Already was registered for 1/2 marathon on this day, and it's one of my favorite local races. Point-to-point course that ends by a large lake. The course is very fast - almost dead flat except for a couple of overpasses, and very few turns. The post-race is also excellent...seems to be the unofficial holiday party for the local running community.
I felt ok to run it, but determined not to make the same mistake as October by trying to race and then suffering it as reality set in. This time I ran the first couple miles easy with a few friends, ~ 7:15, then gradually started dropping the pace to ~ 6:30, where I hung out for the second half. My shoulder held up fine - still some occaisonal soreness but ready to get back to training, gradually. I ended up a few seconds under 1:28 feeling good, but it would have been a different story if I was running harder.
To be honest, I was glad to have an excuse not to race - the weather was hot and humid. This has not been a good winter for cooler temps, not that is has mattered to me.
Great time afterwards catching up with friends.
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