2023 Mercedes 1/2 Marathon: It Wasn't Fast, But It Was Faster Than I Expected

My longest run getting ready for this race was 11 miles at 2 hours and 30 minutes. So, my goal was simple; I wanted to finish 13.1 miles in less than 3 hours. Well, at 2 hours, 31 minutes and 53 seconds, I basically matched my 11 hour training run and I will call that a great accomplishment for my first event of 2023. I saw a few friends at the beginning of the race, I saw more evidence after the race on social media that many more friends were in the race. I should be more social and connected so that I might know who's going, where they are hanging out, and simply more in touch. The weather was perfect and the race was well orchestrated.

When I ran by the Alys Stevens Center, I saw that the an announcement that Victor Wooten would be performing on March 10th. My son, John Evans, is a bass player like Victor and has idolized him for years. So, while still running I called John and announced that I would be buying us tickets. And, I did; we're going.

Results

February 12, 2023: Birmingham, AL Mercedes 1/2 Marathon 13.1 Miles
	Distance:	13.1 Miles
	Time:	2:31:53
	Heart Rate:	159
	Pace:	11:36
	Weather:	Cloudy 39° 89% Humidity

I finished in these percentiles:

Overall: 33%

All Males: 23 %

Age Group (65-69 Males): 46 % (I've always been a mid-packer