American Fork 1/2 Marathon

Okay, before I even start I realize how funny I look in this picture. It isn't flattering at all, but I was literally racing across to the finish line. This was my first race in my quest for a 1:37 time. Why a 1:37? I am hoping to get guaranteed entry into the 2012 NY Marathon with a qualifying half time. The NY Marathon has guaranteed entry spots, charity spots, and the rest of the spots are lottery spots. I have about an 11% chance of getting in through the lottery so I am hoping to earn my entry. The American Fork Half Marathon was my first attempt at obtaining this new PR. My fastest time to this point has been a 1:38 plus the seconds (which I can't remember right now). The race started up the AF canyon and I guess it's the first race that has been permitted down the canyon before. Also, all the proceeds of the race went towards the fight against cancer...you may notice the small pink ribbon I have on my shirt. It started at 6am, but we had to be there earlier so we could take the bus up the canyon. There was lots of music, water, and some stories of inspiration shared by microphone. As soon as the race started it was all downhill from there (well, for the first 7 miles). I ended up running with the 1:35 pacer for quite awhile and then broke ahead for most of the second half of the race. However, there were some hills and my stamina was starting to run thin. The pacer passed my during my last couple of miles, but as I approached the finish I saw 1:36:54. I knew I couldn't make it in six seconds, but I figured that since it was chip timed that I still had a chance (I didn't cross the start mat when the time officially started). I pushed with everything I had, that's what the picture is showing. When I saw my finishing time, I knew something was up. It said that I came in at 1:37:10, but I thought that it should be a little less because of when I officially crossed the start mat. I figured that I still ended up with a new PR if nothing else, but still, 10 seconds shy of my goal was a bit deflating. Well, I found out the next day that there was something wrong with the time. Apparently the start mat wasn't activated when the gun went off. It didn't start working till 40 seconds into the race. I crossed it within the first 40 seconds, but there is a chance that it was 10 seconds or more after the gun went off. If that was the case, then I really did meet my goal. However, I will never know for sure, so I will have to stick with my gun time and hope to come through on a different race. I guess it will just keep me motivated to push harder.