this is my first half marathon. I was a bit nervous leading up to the race because I wasnt really sure what to expect, this is a very steep downhill course. the first 3 were on dirt the rest were on pavement. I also wasnt sure what pace I should of been running, weather or not I wanted to run race pace or use it as a training run, when it comes down to it I am a competitor and cant just watch people run by me without me even trying so I gave this race most of my all, I didnt want to be super hurt when it was said and done either so when I felt myself really pushing I backed off and you will see I really hit a wall the last two miles. I have been getting great advice from Paul Harmer and Clyde. I think one of my downfalls for this race was I did not use my last GU ROCTAIN and I could feel it, no reason I didnt either, just thought I could muscle thru, oh well... live, race and learn. Here is my report: 1- 7:23, it was cool and I started off a bit fast for me but I felt ok, I just could not get my heart rate down for this mile 2- 7:07, tried staying with the small groups that went out on this dirt road, I still did not feel like I was pushing it. 3- 7:30, it flattened out here and had a little hill, and the first water stop, I got a small drink but did not feel like I needed it yet, still really cool and beautiful views. 4- 7:14, the first of the pavement and begining of the major downhill, felt good and settled into my breathing. 5- 6:56, I could not slow down, it was soooooo steeeeeeeep, if I had slowed it would have been painful so I just let it go. 6- 7:37, this is the 2nd water station, I did walk it and GU here so that explains why it was 40 seconds slower than the previous......I'm learning here so dont be too hard on me. 7- 7:13, settled back into a comfortable pace despite a sharp pain in my left knee, well actually on the inside of my left knee, it concerned me a bit but quickly worked itself out. 8- 7:15, I had a runner pass me and I felt good enough to stay with her even though the course was not steep anymore but still downhill with minor inclines. This is also where I could feel training kicking in, I was trying to not look down at my watch and just trust my body. good mile for me. 9- 7:24, this is the 3rd water station and I did walk it, but less because I was trying to keep the runner in front of me catchable. I was still feeling really good, chalk up another good mile for me. 10- 7:12, I looked at my watch here and should not have, I was feeling really good and this is where I should of taken a GU. but no I was too proud thinking I could do it without. it was a good mile but more labor intensive. 11- 7:29, we have hit Parowan now and the final water stop. yes I walked it. I could feel my body starting to exhaust. but I still felt like I was going to carry this one home. 12- 7:58, uh oh, Im struggling, I can feel it and know its too late for a GU, my legs start to cramp, I am having trouble here. 13- 8:58, I know, I know.... horrible I did so well all this way to finish like this. I could not believe it. I struggled to get it done. but I did. .1- :40 ouch, I did finish running though. 1:38:04 Overall I am pleased, especially since I was trying for a 1:40, Paul told me I better since that was his first half time. GARMIN | 