Key West Half Marathon

This week I went down to the Keys to thaw out and race my "hometown" marquis running event, the Key West Half Marathon. This race was once ranked in Runner's World's top Half Marathons and attracted a few thousand runners, however with competition from the Tropical 5k and Half Marathon now held the same weekend up in Miami, the Key West race has dropped to about a thousand runners, but still attracts a competitive field. Coincident with the race this year was the Key West Food and Wine festival, which somehow I managed to conjure up the discipline to avoid.The weather started off calm, overcast, warm (74 degrees), and humid (88%). By the second half of the race, a squall came in from the southwest, and the temps dropped to the mid 60's with a 20knot wind blowing in from the starboard beam, though the rain passed us to the north. I executed my race plan (which was based on heart rate) well, but missed my goal of a sub 1:45, ending up with a 1:47:51 and 8th place in my age group. The post race festivities were great with a sumptuous spread of tropical fruits, yogurt, bagels and pastries (including fresh chocolate brioche) provided by Dante's restaurant and music by my buddy Gary Hempsey's band. If you're looking for a great half marathon to run next Jan, or an excuse for a road trip out of the winter, definitely consider this race.