Great job out there today, everyone! I found myself wishing that the high wind warning that was announced had materialized! Instead, it just felt like someone had thrown a wet, damp blanket over the course! One of my highlights from the race was running through a set of sprinklers that were watering the grass shortly before Angels Stadium.
I really wanted to put up a sub-2:00 Disney half. The park sections were good and energizing, even if the tight quarters kept what little breeze there was off of us. After that, though, the conditions made the trek through the streets of Anaheim an energy sapping slog. By the time we hit the 15k mat at Angels Stadium, my pace had flagged to an average of 9:26/mile and I thought 2:00 was done. The stadium always gives me a boost, though, and I took that and set my mind on the finish.
I think it was
@FFigawi who recently posted the "Don't be an idiot the first half of your race and don't be a wimp in the second half". I kept that on auto play in my head and focused on the quarter mile split in front of me. I still didn't think I'd quite gotten enough time back until I turned the last corner and saw 1:58-something on the finish clock. My legs were doing their own thing by that point, so it wasn't exactly a sprint to the line, but it got me there at 1:59:05 for mission accomplished!
Given the conditions this weekend I will very happily head home with my shiny new 10k PR and sub-2:00 half marathon. I hope everyone will look back on this weekend with enjoyment once the heat and humidity effects have faded! Dopey, I'm coming for you next, buddy...