Indeed.

That was the funniest sign I saw at the Austin Half Marathon last Sunday. There were other memorable ones, like “Your feet hurt because you’re kicking so much ass”, and “Do it for the beer! Er, the children!”

Thanks to everyone who supported World Bicycle Relief on my behalf. It was great to think about my friends at WBR and the recipients of their bicycles while plodding along the Austin streets.

These were my first half marathons and I enjoyed the physical challenge. Yes, I did two. A few weeks back I was scheduled to run 12 miles, so I did the 3M Half Marathon that day. I figured, what’s another mile?

My time for the 3M was faster than the Austin, but both were under my goal of 2:00. The 3M is almost all downhill, and a good one for records me thinks. Here’s how I ended up against other lard-asses in the Clydesdale group (men over 190 lbs):

I loved the 3M for the proximity to the house. Stacey, the kids, Aunt Pam and Uncle Frank came to watch at the end of our street, but I was already past them. Maybe next time. 3M also had great food afterwards – breakfast tacos from Rudys.

The Austin Half is a HUGE event, and that was reason enough to run – the crowds really keep you going. Lloyd and I have been training since December, and it was his idea to get in shape for this one. After all, we both turn 40 this year.

40? Damn.

Anyway, my time was a bit slower, but the course was much hillier. Next time (if there is one) I think I’ll mix hill repeats into the training mix.

I’ve been running with iPhone software called iMapMyRun. It’s OK, sometimes wonky – for instance it thinks I live in some weird town in Florida, but it generates a map of my local route. And if nobody calls when I’m running, I can get a full read out like this one:

So, there you have it. Two half marathons under 2:00. Time for more cycling.

Oh, and maybe some new baby pics soon. Or old ones. I still need to upload the holidays.