• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Our Team
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
RunToTheFinish

RunToTheFinish

Online Running Coach | Running Shoe and Gear Reviews

  • Training
    • 5K Training
    • 10K Training
    • Half Marathon Training
    • Marathon Training
    • Low Heart Rate Training
    • Running Injuries
    • Sub Two Half Marathon Training
    • Nutrition for Runners
  • Shoe Reviews
    • Running Shoe Finder
    • Cushioned Running Shoes
    • Lightweight Running Shoes
    • Carbon Plated Running Shoes
    • Trail Running Shoes
    • Walking Shoes
  • Gear Reviews
    • Treadmill Reviews
    • Running Shoe Deals and Discounts
    • GPS Watches
    • Summer Running Gear
    • Winter Running Gear
    • Hydration Packs
  • Work Together
    • 1-1 Coaching
    • Online Running Group
    • All Courses
    • LHR Training Plans
    • RTTF Book
    • 30 Day Core
    • IT Band Solution
  • Podcast
  • Training
    • 5K Training
    • New Runner Tips
    • 10K Training
    • Half Marathon Training
    • Marathon Training
    • Low Heart Rate Training
  • Reviews
    • All Running Shoe Reviews
    • Running Shoe Finder
    • Cushioned Running Shoes
    • Lightweight Running Shoes
    • Carbon Plated Running Shoes
    • Trail Running Shoes
    • Walking Shoe Reviews
    • Running Gear Reviews
    • Treadmill Reviews
    • GPS Watch Reviews
    • Winter Running Gear
    • Summer Running Gear
    • Hydration Packs
  • Running Shoe Deals/Discounts
  • Work Together
    • Online Running Coach
    • Online Running Group
    • All Courses
    • Book
    • 30 Day Core
    • Ultimate IT Band Relief Guide
    • Low Heart Rate Training Plans
  • Running Injuries
  • All Articles
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Home / Half Marathon

4 min PR and 3rd place finish – Best Damn Race Orlando

Last Updated on October 26, 2022 by Amanda Brooks
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
No Comments

I’ve already said I’m not a fan of race reports, so mostly I’ll keep this short and sweet with some details for me to have as a record for later.

Super short: 1:44:02 | 4:20 PR | 3rd in age group — David ran 1:41 like the rock star he is.

A. HOLY SHIT.
That’s mostly all I could think as I crossed the finish line. Pardon the language, but really I couldn’t form a thought any longer. After seeing I got 3rd in my age group, I was even more speechless. I know it’s a small race, but I’ll take it however it comes!!!B. I ran David’s race that’s the only reason the PR was so big.
I planed running around 8:10-8:15, but he stayed with me through mile 9 so I just kept moving because it felt ok {not easy, but not like it would kill me}. After that I just thought well you’ve done it so far, don’t toss in the towel now!

C. My knee was iffy all week long. I think that was my body’s way of forcing me to taper because I didn’t have an issue with anything on race day.
D. 4 Weeks ago we ran Best Damn Race Safety Harbor which was a great practice run and I put to practice all of the lessons from that race. It also means I had a recovery week and a taper week before this race, doing only LHR training and no speedwork.

E. I opted for compression pants to help my knee {physically and mentally}. I love my CW-X so much, but I think I need a new pair these have been around the block and don’t even have the reflective pieces left on them!

My watch was off, so this is a combo of splits from my and D’s watch – mostly for my records.
AVG HR 169 {Totally not LHR}
Mile 1: 8:04
Mile 2: 8:01
Mile 3: 7:56
Mile 4: 8:03
Mile 5: 8:04
Mile 6: 8:00
Mile 7: 7:49
Mile 8: 7:58
Mile 9: 7:54
Mile 10: 8:14
Mile 11: 8:02
Mile 12: 8:15
Mile 13: 8:12
Official: 1:44:02
Previous PR 1:48:20

BEST DAMN RACE ORLANDO

First year year for this race in Orlando which is why it was a small race {hey that worked to my 3rd place advantage!}. Quick overview:

  • For a first race in a new city, it went off flawlessly from everything that I saw {minus spelling Orlando wrong on the race bibs}
  • Nearly 40 turns on this course meant we enjoyed some beautiful neighborhoods, but that constantly changes your pace
  • Around 2 miles were on brick paved roads, which is harder on the body and  means paying attention so you don’t trip.
  • Super flat course
  • Post race food was nothing special {compared to the awesome Jimmy John’s in Safety Harbor}
  • Plenty of water stops
  • Great men and women’s specific race shirts
  • Blingtastic for medal seekers – Double medals for those who ran both the Safety Harbor and Orlando race. Double medals for those who ran the 5K and 10K.

Do you like small races?

Other ways to connect with Amanda

Instagram: RunToTheFinishRunning_motivation_thumb

Facebook: RunToTheFinish

Get new posts via BlogLovin

Category: Half Marathon

Google News

Add RunToTheFinish to your Google News Feed


Amanda Brooks Avatar

Author

Amanda Brooks
I am a running coach with over a decade of experience helping thousands of runners to achieve their goals from running injury free to crossing that marathon finish line with a PR. I’ve run over 28,000 miles in my own running journey since 2002. Run To The Finish is my place to share that love and my deep dive in to researching all things running. I hold multiple run coaching certifications, as well as a personal training certification. But it’s my ongoing desire to learn and progress as a coach that has allowed me to help runners from their 20’s through their 70’s! More ways to connect with me:
Previous Post:Vegan Broccaulikale Masher Recipe – Crazy name, great taste
Next Post:Do Your Best, Forget the Rest: Tony Horton Book Review

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sidebar

Welcome!!

Hello runners! I’m Amanda Brooks, a certified running coach and personal trainer since 2012. But my running love started long before that in 2002. My philosophy is that running isn’t about your pace or the distance or your body. It’s about showing up for yourself, loving the process and doing it injury free!

Trending Gear Reviews

1
Top Gifts for Runners
2
Best Running Books
3
Running Jackets for Every Condition
4
HOKA Vs On Cloud Running Shoes

Recent Posts

  • ASICS Sonicblast 2 Review | A Light and Bouncy Shoe That Makes You Want to Run Faster
  • NYC Marathon Course Tips + Common NYC FAQs
  • Nekteck Airflow Go Review | Calf & Leg Compression Recovery You Can Take Anywhere
  • Best Hoka Running Shoes Review | Complete Comparisons
  • Marathon Pace Chart: Mile & KM Splits for Every Goal Time

5 Secrets to Improve Your Run

Start Making Quick Progress on Your Goals (I swear it's easy) no matter your current fitness level. The tips we share with the runners we coach.

Resources for Runners

Training Styles

Low Heart Rate Training Plan
Run/Walk Method
Runner Strength Training Plans
Couch to 5K Training Plan
What to Do After C25K

Half Marathon

Couch to Half Marathon Training
Half Marathon Fueling Strategy
Sub Two Hour Half Marathon Training Plan
Best Marathon Running Shoes Online Running Group

Marathon

Couch to Marathon Training Plan
4 Hour Marathon Training Plan
Marathon Pacing Strategy
Must Have Marathon Gear
Online Running Coach

Follow Me on Instagram

About Amanda Brooks

Amanda Brooks is a Certified Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and long time distance runner with a passion for every facet of running, which leads her to do more reading, research and running than necessary. Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running. Read More…

Contact
About
Partnerships
Podcast
Newsletter
Privacy

Running Shoe Reviews
Running Gear Reviews
Online Running Coach

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

5 Secrets to Improve Your Run

Start Making Quick Progress on Your Goals (I swear it’s easy) no matter your current fitness level. The tips I share with the runners I coach.

Website written, managed and maintained by Amanda Brooks, a certified running coach and personal trainer. Any advice should be taken as general information and not a personalized plan. All opinions, tips and reviews are based upon her personal life experience and the experiences of those she has coached. View our full privacy and review policy. No AI.

Copyright © 2026 · RunToTheFinish · All Rights Reserved