Race Recap and What I Learned

Saturday was quite possibly one of the longest mornings EVER!  Bottom line, I did not meet my first goal which was to beat my Knoxville half time- in fact, it was almost 10 minutes to the second slower.  My Knoxville was 2:46:35.  Saturday was 2:56:33.  My back up goal was to beat three hours- which I did.  It was hot- about 70 at start time and when you add the running- they say to add 20 degrees- needless to say it was HOT!  I got dehydrated and my legs cramped big time so I ended up having to walk a lot more than I planned.  So, while disappointed in my time, I finished. 

Source: tumblr.com via MRS.T on Pinterest

(I did not finish last but thought it was appropriate).

Lessons Learned:
1. Don't do anymore half marathons in the summer (or on the shoulders of highways) the heat was ridiculous and that leads to...
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate- I got dehydrated- even though there were several water/gatorade stations throughout the course and I took some at each- it was not enough and I eventually ended up dealing with leg cramps.  It's time to start looking at belt systems so that I can carry more with me- whether that be water or gatorade who knows!
3. When they are going over the course before the race starts and they say they changed the course to take out a couple of hills- they LIED!  LOL :)

I'll leave you today with a couple of pictures- a before/after shot and a look at the view (which this was the best part of mile 12)

Question: I didn't wear my compression socks due to the heat (I thought that it might be too hot for them)- do you think it would have helped with the leg cramps?