggling. Although I averaged a 6:50/mi pace, I was hurting.

Miles 4-6: Mile 4 was flat, 5 got a little tougher going back over the bridge and 6 got into the gradual hilliness of the course. I felt none of that due to my shoulder pain. Maintain was all I could think of even though I was averaging a 6:56/mi pace throughout my second leg. I was not struggling anywhere else, I just wanted the pain to go away.

Miles 7-10: Mile 7 was a water stop where I decided to walk for a few seconds, get a drink, stretch my shoulder and pray for the pain to subside. Oddly enough, the pain gradually went away over the next mile. I was fine after that, even though I avoided pushing my pace. Strong and steady, I averaged about a 7:10/mi pace. I had my thoughts and sights on the finish, and off I went.

Miles 11-13.1: After splits from those crazy full marathoners, my fitness took over for a valiant race to the finish line. For me, the last leg of my run is always the easiest, really from mile seven on. I keep the mentality that half the race is over, and its all downhill to the finish! Around a few curves and I ran hard for a last mile average pace of 6:54/mi and a strong finish. Crossing the finish line was relieving and another state is in the books.

OFFICIAL RESULTS:
Bib Number:
Time: 1:32:44
Pace: 7:05/mi
Division Place: 8 of 231
Gender Place: 64 of 1673
Overall Place: 69 of 4431

The Little Rock Half Marathon was a success in my eyes. I have trained for the moment to perform well, I performed well finishing in the top 1.5% of the field, I overcame a little pain, and I cross the finish line. Although I am not competitive with the elite runner that post ridiculously fast times, I am running against myself and those in direct sight. The next runner in front of me is always my goal to overtake.

I mention swag earlier in the post. Included the awesomeness is the Finisher's Medal. While I did not do the full to receive a medal about as round as a basketball (no joke!), the Half Medal was the best earned to date! Big, heavy and glittery, you can tell some serious design played a role in the creation of what has been publish as the best finisher's medal in the country.

The race was well-supported by supporters and AWESOME volunteers, covering nearly the entire course. We were given the opportunity to explore Downtown Little Rock, cross a bridge and see the Governor's Mansion, which was pretty cool. This was a welcoming town with a pretty cool water front. The best quality of this race is the proceeds supported Little Rock Parks and Recreation. I am a huge supporter of this cause due to the beautification of the city and the benefits and encouragement the residents receive to stay active.

On to the next race for me. I have four races scheduled in the upcoming months:
Lincoln Presidential Half - 4/6/13 - Springfield, IL - my 2nd year
Wickedly Fast Half - 4/20/13 - Olathe, KS - Wizard of Oz themed for Ames
KDF Mini Marathon - 4/27/13 - Louisville, KY - my hometown race and 6th consecutive year
Monumental Half - 11/2/13 - Indianapolis, IN - new race for me

We see some great things on the road, going to races and just living life. You can obviously tell I love running as a hobby. Arkansas marks the 15th state I have conquered a half marathon in. Wow! What an opportunity we have to do anything we want to enhance the quality of life. I feel my life is better with running, spending quality time with my wife, meeting people, and talking about my hobby.  As the kids at work say, "That's what's up!"

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Thank you for reading, commenting and, as always, HAPPY RUNNING!
FIT4LIFE