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.