Kirkland Half Marathon 2025 – Race Report

Date: May 14, 2025
Race: Kirkland Half Marathon
Venue: Juanita Beach, Kirkland

Results

Chip Time: 2:13:03
Pace: 10:09 / mile
Overall: 267 / 356
Division (M45–49): 17 / 25
Bib #: 285

Race Pictures

Race Prep

I woke up at 5:00 am for the race. Had kept my shirt, bib, socks, and kit with gels ready the night before. Took a shower, finished morning duties, and got started at 5:50 am.

Reached Kirkland Library at 6:23 am and was the first one to get to the shuttle. This was a new muscle for me in race life — showing up early. It gave me ease and a natural confidence.

Spoke to Navone on the bus. Reached the race venue at 6:50 am, used the restrooms, and had ample time to check in, drop off the bag, and line up. Met Nancy, who was pacing the 2-hour group. I walked with them to the start, half thinking if I could clock close to 2:00.

The Race

The race started and I got off to a good start. Felt good early. Paced around 8:40 with Nancy who was leading the 2 hour crew and finished the first 5K in ~28 minutes. Stayed with the pack, found it comfortable, and was sticking together with the group until the end of mile 4.

At mile 4, I stopped at an aid station. The empty cups had to be filled with water, consumed, and disposed of. This burned time, and Nancy’s crew sped ahead. I could still see them, but they gained distance. I realized pushing would risk burnout, so I accepted the situation, let them go, and decided to keep my own pace to finish the race. At that point, I realized the 2-hour goal wouldn’t be achievable.

Mile 5 came in at 9:18. On mile 6, there was a big climb. I walked fast to conserve energy and carry on. Stuck to plan and hit mile 7 at a steady 9:47 pace.

Miles 8, 9, and 10 were where the race tilted. It was a fight back through Kirkland Cross Corridor. I could have kept a steadier pace, but two things started playing mind games:

Office and self-improvement items kept running through my mind.
Fatigue was beginning to set in.

My paces dropped — 10:29, 11:27, and 11:29 in those miles.

By mile 11, I reminded myself to get back to the present. Accepted that even a 2:15 finish would be an accomplishment, given the time lost. Controlled what I could: stayed focused, grabbed water at every station, and kept moving forward.

Splits (Pace / Mile)

Mile	Pace
1	8:49
2	9:13
3	8:43
4	9:10
5	9:18
6	11:06
7	9:47
8	10:29
9	11:27
10	11:29
11	10:24
12	11:07
13	10:12
13.1	9:12

Final Chip Time: 2:13:03 | Avg Pace: 10:09 / mile

Post-Race

Kalesh came to say hi. We spent 45 minutes talking under a great ambience. It was a good heart-to-heart connection.

Divya had prepared a wonderful lunch at home — Morukootan and Aviyal with rice. I took a shower, ate, and felt deeply grateful.

Reflections

This race tested not just my running but also my mind.

Being early worked wonders — it gave me calmness, preparedness, and ease.
Mindset mattered — I had to accept when the 2-hour target slipped and adjust.
Fatigue and distraction were challenges, but coming back to the present helped.
Gratitude — for family, for Divya’s lunch, for Kalesh’s company, for the ability to run.

Top learnings I carry forward:

Show up early, always.
For running races, consider a water pack — aid stations cost me precious time.
Strive for your best, but when things slip, don’t beat yourself up. Acceptance is part of racing (and life).
Lead with gratitude. Express it, don’t keep it inside.

Crossing the line in 2:13 — even without hitting 2:00 — left me with a renewed sense of confidence. Life is too short: express yourself freely, live with excitement, and bring learning and gratitude to every race.

Nomadic Thoughts