You have successfully done just over the full distance in training (13.25 mi at 12 min pace). How did that training run feel? Would you be able to cut 30 sec/mi from that pace for the half and still finish strong? At 11.5 min pace for the race, you would finish in just over 2:30 (2:30:40 to be exact).

Also what kind of training plan have you been following? Most beginner plans are designed to get you to the finish line intact, but not to push the pace for time. Intermediate plans are geared towards racing for time.

I would also agree with Jasko that a lot depends on your previous race experience. If you have had experience with some middle distance races (particularly 10K and/or 15K), racing the half for time is a reasonable goal. However, if you have never run a race longer than 5K, then running to finish (at a reasonable pace) would be more appropriate.

Hi! I am far from someone that should be giving advice , but i trained about your pace and I haven't run a race of any kind in YEARS!! I had lots of setbacks and anxiety(almost dropped out!) but I did it anyway with only one 11 miler undre my belt. I feltmuch better than expected. Have you thought about a pace group if they have them in your race? I went out a little in front of the 2 30 and finshed  2 27. So just do what people say-start slow and gradually build if you feel good. You may be suprised! Good luck and update us!

Hey everjewel, Thought I would reply for the simple fact I completed my first 1/2 yesterday. I highly reccomend using a pacer if possible. You didn't say where you were racing but larger races usually supply them. They will keep you under control throughout your race and their knowlege with encouragement is extremely helpfull. A lot of us especially us newbies tend to start way to fast and bonk before the end. It sounds like you have some good miles in and have done the actual 13m. I did the same needing the confidence of that distance under my belt. After reading your posts a few times I would stick to your original goal to finish, and you can finish in style by not coming across the line in a ragged state like I saw a number of people do yesterday. Not a thing wrong with 12-13 min miles and a strong finish!! Trust your training and dont overthink your first race!!! Since you seem to have some way to determine your miles per minute maybe split and go with a 12:30 mm or run the first 7-8 miles at 13:00 and see how you feel then pick it up just a little if your feeling really good. I ran my entire race at 10:00mm and picked it up to 9:00mm for the last 1&1/2m with a fellow runner who I got to know while we ran. I had run this pace before with good fellings when done so I felt it was the right pace for me. The last two lines of your last post makes the most sense and I think you will know what to do. I wish you luck and will look for your post after you finish your first 1/2 to congratulate you!!!!

Hey everjewel good luck on your first half.I am also doing my first half on sun. May 6th. We have to keep in mind any time we get is our pr for a half.

I'm planning on running at a comfortable pace for the first 6 or 7 mi and then very slowly bring it up and i hope for the last 3.1 i can run almost like a 5k

I don't care what any other runner is doing i have to run my race,and we have both run the distance so there is no need to stress,just run and enjoy the

day.good luck Peace.

everjewel: Congrats on your first 1/2!!!! You toughed it out and learned along the way. Thats great and you should be proud!!! Hopefully there will be more for you and they will become more fun as your experience and knowledge increases. The heat deffinately takes it's toll on all of us so use that to help with future training. Build on what you learned and you will become a better runner, thats right you are a RUNNER!!!! Good luck with your future challenges and goals!!!