Nittany Valley Half-marathon

Yes, running has consumed my free time lately.  Training for a marathon takes WAY TOO MUCH time. Last week I ran the Nittany Valley Half-marathon.  And since 13.1 miles isn't enough for my current full marathon training schedule.  I had to keep going for another 7 miles after that! 

I've been preparing my friend Jen to run her first Half.  She was ready and did nicely on Sunday. She was slightly disappointed that she had to walk just a bit at the end.  For anyone who doesn't know the NV course, the entire last 1.3 miles are uphill, and a steep one at that!  So, in short, Jen did just fine.  I think our training runs up Port Matilda mountain really helped.

I was pleased with my run for the day. It was good running weather being in the 40's all day.  I did about a mile and a half before the race,  then ran the whole race (no walking at all), and then finished up my day with another 6 miles after the race. My pace was about 11:00/mile. That's all I can hope to do for the marathon.  My 2004 marathon was a 10:48 pace, but I just don't think I'll be up to that this year.  Sunday was the last really long distance I'll do before the Philadelphia Marathon on the 23rd.