Parks Half Marathon - from Rockville MD to Bethesda MD

This morning at 7 o'clock sharp, the approximately 1400 "half-marathoners" (... I'm not quite sure it's the right word...) started running from Rockville, MD towards Bethesda MD. Now in its sixth year, the Parks Half Marathon (organized by the Montgomery County Road Runners Club) has become a little classic and, at the same time, a test for the preparation of the major autumn marathons (Chicago, Marines and New York).
The insidious course, the ascents and descents, the narrow and slippery path of the Rock Creek Trail, the blind's and sharp bends, the mud and dirt do not make this a "looking for PR race" but you have to take it for what it is, a race with themselves and opponents rather than the stopwatch.

Excellent, as usual the organization of the MCRRC both before, during and after the race. Fast baggage check process, lots of water stops during the race (with a lot of port-a-potty along the course), and in the post-race nice rock concert with lots of food and drinks plus complimentary Metro ticket to go back to Rockville. WELL DONE!

I am quite satisfied with my performance today, although I closed with forty seconds more than last year. This Half Marathon came after a good 5k yesterday and today I was still able to finish with a pace faster than the expected marathon one (we will try to draw conclusions in less than a month in Chicago ...).

Here the overall results.