Two years ago I ran the full marathon and this year I ran the half marathon. My flight was late from my layover in Baltimore so I did not make it to the expo till after 1pm. The city of Hartford was definitely ready for the runners.
It was a gorgeous morning on race day (50 degrees). JB and I walked over to the start line at about 7:20 and were there in about 10 minutes.
At about 5 minutes before 8, I saw and met Kim from (Just) Trying is for Little Girls. We’ve ran in two different races this year but had never met. Kim and I started together but then got separated. I then saw her a bit later and ran behind her for about 4 miles. She is one awesome runner!! I got separated again from her at one of the water stops. Then as I began running again I saw Jess from Run with Jess. She is another great runner and I ran with/behind her for about 3 miles. These 7 miles were not easy; they were HILLY! However, I ran each mile (except mile 5) under 10 minutes. Yes, I was pleased. I guess those two girls brought me good luck. 🙂
A little after mile 7 I saw a friend and her husband giving out water (non official volunteers) to the runners. I stopped for about a minute while I ate a Gu and drank water. I was very thirsty and drank enough water to get me through the next few miles. I ran mile 8 in 10:54. The rest of the course had its share of hills but I knew that each uphill also had a downhill and I flew down each one. Most of the course was shaded but there were some parts that I wished I had sunglasses. I used my hand to cover the sun so that I could see better and not trip like I did in Omaha.
The spectators and volunteers were WONDERFUL!!! They sure made this experience so much better.
And just like the marathon I got to run under Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch to cross the finish line. My finish time was 2:17:01 which is almost a 3 minute PR.
At the finish line we got a cute medal, a real water bottle, and a small reusable bag with some goodies. There was a food tent for runners. In order to get in you needed a ticket that was attached to your bib. I was happy with this process because I’ve been in some races in which spectators also helped themselves to the food when it is only for runners.
Overall, it was a GREAT race! I am so happy that I decided to run this race and now have an official half marathon race in CT.
I know it is hard to see but here is a picture of the elevation map.
Next race is Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Half Marathon on October 20.
Congrats on the huge PR!!! Hopefully that relieves your burn out a bit… it was really a perfect day 🙂
Thanks Laura!!
Zenaida! I read this and all of your other blog posts when you first published them, but haven’t had time to comment until now. HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on your PR!!! SO PROUD OF YOU!!! Especially with that elevation change, those hills look CRAZY. Love that medal, too!!!
Thanks Emily!