Today was the San Dieguito Half Marathon, arguably one of the toughest half marathons in San Diego. Its known to most as a “really hilly” half marathon. I ran a 1:49:09 today which is 14 minutes faster than my previous best!

Here are the splits:

Mile 1: 6:49 Downhill for the first half mile flat for the second. Tried to go out hard.
Mile 2: 7:22 Flat, tried to maintain. I knew a hill was coming.
Mile 3: 8:41 Uphill for .75, flat for .25! I was surprised I was able to run that fast up it.
Mile 4: 7:47 Mostly flat, a bit downhill. Hit a 5K PR 23:00.
Mile 5: 8:05 Mostly Flat
Mile 6: 8:19 Rolling hills
Mile 7: 8:36 Slightly uphill. Missed a 10K PR by 30 seconds
Mile 8: 8:05 Out and back flat
Mile 9: 8:17 Out and back flat.
Mile 10: 10:11 Tough! Uphill and I was starting to get tired. (needed more salt tabs/electrolytes)
Mile 11: 8:31 Downhill. Mentally, it is what I needed.
Mile 12: 8:25 Flat (got a high-5 from Queen Elizabeth.)
Mile 13: 9:07 50% flat, finish was .5 miles uphill. Mentally, extremely tough! Almost cried…
Mile .1: 0:49 Finish chute… overwhelmed with joy. Trying not to cry from the pain of running uphill.

I utilized a new downhill running technique today, the “arm-flailing windmill.” It worked very well and I was able to run downhill much faster. The race was incredible. the first 8 miles were in the red zone. I was on a mission for a PR.

With respect to nutrition:

At 4:30am I woke up and ate a plate of Tater Tots (extra salty) and 2 salt tabs. I drank 40 oz of water with Nuun and topped it off with 200mg of caffine. Digestively, everything went perfect today! During the race I took 2 more salt tabs and 3 Gu Roctane’s. Post race, I drank about 8 cups of Yellowtail IPA thanks to the good people at the Hash House Herriers.

I am feeling VERY confident about the PCT 50 at this point. I have never felt stronger with respect to running. Tomorrow… 13 more miles… thankfully easy.