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Same routine as before, night before get all the stuff ready, gels, bib, bottle, belt, post run drink, oatmeal set up (overnight in the fridge ready to eat in the morning). I woke up around 4:30AM, ate oatmeal, had my latte, a quick visit to the bathroom before leaving the house. I was heading out early, I did not want it to encounter any issues on the road, learned my lesson a few events back.
I got to the event area with about 55 minutes to spare, walked around a bit. I took my gel about 30 till the event and used the porta-potty about 15 minutes before the race. I went back to the car and left the jacket in the car since temperature was around 43 degrees. I am wearing my running Brooks shorts and shoes, compression socks and a Champion shirt that served me well min other events. With also a cap on and my sunglasses set my way to the starting area. The event started right on time, many runners of all ages, shapes and form.

The first few miles I was feeling great, pushing a little bit but do not want to burn too much energy. Although I felt going to fast early on, I was running by effort and not paying attention to my current pace. Now I have to mention that I did not take a look at the route prior to the event, since I assumed it was going to be the same route as last year, which included an awesome long curve downhill.

At 2 miles in all was same as before and then they change it to use more of the trail/greeway portion instead of the road. Different route but flat and I am feeling good, so I press on a bit. Few tunnels along the route which I tried to cross them before I loose the GPS satellites, success on the first one and almost on the way back. After mile 8.5 we are back in the same course as last year. I missed a few water stations and the one I hit I just took very little water, but I have my energy drink with me, so no problem. Temperature remained low even with the full sun out and the clear skies the trail offer tons of shade. I fueled about 4.75 miles and again about 9.75 miles.

At mile 11 there was a steep short hill, that hill used to be a problem for me in previous races but I was able to conquer it during the last event here. Still my brain is telling me, well shouting, “walk a little bit”, “it wont be a problem”, “you already PR previous race no reason to PR on this one”, “this event is to finish since is for the triple crown”. It was hard, but every single time I try not to listen and just concentrate and check my form, the legs, my breathing and adjusted my cadence. I press on the last couple miles. There was this guy running a long side (Or maybe I am the one running along his side) Anyway, it is certain that we are both not letting each other pass, he pressed on and I followed. I pressed on, he followed. That helped to keep my mind on something other than walking.
I finished strong and relax with a time of 1:50:38, shaving about 3 or so minutes from my previous event PR. I am very happy with the results.

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{f1}Month/Year;;;{f1}Event;;;{f1}Location;;;{f1}Type;;;{f1}Time;nn;
Oct-14;;;Rock n’ Roll Rebellion;;;NC;;;Half;;;1:50:38;nn;
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Event Highlight & Learning Points;nn;Highlights:

Course: Great ample road right of the start and for the entire course.

Venue: At finish, water, food and few vendors.

Expo: No Expo

Weather: Temperature around, 43º with 75% humidity.

T1D: Sugars borderline high at the start. Remained high during the event.

Fueling:

      Pre-Race: 1 serving Hot Cereal and Latte. Caffeinated gel about half hour prior the start.

      Race: Water at the water stations.

      Post: Water, banana and chips.

Learning Points:

• Need to continue to pace specially during early portions of the event.
  
• Need to improve handling the mental game
• Next time look at the course at least once prior to the event.

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