Race Report - Brissy Marathon Half

Strider Greg competed in the 10km race and did well, he certainly looked like he'd put out big time at the end. Good to see. Greg is looking forward to the Gold Coast Marathon 10km.
I took on the Half, and it was a hard day at the office. The humidity was fairly high, I was hoping for a snappy morning but when I woke I realised it was going to be a hot one. It certainly wasn't extreme, so I can't blame the weather!
The marathon set off at 6am, followed by the half at 6:30. The route took us over the river from a Southbank start by way of the Goodwill Bridge, then left along the riverside to the Regatta Hotel and back. Just across the bridge we ran into the first of the marathon field, but the congestion was minimal due to the stretched field.
After making our way back to the Goodwill Bridge we ran past it uphill into the Botanic Gardens. That bit messed with me, I like my races to be flat, and the change of incline messes with my pacing. A lazy and fussy runner to boot! Crossing the river over the Goodwill bridge was an effort, although short it is steep!
Going past the finish line provided heaps of good support, then we continued along the riverside past the Paul's factory and onwards for what seemed like an eternity.
I was happy to see the finish line and get that blissful rub down by young women at the end. I even got a foot massage, almost heaven!
Having starred in this years entry form, Mary made it down to support a few folks. Well they got supported and I got bellowed at and threatened! It did work, until I was out of her site. I last heard he muttering something about not bludging and not having any excuses. A cyclist rode past and commisserated with me. Whoever that was, thank you.
I messed up my timing, going too fast in the first 5km, which I did in sub 1h23 pace [should have been going 1h24 pace!], went throug the first 10km in 39min, and by the time I went through the 20km mark my second 10km had blown out to 42min, which makes for ugly reading.
Negative splitting is the goal, but blowing out by 3 min is ugly. I have 2 months to sort that issue out with some uncompromising interval and hill training.
Overall pace worked out at 4:06, which is good enough for for a sub 3 at marathon if you can hold on to it. Lots of work to do in the menatime though.
A great race, well organised by the Intraining crew and lots of very helpful and encouraging volunteers - thanks a ton for making racing possible.
See you all at Gold Coast!
Stan