This past weekend I competed in the 1st Annual Longview Half Marathon; back to my grass roots where I did a lot of running . There was an excellent turn out however, going in I was nervous about racing. I mean it's been awhile since I've raced without having to swim or bike before running and the fact was I was racing some "real" runners. We started on the track at Lobo Stadium. I thought it was a slow start but I opened up with a 5:21 mile. Benson Osoro,the Kenyan, takes off moments just after we exited the stadium, followed in persuit by Jacob Phillps and Drew Bean. I was just behind Phillips and Bean early in the race. Phillips makes a break around mile 3 on a descent. I saw Bean taking looks back and I thought he started to fatigue, so I picked up the effort but made no success. I started losing site of Bean around mile 7. The course was on the shoulder of a highway with long rolling hills. Near the end of the race we zig zagged through a hilly neigbhorbood. Eventually, we made our way back around the stadium for the finish. At mile 11, coming out of the neigbhoorhoods I was starting to get delerious, I took a gel and I ran the 13th mile in just over 6 minutes but hearing Jenn "cheer" me around the track I scrambled to sub 5 pace the last minute. I earned 4th place overall, just one place shy of the money, in 1:15.38. It was great seeing old and new friends out there. The Longview Running Club coordinated a spectacular event that drew out a great crowd for a first time event. 
Results: http://www.runontexas.com/results/2011/219agehalf.htm
On another note, out on an easy training ride the day after and "bambi" dashes across the road and me of all people hits the deer. I would have finished the ride but my handlebars were off. Thanks to Jenn for picking me up and Lance for repairing my bars. In two weeks, weeks I start the first triathlon of the year at The Kemah Triathlon.
