Gavin’s First Half Marathon

Sunday, October 24 Gavin competed in his first half marathon.  Since he is planning to compete in Olympic distance duathlons and sprint distance triathlons next season, he wanted to try a half marathon.  Finding time to train was a slight challenge since it was the school soccer season, but Gavin’s dedicated and competitive spirit prompted him to squeeze in training time for a longer distance road race.  Preparing for the race was uncharacteristically uneventful!  No bikes, helmets, or cleats needed packing.  Gavin ate his usual two-egg breakfast, then we left.  Everything felt much more relaxed without the need to set up a transition area or body mark.  Wallis Sands hosted this race which allowed us to view another beautiful sunrise.  Due to the chilly forty degree weather, Gavin chose to wait in the car before warming up and stretching.  Brody stayed home for this race, but he made his breakfast in honor of Gavin by spelling “Go Gavin” out of his pancake batter.  Anticipating a two hour completion time, Gavin ran in the second wave.  He had a comfortable, steady start and easily moved to the front of the group.  Throughout the run, he experienced some leg cramps, abdomen cramps, and some foot irritation.  However, he finished strong!  Dad encouraged Gavin near the end of the course, and Gavin got the boost he needed to “turn on the jets” (a phrase mom has used to encourage a sprint finish since the boys were young).  Gavin maintained a strong sprint and passed two other runners in the finishers’ shoot.  Although he had no competition in his age category for men, his placing of 63 out of 425 with a one hour and forty-six minute completion time is definitely something to be proud of.