Montgomery Half Marathon

March 12, 2015

This was my second year running the Montgomery Half Marathon. The course is challenging with no shortage of hills. I chose to do this half as the 3rd half in my streak of 4 half's in 28 days because it's so close to home.

This is a great event for the city of Montgomery. This is the second year the race has offered the full marathon in addition to the half marathon and 5K. This race attracts over 1,000 people to the city of Montgomery. The Air Force does a fantastic job volunteering on the course and directing traffic at busy intersections along with the MPD.  The course runs through many historical sites and neighborhoods. There's plenty of support on course with well stocked aid stations. The finish line is located in the Riverwalk Stadium home of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team. The mayor of Montgomery, Todd Strange is there to congratulate the runners as they cross the finish. After the race, there's plenty of food and entertainment and post race massages.

I went by Riverwalk Stadium on Friday afternoon to pick up my race packet. There is no race day packet pick up for this race. The packet pick up was quick and easy. I went before 5:00, so most people probably hadn't left work yet. Montgomery Multisport had a booth with clearance merchandise and some race day essentials. I purchased a pair of Oofos flip flops for 10% off. I've wanted to try those for quite some time.

My college alumni Auburn Montgomery was conducting a study about distance running and flexibility. They asked me if I would like to participate. I gladly agreed. I had to complete a short survey, weigh in, and then do a sit and reach (3 x both legs, 3 x left leg, 3 x right leg). They asked me to come back after the race on Saturday to do the sit and reach again. I was curious to see the difference after the race.

Packet Pick Up at the Riverwalk Stadium

 Ready for Race Day

We arrived downtown and parked around 6:15. The race started at 7:00, so we had plenty of time. There was the threat of rain and severe weather, but it held off for the race. It was another hot, humid race.

The MPAC center where the city holds concerts was open, but surprisingly no one was hanging out inside. Most everyone was in the lobby at the Renaissance Hotel, so I had the women's bathroom all to myself. I made several trips before walking just down the block to the start line. I had the urge to go to the bathroom again, so I made one last stop by the porta potties. I'm always afraid I'll have to go on the course.



I had less than ten minutes to spare and I was hoping to visit with friends before the start. As I was making my way to the start line I heard someone holler my name. It was Tricia (MissSippiPiddlin) lined up with Holly (HoHo Runs). I met Tricia briefly at St. Jude Memphis. It's crazy that I've never formally met Holly since we live in neighboring towns and we've done several of the same races. It was nice to finally meet her.

Holly, Tricia, and me

We had a few minutes to chat and snap a quick photo. They played the National Anthem and then we took off. I had no time goals for this race because it is such a tough course. However, I would be thrilled if I beat my time from last year.

I ran with Holly and Tricia for the first few miles. We made our way out of downtown, past Oakwood Cemetery where the country legend Hank Williams Sr. is buried. The next few miles were through residential areas. Around Mile 3, we reached Oak Park with beautiful tall Oak Trees. I was trying my best to stick with Holly and Tricia, but I was starting to struggle maintaining their pace. At the water stop just outside of Oak Park, Holly took off. I told Tricia I held on as long as I could, but I wasn't going to be able to keep up with Holly.

Mile 1- 9:59

Mile 2- 10:09

Mile 3- 9:51

Mile 4- 9:53



Oakwood Cemetery

We entered Alabama State University around Mile 5. I forgot about a few inclines on the campus. I had to stop to walk several times and I lost sight of Tricia. I took this opportunity to eat my Honey Stinger waffle. When I finally reached a flat stretch I ran to catch up with Tricia.

Mile 5- 10:30

Alabama State University

 Bibb Graves Hall

Dunn Oliver Acadome

Miles 6 through 9 ran through Huntington campus and Old Cloverdale, one of the cities most beautiful neighborhoods with old, historic homes. Tricia and I both stopped to walk at the water stop on Huntington's campus, but when I took off running again she wasn't with me. There was a down and back loop around Mile 7. I saw Holly ahead of me on the turnaround and Tricia wasn't far behind me.

Mile 6- 10:10

Mile 7- 10:15

Mile 8- 10:14

Mile 9- 10:14

Running through Old Cloverdale

We came to Perry Street Hill just past Mile 10. This is the longest, toughest climb on the course. Last year there was an awesome drum line playing to help motivate us. This year there were a few spectators with signs, but that's about it. I was on pace for a 2:12-2:15 finish, a big course PR, but I gave in at this point in the race and walked. There were a few smaller hills after the Perry Street Hill and I walked those too.

Mile 10- 10:42

Mile 11- 11:53



 Perry Street Hill

We reached the Alabama State Capitol building just past Mile 11. This is one of my favorites parts on the course because I can fly down the long down hill stretch on Dexter Avenue as I near the final miles.

Mile 12- 10:32



Alabama State Capitol Building

At 12.5 miles, we reached the split where to full marathoners kept going. Last year, there were a handful of people who split off. I didn't see anyone go the full route this year when I reached the split. I was so glad to be heading to the finish line.

In the final turns to the finish line

We ran past the Riverfront sign in the last mile

 The front of Riverwalk Stadium...almost there!

My Garmin read 2:15 and some seconds before making the final turn into the stadium. If I sprinted to the finish I could beat last year's time if only by a minute. To my surprise I saw Holly up ahead coming across the finish. I didn't see her in the last miles on the course and I assumed she already finished. I clocked my last mile in 10:14. My official time was 2:16:09, a minute and a half faster than last year's time. I'll take it!

Holly and I receiving our medals at the finish

The volunteer photographers did an outstanding job with pictures this year.

Thanks for the free photos!



It wasn't long before Tricia came across the finish line. We may not have stuck together on the course, but we all finished within minutes of each other. We visited for a short time after we finished. I had a great time running with these ladies. I was so glad Tricia could come run in Montgomery. I need to make my way to her home state of Mississippi soon.



Tricia, Me, and Holly at the finish

I also ran into my friend Dee at the finish line. I missed her at the beginning of the race. It was so good to see her again. It's hard to believe my mom and I met her at this race a year ago. Time flies!



Me and Dee



I didn't stick around long after the race, but I did manage to stop back by the Auburn Montgomery tent to do the sit and reach again as part of their study. It was a struggle after running 13.1 miles. I didn't reach nearly as far as I did the night before the race. They said they would e-mail me the results of their study. I'm curious to read about their findings.

Tuscaloosa Half Marathon Race Recap

March 5, 2016

I wanted to run the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon last year, but it didn't work out with my schedule. I was so excited for the opportunity to run it this year. This was my 2nd half in my streak of 4 half's in 28 days.

I made the trip to Tuscaloosa with my parents. My dad never passes up a chance to go to Tuscaloosa. We made the two hour drive after I got out of school on Friday afternoon. We stayed at the Springhill Suites just minutes from downtown. It was convenient to packet pick-up and the start/finish line at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.

Packet pick-up and the expo was held in a large tent in the parking lot across from the Amphitheater. It was quick and easy. They had clearance merchandise from a local running store. I splurged on long sleeved, half zip running shirt with the Tuscaloosa Half logo and a pair of Tasc running shorts.

While I was browsing, Mom and Dad began debating on whether to sign up for the 5K. The more they talked I could sense the excitement in Mom's voice. She hasn't raced since St.Jude because she's still recovering from her hip injury. She's doing physical therapy and just got clearance from her doctor to begin easing back into walking and running slowly. Mom had tennis shoes, but she didn't pack any running clothes. Dad didn't have running clothes or tennis shoes. It didn't take much encouraging before they made their way to the registration table.

We grabbed a quick bite to eat at McAlister's deli just outside of downtown. All the restaurants were packed downtown and we still had to make a trip to Academy Sports for some running gear for Mom and Dad. Mom bought a t-shirt and capris and dad picked up some shorts and a pair of Asics for only $39.They were all set for race day.

We settled back into the hotel and I laid out my gear for race day. I had to represent the Tide at the Tuscaloosa Half.

 

We made the short drive downtown around 6:00. The half marathon started at 7:00 and the 5K started around 7:30. There was plenty of parking across from the amphitheater. The bathrooms were open inside the amphitheater, but there were also porta potties outside near the start line. It was cooler on race morning than I anticipated. I hung out with mom inside the bathrooms for a while because it was warm and there was no line. As usual my nerves were getting the best of me and I still had to use the porta potty before lining up at the start line.

 Mom and Dad ready for the 5K

 Brr...I was freezing!

 

 

I wished Mom and Dad good luck on the 5K before lining up at the start line. I looked all around for my friend Dee from back home. I finally spotted her lined up ahead of me. We chatted for a few minutes and took our usual pre race selfie.  The race directors went over the course. They played the National Anthem. Then, we were off. I got a high five from Alabama's mascot, Big Al  as I ran through the start line.





Dee and I at the start line

 

My hands were freezing the first few miles. I saw someone tossed some gloves to the side and I actually considered picking them up for myself but I passed. The first three miles ran along Jack Warner parkway with nice views of the riverwalk. My first two miles were even paced, but a few hills creeped up which slowed me down in the next two miles.

 

I ran into Vera and Kylie from Ainsley's Angels on the course around mile 4. You may remember Mom and I ran with Kylie at Ryan's Run in November. This was Kylie's 3rd time running the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon. I talked with Vera while I walked up the biggest hill on the course. Kylie and her running partner took off ahead of us. 

 

Mile 1- 9:25

Mile 2- 9:27

Mile 3- 10:09

Mile 4- 11:12

 

We neared the campus around Mile 5. We ran past some fraternity houses on the right and the Million Dollar Band practice field on the left. I was so excited to finally reach the campus. Spectators were cheering Roll Tide when they saw me in my Bama gear. We passed Denny Chimes and the President's Mansion at Mile 6 on the course. The chimes were ringing when I ran past.

 

Mile 6 through 8 were down and back, so we saw all the best sites twice including Bryant Denny Stadium home of the Crimson Tide. I stopped to take pictures through the campus.

 

Mile 5- 9:38

Mile 6- 9:41

Mile 7- 10:05

Mile 8- 10:01



 



Denny Chimes

University of Alabama's President's Mansion

Bryant Denny Stadium

 

We passed the Sewell-Thomas Stadium, home of the Crimson Tide baseball team and Coleman Coliseum, where the basketball games and gymnastics competitions are held. Then, we made our way towards Bryant Drive along the back of Bryant Denny Stadium. We passed Rama Jama's located across from the stadium. This place is packed on game day. Their burgers are yummy!

Sewell-Thomas Stadium

 



Coleman Coliseum

 



 Rama Jama's

 

The next mile ran through residential areas with nice older homes. There were some spectators in their front yards cheering for us as we ran past. My legs were starting to feel tired and I took several walk breaks at the point in the race. We made our way back towards downtown through Government Plaza around Mile 11. The crowd support picked up again. There was a drum line from a local school playing on a street corner. I was happy to be near the finish.

 

Mile 9- 9:58

Mile 10- 10:15

Mile 11- 10:20



 

As we neared Mile 12, volunteers warned of the steep downhill ahead and told us to be careful. I looked at it as an opportunity to pick up pace in the final mile. Boy was I wrong! About halfway down, the pounding on my knees was unbearable. The hill was so steep I couldn't safely slow my momentum unless I stopped to walk, so that's what I did.

 

We crossed the street and ran the final half mile on the sidewalks in Tuscaloosa River Walk park. There was a nice view of the waterfront.  I sprinted when I made the final turn to the finish line. My official time was 2:12:50.

 

Mile 12-10:10

Mile 13- 10:15

 







 

The sun was out in full force when I finished. Even though I was freezing at the start of the race, I was glad I was wearing shorts at the finish. They had a nice post race party with live music and plenty of food and drinks. Some Alabama football players even came out to support this race.

 

 

I wanted to get a print out of my official result before we left. Dad asked me to check his and mom's result too. When she printed theirs, we noticed Dad placed first in his age division for the 5K. Mom and I were so proud of him. The awards were just getting ready to begin, so we stuck around for dad to get his medal. It's a good thing he signed up for the 5K after all.

 



 

I was so glad I got to spend the weekend with mom and dad. We had an awesome time! This is my new favorite half marathon. I loved running through the campus! Everything was so well organized from start to finish. The t-shirt and medal were also very nice.

 

The medal was engraved:

"Be strong when you are weak. Be brave when you are scared. Be humble when you are victorious."

 

Sea Turtle Half Marathon Race Recap

February 20,2016

It was bound to happen at some point. I ran my "Best Worst" half marathon at the Sea Turtle Half this weekend. I told a friend that I ran a PW (personal worst) and he corrected me. He refers to his slowest times as his "Best Worst" times. Somehow referring to this half as my "Best Worst" makes me feel better.

I took a break from running two weeks leading up to this race because I was sick with cough and chest congestion. I got pneumonia last year after running with chest congestion, so I was not taking any chances. The smart choice would have been to sit this race out and gradually get back to running. However, I chose to go with my heart and run this race anyway. The Sea Turtle Half has been on my radar for the past two years and this was the first year that it worked out with my schedule to run it. This half was the first of 4 half's that I plan to run in 28 days in order to moon up in Half Fanatics. I felt better and my chest was clear. I didn't want to miss this race just because I hadn't ran in two weeks.

The Sea Turtle Half Marathon started across the street from the Hangout in Gulf Shores. This small, local half marathon attracted 250-300 runners. It was a flat and fast, down and back course along West Beach. On a better day, I probably could have PR'd on this course (several runners did). The temperature was in the high 60's at the start of the race and it creeped into the 70's before the end of the race. It was sunny with no shade on the course.

 

I had no time goal expectations for this race. I knew it wasn't likely that I would PR, but I certainly didn't expect that I would run my slowest time either. My main focus for this race was on finishing. This will be my focus on all the half's during my streak.

 

My stomach was upset all morning despite following my prerace fueling strategy to a T. I always have an upset stomach on race day due to nerves, but it's nothing that a couple Imodium can't fix. This morning was different. I spent a long while in the bathroom at the Hangout before walking across the street to the start line with about five minutes to spare.

 

The sun was beating down on me while standing in the start line. I didn't have the excited, eager feeling that I normally get when waiting to take off. The feeling I had was a feeling of dread. I wasn't motivated like I am with most races.  My mind was already convinced it wasn't going to be a good race. "It's hot." "My stomach hurts." "I haven't ran in what feels like forever." All these thoughts flooded my head as we sang the National Anthem.

 

The race started promptly at 7:30. The first three miles ran through residential streets of West Beach with beautiful views of the lagoon. I was maintaining sub 10 minute miles and I was feeling good.

 

 Mile 1- 9:22

 Mile 2- 9:46

 Mile 3- 9:55

 

We ran onto West Beach Blvd just past Mile 3. My pace was slowing significantly and I started taking walk breaks at every mile marker.  I felt like I was in a constant back and forth battle with the runners around me. I'd stop to walk. They'd pass me. Then, I'd pass them. I wished I could just settle into a pace and maintain it, but I felt so out of sync.

 

Mile 4- 10:06

Mile 5- 10:22

Mile 6- 11:02

 

I started to see the lead runners heading back across the street, so I knew the turn around was coming up. It seemed like an eternity before I reached the turn around. The clock read 1:07 at the halfway point. I figured if I could run about the same pace in the second half I could finish between 2:15-2:20.

 

 

There was a nice breeze on the way back. I decided to cut my music off and just enjoy the sound of the waves crashing and the breeze blowing. I felt strong during Mile 7 and starting thinking that maybe the breeze was all I needed to get back on track. Those thoughts changed when I stopped for my next walk break. Suddenly I felt a twinge in my right knee. It hurt to walk, but it hurt even worse when I tried to run. The road felt slanted, so I tried to run closer in where the road was more even. It seemed to help, but the traffic was picking up and I got nervous every time a car passed by me.

 

Mile 7- 11:17

Mile 8- 12:57

Mile 9- 12:39

 

I've never dealt with so much pain during a race. I was worried. I watched my overall pace slow with each mile.  When my pace creeped above an 11 minute mile average, I knew then that this would be my slowest half marathon.  I quit caring about my time and started focusing on finishing. The pain worsened with every mile. 

 

In addition to my knee pain, I was thirsty. I don't carry fluids with me because I find most race fluids are adequate. This race had 5-6 water stops approximately every two miles. They had only water, no sports drink or Gatorade. The cups were small (3 oz bath cups). I requested two cups at the last two water stations because my mouth was so dry. On a hot, sunny day like this one, they needed more water stations or bigger cups. That's my only complaint about this race.

 

I turned my music back on after Mile 11 and "My Body" by Young the Giant was playing. It's amazing how music can speak to you, saying all the words you need to hear at the right time. "My body tells me no, but I won't quit 'cause I want more." Each time the chorus played, my legs started pumping faster and faster. I forgot about the pain in my knee at least until the song ended.

 

Mile 10- 12:13

Mile 11- 13:03

 

 

 

A lady that I was back and forth with the entire race passed me again at the Mile 12 marker. She said, "Looking good" to me as she passed. "That's what I want you to tell me when you pass me again," she looked back and added. I caught up to her and we ran the final mile together. If it wasn't for her I don't know if I would have come in under 2:30. She was the final push I needed.

 

Mile 12-12:09

Mile 13- 12:38



 

As I approached the finish line, people were cheering "Under 2:30! Way to go!" I remembered my first half when I crushed my goal of 2:30 finishing in 2:21. That was my slowest time to date, but a time that still thrilled me because it was my first. My official time was 2:29:26. Once again I was celebrating an under 2:30 time.

 

 

Yes, I was celebrating! The feeling I had after this race was not one of disappointment, but pure joy. After two weeks of being sick, it was nice to feel well enough to run again. I took time to enjoy the  spectacular views, the smell of the salty air, and the sound of the waves crashing. I finally got to run the race that I looked forward to for two years and there was nothing disappointing about it.

 

I'm not going to lie, my right knee ached after this race. My knees rarely bother me. I honestly believe it was the slanted road after the turn around. The lady I ran with in the final mile complained her knee was aching too and the road felt slanted. I'm hoping that's it and it's not something more serious.

 

 

 

Have you ever experienced something unexpected during a race and had to adjust your goals? Have you ever had someone encourage you to push through in the final miles of a race?

 





 



Sweaty Bands Blog Review & Giveaway

 

Disclaimer- This review and giveaway is not endorsed by Sweaty Bands. The opinions in this post are 100% my own.

 

I was recently selected as a Sweaty Bands Ambassador. I want to share my love for Sweaty Bands with my readers. I figured what better time to share the love than Valentine's Day! Here's five reasons why I love Sweaty Bands.

 

1. THEY DON'T SLIP!!!

 

I started running almost four years ago. I tried multiple headbands that all advertised that they don't slip, but none of them worked for me. I purchased my first Sweaty Band in 2013, and I've been in love ever since then. Sweaty Bands are perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle. They keep your hair pulled back and the sweat out of your eyes whether your running a marathon, cycling indoors, or lifting weights in the gym.

 

2. They offer so many styles and colors!

 

Sweaty Bands offers so many styles and colors to coordinate with any outfit. They also offer cute seasonal headbands for your local Sweetheart Run, Turkey Trot, or Jingle Bell Run. The toughest decision is choosing which Sweaty Band to wear next.

 

 

3. They're not just for working out.

 

Sweaty Bands aren't limited to running or working out. They offer thin width headbands and chic styles that are perfect for any occasion. You can dress them up for date night. You can wear them casually while shopping or cleaning house.

 

4. You can customize your own Sweaty Band!

 

My husband recently customized a Sweaty Band with my blog logo for Christmas. He was pleased with the communication he received while designing my Sweaty Band. They worked with him to make sure every detail was perfect! I love it! You can customize Sweaty Bands for your local running club or to raise money for your school or local charity.

 

5. They support charities that mean the most to me.

Sweaty Bands support charities such as St.Jude Children's Research Hospital. I always look forward to purchasing new St.Jude Sweaty Bands at the St.Jude Memphis Marathon expo each December.

 

 

Are you a fan of Sweaty Bands, too? Want to try Sweaty Bands for the first time? Here's a giveaway for you. I'm giving away a maroon chevron print Sweaty Band. You can enter using the Rafflecoptor link below. One lucky winner will be selected on Sunday, February 21st.

 



 

a Rafflecopter giveaway Wait there's more! As a Sweaty Band Ambassador, I can help you save 15% off your entire purchase when you use my friend referral link. Click here to save.

 

Disclaimer: When you use my referral link I make a commission from your purchase.

 



Big Beach Half Marathon

January 31, 2016

I saw the Inaugural Big Beach Marathon advertised on Facebook this past fall and I knew immediately that I wanted to run it. I love vacationing and running in Gulf Shores. After missing my goal of a 4:40 full marathon at St.Jude, I began debating whether to sign up for the full marathon at this race. I knew it would be a flat, fast course. I was worried that it wasn't enough recovery time and I knew I couldn't fit in any more solid training in just over a month. I also worried about running the full at an inaugural race. All things considered, I decided to run the half and I am so glad I did.

This race offered packet pick up on Saturday and Sunday before the start of the race. I picked up my packet late Saturday afternoon. Packet pick up was very quick and easy. They had a small expo with running clothes and accessories.

It was in the mid 60's with 100% humidity on race morning. I opted to wear running capris and a t-shirt, which I immediately regretted. I really wish I had worn shorts.  The race started and ended at the Hangout. The half marathon started at 8:00 and the full marathon at 8:05.

 

I ran into my friend Dee at the start of the race. She was running the half marathon as well. This was half marathon #40 something for her. She's well on her way to her goal of 100 half marathons. She is also attempting to run a half in all 50 states as part of the Fifty States Club. Currently she's ran in 19 states. I'm so glad I met Dee at a local half almost a year ago. Her journey is incredible and inspiring to me.

 



 

Dee and I lined up at the start together. We chatted until the gun fired. Then we wished each other a great race and we took off.

My focus of this past month was mainly on recovering from my marathon. I'm slowing building my mileage back to 20-25 miles per week. I only managed three long runs of 6,8, and 10 miles prior to this race. I didn't have high expectations for a PR with so little training, but I hoped to maintain a sub 10:00 pace and finish in 2:10 or faster.

The first two miles ran through side streets leading to Fort Morgan Road and the paved trails of the State Park. I was maintaining a steady pace and the 2:00 pacer was in sight.  I focused on trying to catch up to them.

Mile 1- 9:09

Mile 2- 9:08

 

Miles 3 through 10 ran through the paved, tree lined trails. The trails were windy and rolling. There were water stations approximately every two miles. They were well stocked with water and Gatorade. There weren't many spectators along the trails. It was a quiet, but very scenic run.

 

My pace was slowing and I began taking frequent walk breaks. By Mile 6 the 2:00 pacer was out of sight. I walked a lot during the sixth mile to eat my Honey Stinger waffle. My goal of 2:10 was still possible and I wasn't giving up yet.

 

Mile 3- 9:29

Mile 4- 9:14

Mile 5- 9:49

  Mile 6- 10:16

 

The full marathoners split off around Mile 8 and all I could think was, "Not today." The humidity was really starting to get to me. I was so glad I was over half way to the finish. I caught glimpses of the Shelby Lakes in the final miles before exiting the trails onto Perdido Beach Blvd around mile 10.

 

Mile 7- 9:52

  Mile 8- 10:34

Mile 9- 9:53

 

The final three miles ran along Perdido Beach Blvd back towards the Hangout. This road runs along the beach, but there wasn't much view of the water for the dunes. There was a nice breeze, which helped somewhat with the humidity.

 

Mile 10- 10:33

Mile 11- 10:34

Mile 12- 10:20

 

I hit every mile marker right on the dot according to my Garmin, so I wasn't expecting the course to run long. After I passed the Mile 12 marker, I picked up speed to try to reach the finish in my 2:10 time goal. My Garmin read 13 miles long before I reached the mile marker.

 

Mile 13-9:40

 

13.1, 13.2, 13.3, where is the finish line?!?! My goal of 2:10 wasn't going to happen. I crossed the finish with an official time of 2:12:24.

 

 

 

 

I typically don't argue that the course was long because I have some understanding about tangents. I know I'm no expert at running tangents, so if my Garmin read long I assume I didn't run the course as it was measured. However, this half marathon course was actually long (13.47 miles). It says so on their official site. They certified the full marathon so it could be an official Boston qualifier, but they didn't certify the half marathon course. This is my only complaint about this race.

 

 

I didn't stick around long after the race because we had to make the 3 1/2 hour drive home. I took a boxed lunch with me. It had a deli sandwich, chips, a fruit cup, and a cookie. It was light, but very filling. They also had beer and post race entertainment.

 

 

I was very impressed with this inaugural race. It was well organized from start to finish. There were plenty of volunteers on the course at aid stations and directing the route. The police directed traffic at the major intersections at the beginning of the race and on Perdido Beach Blvd. From the short time I stuck around, I thought the post race food and entertainment was top notch. You can't beat the race venue at the Hangout. I love the t-shirt and medal. I would definitely run it again!

 





 

 

Have you ever ran an inaugural race? Did it go smoothly?

I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap to bring you this race recap.