Sometimes running frustrates the hell out of me. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother with it.  This weekend was definitely one of the weekends that just makes me want to give up.

I’ve done this race every year it’s been around, except the first year. So this was my seventh time running it. My course PR is just under 1:27. Normally I run an October marathon, so I’m usually in the heart of my training. This year, with the November marathon,  I’m only just building. But it’s not like I’m not putting in the miles.

My “A” goal for the race was to break 1:30. It’s been over a year since I’ve done that (this was my first half this year). My “B” goal was a course PR. I actually had the delusion that I might have a chance at that.

The weather wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t horrendous. It was about 70 with a dew point around 67. So a bit humid. Lora and I did our warm-up and I was already starting to sweat through my shirt. Blah.

Found Jake right before the race started and we discussed the race plans. The goal was to run the first mile or two in about 7:00/mile pace and then settle in to the mid-6:40s till 10 miles.

We went through the first mile right at 7:00. I was breathing way too hard and I was already drenched. I was praying for the rain to come.

The second mile goes back into the nature center and I knew my race was over. We ran another 7:00 and I knew there was no way I could continue this. So I basically slowed down to around 7:30/mile and coasted in. Well it didn’t feel like coasting.

The pace the last 5k got even slower and I was just wanting to be done. Then finally at mile 12.5 the rains came. Then it was cool. Grrr.

Right now I just don’t know what’s next. I know I have the Ragnar Relay coming up. I’m just hoping the weather breaks for that. Then I don’t know.

This is the frustrating part of running.