Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

Running on flat ground was really nice. I started out with Janelle and Renee, and having people to talk to was great. We kept up a pretty good pace until about mile eight or so.
This sounds crazy, but I really enjoyed running up the bridge. There's just something about a change in elevation that reminds me of my normal runs. It was great to feel good doing something most people dread.
Virginia Beach was a lot more diverse than first glance. It was nice to run through neighborhoods. I really, really enjoyed the shade. Plus, having people cheer you on really helps, even if they don't have a clue who you are.
I took a gu about 50 minutes into the race. Mixed water and Accelerade about every stop. And I didn't walk through all the water stops this time!
About mile 9, Renee got tired of us ;) and told us to go ahead. And then Janelle got this burst of speed about mile 9.5 and started just about sprinting. Because I run so much by myself, it was nice to just settle into my groove and work on finishing. Plus, it was like God came down and we talked and ran together for a bit. So awesome on a Sunday morning to feel his presence not only in a church building.
About mile 11, I was wishing that we had stayed together. It was so hard to run those last two miles - boardwalk torture for real. And then, I sprinted the last 50 meters. Makes me wonder, if I had that much energy left, where I could have put it to use more effectively before the end of the race.

I should have taken a gu at the 1:40 mark. I think it would have helped my energy on the last stretch. The bad thing is, that was my plan going into the race. And then, with the water stops stretched out a little far at the end, I forgot. Oh, and RUN! I should have started more run training sooner.

Walked through a mob of people - got water, cold towel (so nice), accelerade. Oh, and it made me feel sad that there wasn't any water left after the race for some of the people (especially since I took two bottles). Stood in line forever for my gear bag - remember, Renee and I handed it to a random UPS driver. Turns out he was one of the only nice ones, and his line was definitely the longest. Took off my shoes and my right toes were bloody. Weird. They didn't hurt the rest of the race. I think it was from a toenail digging into the next toe.
Met more BTers on the beach - Sue, Doug, newadventures, Artemis, etc., and hung out for a bit.


Lack of training. Lack of training on flat land.


The race was good. I enjoyed getting to see Virginia Beach, and running with other BTers. The downers were the gear check problem, and it was a big problem, the lack of water stops - they really needed at least two more - and the absolute mob of people at the finish line/runner recovery area. I think that part of the boardwalk might be too narrow of a place to finish a race. Overall, I had a lot of fun. If the race were closer (like an hour away), I would do it again. But since it was a 8-9 hour drive, it was an experience I really enjoyed once.
Oh, and it was awesome to get in a mini-vacation!