I was so excited to hear that the Daytona 1/2 was taking place in 2016!! I really wanted to run it in 2015, but they didn't have the race. As soon as I heard that it was happening in 2016, I registered!!!
Packet pick up was the day before the half at the track.
We were able to check out all the new renovations at the track!
It was an early wake up on race morning! When I woke up I checked my weather app and I was in for a shock. It was COLD. Like 40 degrees feels like in the 30's. For a Floridian that is like -21 degrees. I had this really cute shirt made and no one got to see it because I had to wear a coat.
When we arrived at the track, we parked in the infield. After I dropped off my bag at the bag check, we walked around. The start line was on pit road. My mom and I took photos then went back to car to try to stay warm.
After trying to warm up in the car, it was time to head to the start line. It was so cold that I seriously wanted to cry. I'm a wimp I know it. Once in the corral we heard the announcement that they needed to delay the start of the race because of a train delay. That was first for me! I understand why they did it. Could you imagine being one of the first runners and all of a sudden get stuck because of a train???
Going into the race my goal was to finish in under 2:30. I didn't train as well as I could have, but I still thought I could pull off 11:27 min/mile pace. Once I realized how cold it was, I knew my first mile had to be slow. My legs were cold and stiff.
The first two miles were on the track. I just enjoyed the view and went slow. I mean it's the Daytona Speedway! This was the 2nd time for me running around this track. After the track we were on the streets of Daytona Beach.
I was feeling great until the causeway. We passed the 6 mile marker while on the bridge. I have driven over this causeway and I may have forgotten how big it was. Oops! Due to the weather, we were not able to run on the beach. We stayed on A1A. I didn't take my first walk break until around mile 7.75. It was just a short walk break. At this point I was 5 minutes ahead of my pace. Then there was the causeway again. I decided to walk up this time. Running it the first time killed me. Having 5 minutes in the bank I knew was fine.
I felt good, well I was cold, but I still felt good during the run. Then came the headwind for the last 4 miles. Man it was brutal. I fought hard to keep my pace and not give up on my goal.
I kept looking at my watch and looking at my pace band and then that was usually followed by a naughty word. The very end of the race takes place back on the track. Once we were back on the track, I knew my goal was out the window. It was very helpful to have the spectators cheering me on at the track.
I finished with a time of 2:30:17. I missed it by 17 seconds. I'm not mad about that. It was crappy weather conditions and I was under trained.
I'll be back next year for sure! It was a fabulous race and I would highly recommend it! My mom did the 5k and she had just as much fun as I did!!
