You couldn't ask for much better running weather than on Sunday morning when nearly 600 people toed the line for the Presque Isle half-marathon. Word about this great little 1/2 has spread as evidenced by the wide-range of cities and states represented. This race draw participants from the tri-state area -- and beyond -- making competition stiff for Erie runners who are used to being the top dogs.

A complete list of results can be found here.

I was trying for a 1:45, but started out way too fast (rookie mistake, I know), running 7:30 miles...which, of course, resulted in my "dying" at the end. Thanks to a little help from a friend who caught me stopping to walk at mile 12 (yes, mile 12!!!!!) -- I had a P.R. of 1:47:46.

Michelle, came up behind me just when I stopped to walk at mile 12. I said "Can you believe I'm walking at 12 miles?" She looked me right in the eye and say "No. I can't." That was just the inspiration I needed to get moving again. I don't think we said more than a few words to each other that last mile, but her silent support was all I needed. We ran side-by-side the rest of the way in.

I have never walked in a race before -- I've wanted to, but I've never done it (not counting the marathons), but for some reason I did on Sunday. I'm struggling with the reason for that (more on that later this week).

In the end, though, I had a PR -- and of that I can be proud -- even if it wasn't my finest racing performance.