I know it has been nearly 2 weeks since Fort Worth's Race of Record, but now that thoughts have been collected, here it goes.
2012 is my first time to run The Cowtown and I selected the Half Marathon. I am glad I did because the course is amazing.
The Cowtown Half Marathon Course map
The Marathon and Ultra run the first 10 miles alongside the Half Marathon. This played perfectly into my great time at this run.
The race started at 7am sharp Sunday Morning, 2-26. It was still dark and cool, but the weather worked out perfectly. I chose shorts, long sleeve shirt, and my beanie and this was just right. Based on my 1:45 projected finish, I was fortunate enough to start in Coral 1. Wow, these guys (and gals) are fast and NOBODY stopped in front of me the entire race.
The first mile is nearly all downhill and it was like running with the bulls. Don't turn suddenly, don't slow down, and watch the dude in front of you. It was exhilarating, unnerving, and blistering!
Splits: And thoughts
1 7:56 Just trying to stay alive
2 7:43 Am I running slow enough to have anything left at 12 miles
3 7:48 OK, this pace seems right.
I think it may have been around mile 4 or 5 that I was fortunate enough to notice an Ultra Marathon runner in my area. I asked him how many Ultras he has run and he replied that this was his third (I think). He then went on to tell about his running life, one I dream of.
He was from Washington DC area, which is a great running spot to start with. His previous races included a Trail Marathon in France. He shared with me the Trail Runner saying "If you can't see over it, walk over it." Also joining us was a Fire Fighter from the DFW area doing the Marathon and he shared thoughts of The SF Marathon and the 9-11 Race Up A Skyscraper (in full Fire Fighter Gear-extra 40 pounds I think). Just awesome running talk and tales of what makes us do this. Each hydration stop we came to, we split to get our desired drink and came right back together ON PACE. I don't know who's pace this was, but it just worked.
Splits: And Thoughts
4 7:48 Enjoying the day and parts of FW I do not frequent
5 7:43 Removed the beanie and tucked it in my belt (ate first Powerbar Energy Blast)
6 7:38 Awesome run through Stockyards. Good crowd.
7 7:45 Starting the 3 mile run up Main Street
Early in the week, I had a short run day and thought it would be fun to go run the Main Street Hill into Fort Worth. That plan failed as I soon found out there is no pedestrian walkway on the entire hill. Oh well, my Hill Training would need to be enough and the Main Street Hill would be an unknown until race day.
My race buddies and I just kept conversing and pacing each other. Food, family, running wives, race dreams, and more kept my mind off the actual numbers of this pace. We talked our way up and over Main Street Hill and enjoyed our last moments together through downtown. As we passed the Water Gardens, I nearly missed my Half Marathon turn, but did get to wish my buddies a strong run and finish.
Splits: And thoughts
8 7:39 Big hill looming
9 7:48 The Hill-just talking our way through it-Trust your training!
10 7:41 Downtown FW is awesome.
Now I was on my own. My plan was to try and run this part at 7:30 pace to bring it home. It was such a great morning and I felt like I had it in my tank. BUT now I was alone. The downhills helped. The wind was awakening. The cheers were heard, needed, and appreciated.
Splits: And thoughts
11 7:16 Did I start too early?
12 7:18 Why is my GPS this far ahead?
13 7:14 Felt like a sprint.
0.1 6:19 Was a sprint...legs heavy. 13.32 Total on Garmin.
1:41:20 at 7:36 pace.
1:41:12 7:44 pace official
From my investigation and creeping, I think I was able to secure the names of my Marathon and Ultra running buddies.
Thank you to Wayne Davis of Flower Mound and congratulations on your 3:20:58 Marathon (7:41 pace)
Also, thank you Seth Jayson of Annandale Virginia and congrats on your 3:59:45 Ultra (7:43 pace)
I don't know if we will ever meet or run again, but you guys made my first Cowtown a memorable one. See you next year at The Cowtown!
The Cowtown is done right. Starts early and on time. Great course with hills and views of the entire city. Good crowd and city involvement. Awesome volunteers and race direction. As long as I can run, The Cowtown will be on my Race Plan.
