St. Louis Half, baby.

I ran my 2nd half in 6 weeks last weekend, and had a great race!  It was my 11th half that I've done over my running career, and this one ended up being my 3rd fastest time out of those 11.  At 4 months post baby #3, I was certainly surprised and pleased.  My stretch goal time, or so I thought, was 1:50 and I was able to run this race in 1:45:36.  Not too shabby!  And in addition to the time, it was a really good race overall.  I felt strong, felt good, and never hit a point where it was too difficult, truly.  I was able to maintain around an 8:00/mile average for much of the course!  Though I will say I was also very glad to not be running the marathon portion of the course...and when the race split at mile 11, I was very happy to be heading to the left...which was towards the finish...  Not sure when a marathon will be in my future again, as it's quite a bit crazier with 3 kids than it was with 2, but I'll be back out there someday, I'm sure.  And while I'm waiting, I'm going to enjoy the race that is a half-marathon (probably, honestly, my best race!  Long enough to feel like I was challenged and can work hard, but short enough to not hate it and debilitate me for a week after!!)

Poor Christian, who had trained all the way, even running 12 miles 7 days before, was unable to run due to a stress fracture that occurred the day after his 12 mile run.  This is the 2nd time he's tried to run St.Louis and been sidelined, that I don't think he'll be convinced to try it again.

Taken by me during the run - thought it was a neat shot with "ball park village" and the arch in view.

At the finish - I was busting my butt to try and hit 1:45, once I realized how close I was to it.  I could hardly be bothered to smile for a picture, lol.

And done!  Great day, great race.

**side note - my friend Jason was down there to run the marathon, and finished in an amazing 3:15 time!  I am beyond impressed to see someone so speedy in the marathon, as I know what it takes to do that, and am hoping one day he'll be able to get that time up to his Boston qualifying time so he can experience what I believe to be the mecca for running!