If at first you don't succeed......

Oh Lincoln Half Marathon, how I hold a special place in my heart for you.  I love Lincoln, I love the atmosphere, the people, the course.  The last two years I had to sit out Lincoln were very painful for me so I was ready to make my grand return.

I love to see all the spectators.  The Lincoln community is amazing for supporting the runners.

It is AMAZING to be in a sea of runners.  To me it is a feeling like nothing else.

After I had Thatcher I remember wanting to break the 2:05 Half Marathon mark then somehow that 2:05 went to anything under 2:00 was the only thing acceptable in my mind.  While I have been trying to reach that goal the last 3 races I have ran.  I have continued to drop my times so I should learn to accept that I am giving my best on that given day and if  I am patient enough my day will come.  I should also realize that I am not a "natural" athlete and at my age improving my time with each run should be an accomplishment because I am no longer a spring chicken.  That being said all I see is the time and if it is not what I want I let it cast a dark cloud everything about that race
I was ready for Lincoln physically- mentally, however, was a different story.  Let's face it 2011 has not been kind to my mental state. The race started out good.  I started behind the 2 hour pacer group but caught up to them after the first mile.  I knew that if I stayed with them I would exceed my goal.   I ran right next to the pacers for a couple miles, just listening to their conversation about running.  I even ran in front of them for part of the race.  I was feeling great the first nine miles, I was feeling confident like I am FINALLY going to do this. 
But every runner knows your good day can take a turn at any point.  My race went downhill in a hurry while I was trying to go uphill at mile 9.  The hill at mile 9 was the end of my dreams and hopes.  I for some reason just lost it, and I lost the 2:00 hour group.  I could see them steadily running away from me.  At this point it was just a push and struggle to finish and do so in a timely manner.  I was devastated which doesn't help when you have four miles to go.  I did finish- I finished in a time of 2:01 which is my best time- but still it is two minutes short of my goal. I am still so mad that I missed my mark when I was so close to it that I can't get beyond anything but that thought.  I will pull up my running laces and keep going in hopes of finally reaching that goal.  While that day come? I don't know but I am going to keep trying.

The "grand stadium" finish wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be.  I like the old finish better.  You can see everyone you know finish and you don't have to spend an hour looking for your family.  I know they won't switch it back but I wish they would. 

.