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Reveling in the post 3M Half Marathon high
I’m reveling in a little post-half marathon muscle soreness today, but it’s nothing compared with how my legs felt after that 25K trail race at Big Bend National Park two weeks ago.
So. Thoughts on the 3M Half Marathon & Relay, which did some tinkering with its route this year?
- 1. Yay for no dilly dallying at the start line. We got off right on time.
- 2. Burnet Road definitely doesn’t rank among the most scenic stretches of roadway in Austin. And that U-turn underneath U.S. Highway 183 was plain funky. This was a lot more industrial than the old cut through Northwest Hills. I miss Mesa Drive!
- 3. My husband dropped me off at the start line. We approached via Loop 360, and had no problems getting in at all. Plenty of parking. Ditto with the finish, which shifted this year to the Texas State History Museum.
- 4. Did you see all the discarded jackets and gloves and old T-shirts along the first half of the course? I hope someone collected those and donated them to charity.
- 5. I loved the two mariachi guys jamming on San Jacinto Boulevard. And thumbs up to the bag piper playing “Chariots of Fire” as we crossed MoPac Boulevard, too. Music is such a motivator.
- 6. You’ve got to love a downhill course. Fast and furious.
- 7. I wish volunteers wouldn’t fill the cups of Gatorade and water at the aid stations quite so full. I just want a couple of sips, not a full cup. So much waste!
- 8. Perfect weather, don’t you think? Start temp in the low 40s, finish not a whole lot warmer. I love running when it’s chilly.
- 9. I’m pretty sure a man wearing a full banana costume finished ahead of me.
- 10. I wish I hadn’t stopped to pee so many times. My finish time was 2:01:13. I might have broken the 2 hour mark! Still, I ran faster than I usually do, so I’m happy.
- 11. Those finishers medals were huge. Seriously. You could warm a tortilla on one.
What did you think of the race — and the new course? Other thoughts? Who did the relay? Did the exchange site along Great Northern Boulevard work for you?
Congratulations on your finish, runners!
Results are posted here.
(That’s me and my neighbor, Chris Bell, after finishing the race. Below is long-time Austin runner Keith Boone making his way along Shoal Creek. And that’s me with my gigantic finisher’s medal, suitable for cooking.)
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By Bridget
January 30, 2012 12:02 PM | Link to this
I thought the parking was fantastic. I was worried the most about finding a parking spot and than getting back to my car after the race. I shouldn’t have worried at all. It was efficient.
That industrial loop was very boring, but I had never seen it before so it was at least new. Also, since the race started so early, I don’t even think I was awake until mile 5.
It’s my problem with every race, there just aren’t enough port a johns on the course. I wasted 7 minutes using the bathrooms.
I know it’s early, but I wish more spectators were at the beginning. It’s daunting to realize you still have 10 miles left and no one is around to cheer.
My advice to everyone on the course: Keep your ego in check at the beginning. It’s tempting to just take off since it’s downhill. However, I let people pass me left and right at the beginning and by mile 8, I was passing people and never stopped (and, I’m not exactly fast). Don’t burn out those quads on the downhills!
This was my 10th race overall, and by far my favorite!
By JerryinATX
January 30, 2012 4:02 PM | Link to this
This was my fourth year doing 3M and this was by far the best course in terms of speed. I set a PR with a 1:56. I was ecstatic, I could have pushed myself a bit more, but I know bettter, today, I’m not even sore. Kudos to 3M for a great race!