Strawberry Plains Half Marathon:: 1 of 12 in 2012

So if you follow me on twitter or read my last post  (basically if you pay me any attention whatsoever) you know I was freaking out a little nervous about this race.

I made my mind up about several things though:

1. I'm running 12 half marathons this year. They aren't all going to be perfect and they aren't all going to be PR's. 
2. Run what you can, walk what you can't. There's no shame in walking. 
3. Have a good time and enjoy it. Be thankful. As many of you this weekend, I ran in honor of Sherry Arnold.  This tragedy really hits home and I pray for peace for her friends and family. 

I went and picked up my packet on Friday night. There was no expo and pickup was at a store called Academy Sports and Outdoors. I quickly picked up my packet and headed to the hotel. 

I love the shirt and have worn it all day (it's a long sleeve tech t)

I put all my stuff out for the next morning (as usual I couldn't decide what to wear) and got to bed early.

Here's what I decided on:

This was my first time using my iFitness single pouch belt. I used a double pouch for my first half and loved it and felt the same about this one! THESE BELTS DO NOT MOVE.  I'm planning on comparing the two in a later post, because they both have pros and cons. (iFitness is also sponsoring 12 in 2012 and gave us all single pouch belts free of charge). 

I also wore some Nike gloves to keep my hands warm! 

I drove to the race, parked and got ready to run! It was nice because they had the school's gym open so we didn't have to wait in the cold. The race started promptly (I think... I honestly don't notice unless it's a long delay) at 9am. 

I tried to start slow but as usual I think I'm way faster than I actually am at the beginning of a race. I crossed the first mile marker around 9:30. Crazy. 

The race was out and back in a T shape. I actually like out and back courses because I LOVE the back part. Knowing that I've already ran something just makes me that much more confident that I can do it again. I dunno. It was also on beautiful land. I only saw 1 human spectator (walking her horse out to pasture) and lots of animals:  turkeys, horses, cows, goats, and dogs... even a chocolate lab!

There was a lot of snow and wind, but luckily it wasn't really sticking. My toes were a little cold during the beginning but luckily they warmed up quickly. Here's what it looked like:

Anyways, I have no idea about my splits because I need a "Garmin for Dummies" book. Still don't know how to upload anything. At Mile 12 I knew I could break 2:30 so I got going. 

Chip Time:  2:28:14  Average Pace:  11:19

THAT'S A NEW PR!!!!!! I am extremely happy with my time. Most of my long runs have been at a 12 min/mile pace on a treadmill with no incline. Definitely a great start to 2012!!