National Women's Half Marathon

This recap is a month overdue. I don’t think it’s ever taken so long to get one done. It makes me sad because many of the details are a bit foggy now. I have the important part locked in though. My best friend ran her first half marathon, and I got to run it with her.

I used to live 45 minutes from our Nation's Capital. I was in high school and moved a couple years after graduating. I wasn't active back then. Since I've become a runner I've always thought I'd love to run in Washington DC. I never thought I'd ever be able to do that, but here I was...

Over a year ago I was chatting with my best friend, Darby, and out of the blue she said there was a half marathon that another friend of ours had signed up for and at that moment it was super cheap. Darby had only barely been considering doing a half marathon for the first time. I had always said I would make it a point to be with her whenever she decided she was ready. Well, I told her again I'd make it work. 30 minutes later we were both signed up for the National Women's Half Marathon.

Fast forward to training season. I had already been training for multiple other races. This race was just one week after RussVegas for me so the timing was great. Darby had a 10k and a 10 mile race that fit well with her training plan. Darby had been doing long runs with our friends Stefanie, and Denise. Stefanie was the one that told us about the race, but Denise was just joining the training runs. I kept wondering why she didn't sign up for the race. I'd joke with her about signing up. Finally when she ran 10 miles with Darby and Stefanie, I texted her and basically said if she didn't sign up I was doing it for her. :) A couple days later she was signed up too. Also joining us race weekend was our friend from Canada, Roxanne. She flew in to be our personal cheerleader. :)

We decided to use the host hotel so we wouldn't have to worry about finding a parking spot with all the closed roads near the course. The race website noted the host hotel had a free continuously running shuttle on race morning. We were at the Marriott Georgetown Hotel  and we were all thrilled with the service. We arrived a little early before check in, expecting to leave our bags at the concierge desk while we went to packet pick up. We were surprised when the lady at the front desk passed over our keys. We had many moments like this and as far as the hotel is concerned, I'd most definitely recommend it as a place to stay for race weekend.

Where the hang up comes in would be the shuttle situation. The website, when looking at the host hotel information, stated that the shuttles would run from 5am-6:30 or 7. A week out from the race we saw that there was only going to be two shuttles, one at 5 and one at 5:30. But then again at the hotel when we checked in they had been told there were constant shuttles until 6:30 or 7. There was a lot of confusion race morning when the first shuttle didn't show up until almost 5:30. There was a lot of frustration too. The second shuttle arrived about 6, and we were barely able to get on, but only because the lady who was affiliated with the race decided to let people sit three to a section (when each was really  only made for two.) I know there was at least one more shuttle run after ours, because Stefanie's friend got lost in the shuffle and didn't make it on ours, but I'm not sure if there was fourth after that. The shuttle confusion didn't end with the morning runs, after the race it wasn't any better. This was the one issue I had with race weekend.

But back to race morning… Even with the shuttle confusion, we still arrived at the start line area with lots of time. There were plenty of porta potties, very close to the start. The excitement was palpable. I have never done a race with a majority of the racers being women. I think throughout the whole race, as far as participants go, I may have seen two men. All of us, more than 2300 women were gathering at the start line. It was raining. It had been raining since we stepped outside at 5:30. Probably before that even. It wasn’t bad. Anything ranging from a barely there drizzle to a light rain that was enough for me to be glad for the hat I “stole” from Stefanie. She brought one, but decided she didn’t want to wear it. I brought one, but left it in the hotel room thinking I didn’t need it. I’m very thankful for Stefanie’s hat!

The race began and as we crossed the start line it all became real. I was about to run a half marathon with my best friend. 13.1 miles in Washington DC. I may have done some out loud cheering before we reached 1/10 of a mile. :-D

The first four miles loop East Potomac Park, with two miles along the Potomac River and then coming back on the other side of the park along the Washington Channel. The whole course was beautiful. I loved that part through the park. Even through the rain, I found it gorgeous.

The next couple miles were through the streets near monuments. We saw many different views of the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial, and the backside of the Lincoln Memorial. We also ran under the Kennedy Center. There are two aid stations that stand out in my memory. One of them was here. They were standing in the median playing music and dancing. Spectating in the rain may not be fun for everyone, but these guys were excited the first time we passed them, and still going strong when we came back by an hour later.

Miles 6-10ish were an out and back section on an amazing parkway surrounded by tall green trees and some really neat bridges. We also passed a really old cemetery on a hill. It was fascinating and I kind of wanted to go off the course and explore.

Along the race Darby and I didn’t talk too much. I felt like Darby was in a zone, focusing on getting from one mile to the next. She started having some blister issues, and all I wanted was for her to finish the race happy. And possibly, not right away, maybe consider doing another half marathon. I know after my first I promised I’d never do another though. So I encouraged Darby when I felt she needed it, and occasionally I’d make small talk, but mostly she listened to her music and I enjoyed the peaceful course.

As we got back into the main DC area the rain began to pick up. For the most part it had continued to rain the whole race, but in a subtle, mostly unnoticeable way. It was becoming very noticeable. By mile 11 we were mostly walking and the rain was a complete downpour. That was fun… for about 10 minutes. I wasn't miserable, but the last two miles were more than uncomfortable. I love running in the rain. This wasn't running in the rain though. It was coming down so hard it hurt at times. And with the harder rain came more wind. I was SO cold. The remainder of the race felt so hard. More than the distance. More than the wet. I had goosebumps and couldn't feel my fingers.

I think Darby and I were equally ready to be done with the race, albeit for different reasons. We stayed distracted by thinking about our estimated finish time and staying in touch with Stefanie and Denise, who had run ahead of us pretty early on, and also with Roxanne who had walked from the hotel, knowing all of them were at the end waiting to cheer us across the finish line. We got to the mile 13 marker and could see the finish line. After a quick pic, we started running, wanting to finish strong.

As we got closer I saw our friends waiting and it made me so happy. I was pointing everyone out to Darby, hoping to psych her up, and at this point couldn’t contain the happiness I felt. Happiness to see familiar faces at the end of a long race. Happiness to be done and hopefully getting warm soon. Happiness, SO MUCH happiness, to have just run a half marathon with my best friend. I’m so proud of her. And the other girls as well. This was a first half marathon for all of them. Each of my friends put in the work and reached their goal. It was time to celebrate! ...Almost.

We began walking in the direction we had come after being dropped off by the shuttle, based on what the drivers had told us. Following other finishers, we ended up walking in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Of course we had to stop for some photo ops. The Lincoln Memorial also happens to be my favorite in DC.

We got to the other side where there were a ton of people, but still, no one seemed to know anything about shuttles. We finally decided to call an Uber, when one of the girls saw the familiar shuttle. She ran across the street to ask and when the driver verified we got on. WARMTH!!! After waiting a few minutes someone asked how long we would be waiting. By this time we could have walked about the same distance we had just walked and been back to our hotel. Or, the Uber we had ordered would have picked us up. We might have been a little “hangry”. There’s no hangry like a runner’s hangry after finishing a half marathon! The driver had been told he had to wait until the shuttle was full. There were about 15 of us on and it could easily hold 50 people. We were among the last people to leave the finish area. There wasn’t likely to be a full shuttle to wait on. In the end, after a bit of an uproar and then talking to someone over the phone, he decided to take us back to the hotel.

I said it earlier, but I really hope that by next year they get this major shuttle kink worked out. I know it’s a major city, but surely it can be better.

When we walked into the lobby of the hotel we were all surprised to see, right at the entrance, one of the front desk ladies sitting behind a table full of waters and snacks and a sign saying congratulations. This hotel did things right. I absolutely would stay there for a race again.

Overall I loved every bit of this race. Take away the torrential downpour (which is obviously out of anyone’s control) and the lack of shuttle organization, the rest was great! I’d love to do this one again sometime.

So what's next? NOTHING! Not for quite a few months anyway.  Scott and I are registered for Soaring Wings Half Marathon in October. But there’s a twist… we are moving! This Arkansas Runner is soon to be a Florida Runner! I’m excited about all the new running possibilities, but first, I need to figure out how to get back to Arkansas to run Soaring Wings. I can’t miss it because it’s the last year. My favorite race is coming to an end. It’s almost like it’s meant to be,  that my last race in Arkansas is in its final year. I have to be here.

Until then, I hope to get back to 3-4 runs per week, building my base back, and hopefully getting back to some speedy runs, all before beginning training for Soaring Wings. I’ve taken quite a bit of time off from running (only 4 times in the month since the half marathon) due to preparing for the move mixed with busy work stuff. I’m slowly coming back though.

We'll see what the next few months bring!

Running RussVegas

Almost three weeks ago I ran the RussVegas Half Marathon for the third time. Two days after completing the Little Rock 10k/Half Marathon Challenge I began training with a break 2 plan for RussVegas. Even though I broke the two hour time when I ran it last year, I loved the plan and wanted to break 2 hours again, maybe even set a new PR.
Training went far better than I could have expected considering the amount of training I had been doing to this point. I was feeling pretty confident. Until the last couple weeks. We had a weather change, that happened to coincide with my knee deciding it was done training. It seemed most runs after that were pretty difficult and if they weren't difficult it was because I cut back miles, laid off the speed work, or just kept things extremely laid back.

When race day came, I was in a good place. I love this race. I love the course, the spirit stations, the finish line energy. It's all fantastic. I knew my number one goal was to finish still loving it all. By this time though, I was most excited about the fact that my dad was running it too! He took nearly a 6 year running hiatus and rather than easing back into it, jumped all in to prepare to run RussVegas.

The three of us got to the finish line by 7:00am. As is our usual, we stood around letting the excitement from other runners soak in. A little later we moved into our corral, took the traditional start line selfie, then with good luck wishes, Scott and I moved a little closer to the front of the corral. Dad was assigned B also, but he didn't want to start too far forward. I was looking for the pacers but it wasn't until we were pretty packed in that I noticed they were all (from 1:55-2:20) at the front. I'm not sure what the deal was, but I wished they had been spread out like in the past. I was really counting on using a pacer to keep me going. Too much really.

When the race started, we did a bit of weaving until the crowd cleared a little. In the process we passed a couple pacers. By the time we got to mile 2 or so Scott and I had passed the 2 hour pacer. I was feeling pretty good. I was quite worried about my knee, but hadn't had any trouble in the day or two leading up to the race and I was hopeful things would stay that way. Unfortunately by the fourth mile I had a pretty good idea that I'd have to lay off the pace if I wanted to finish the race without hurting myself or at the very least still wanting to come back. I know it's hard when I'm on a long gradual downhill early in the race and it still feels extremely difficult. I kept pushing though. The temperature was climbing quickly. It wasn't warm for a typical spring day, but the sun was strong and for a runner who is pushing extra hard, the warmth made a difference for sure.

I pushed for a few more miles. By mile 7 my legs were already jello, but I kept pushing. I held a PR pace for almost 9 miles. I do not have a single regret about pulling back. I am confident I would not have made it those last 4 miles holding the sub 9 min/mile pace. I'm almost as confident that if I had tried, I would have ended up on the side of the course with a DNF. Once I made the decision to pull back, the race changed for me. I stopped looking at my watch (I had no idea of my finish time for quite a while after finishing... who AM I!?). I walked a couple times. I was able to thank the volunteers. I encouraged the early start racers. All the things that are my favorite parts of racing when I don't have a time goal. Scott later said there was a noticeable difference in my demeanor. More than me talking to others, but the way I carried myself and the look on my face.
Between 9 and 11 miles there was off and on rain. I could have cried I was so happy. Another happy cry moment happened as we hit 11 miles... my dear friend Andrea was there waiting! She drove almost 2 hours just to spectate. She's pretty special.

The next mile was pretty quiet. Too quiet for me really. It gave me too much time to think about the stinking huge hill coming up. We made the turn and I set a goal that was about half way up the overpass. About half way to that goal I stopped. Not stopped moving, just stopped running. This hill is the kind of steep that makes my heart rate sky rocket. One day I hope to keep it under control and run the whole thing. For now,  I'm ok with walking and smiling nicely for the camera. :)

At the top Scott said something about barely a mile to go and that made me so happy I flew down the other side. Between a beach themed spirit station, businesses out playing music and spectating, other people cheering, there is a lot to see in the last mile. I was feeling good and ready to crush the last bit of the course. Then, out of nowhere, my knee painfully tried to give out. Half a mile to the finish line. That's all. I tried to limp through it as I've been able to do sometimes before. I ended up walking and gave myself permission to be frustrated for a minute and then tried to jog it out again. I could see the turn to the finish line and all I wanted was to cross the line without anymore walking. When we turned I told Scott I was sure I didn't have anything left. No finish line kick would come.
I was wrong. It wasn't my fastest kick, but it still surprised me. Just like it always does. I was so happy and extremely thankful to be done. I was never worried about not finishing, but somewhere deep down I must have been worried about something because as soon as I finished I felt like a huge weight had been lifted.

I did not break two hours. I did not PR. I did finish the race smiling. I did finish basically injury free. I did still finish with a big love for running.

Chip Time- 2:03:29
Overall Place- 283/1233
Female Overall Place- 102/797
Female Age Group- 19/133

After receiving our medals and getting some snacks we found Andrea waiting for us outside the finisher's area. We talked for a few and then went to find a good place to wait and watch for my dad to finish. Andrea stood in front of the finish line, and we found a place just beyond. As soon as I heard his name I started shouting, startling the volunteers that were on the inside of the finish line area. Oops! :)
I'm so so proud of my dad. It's so fun to see him running again!

We didn't hang around long. After taking some pictures we decided to leave. Scott, Dad, and I were hopeful we could have late check out so we didn't have to drive the long drive being stinky.

This is my third year to run RussVegas. I've loved it more each time. The first two years I got a PR each time so I wasn't sure if my opinion of the race was bias because of that. Turns out it's not. The course is beautiful; a good mix of backroads lined with beautiful green trees and busy city roads full of distractions. The spectators, aid and spirit stations have always been great! And the medals rank up there in my top favorites. I definitely love this race and already look forward to next year!

Stay tuned, one week after RussVegas I ran the National Women's Half Marathon in Washington DC! Hopefully that recap is coming soon. :-D

10k & Half Marathon Challenge- Little Rock Marathon Weekend

Take Two!

This recap is a long time coming. Life's been changing, and so very busy. I can't NOT post my recaps because I do them mostly for myself and I love having a digital journal to look back on. However, I am definitely realizing that as detailed as I am, I really need to cut back if I'm going to keep up with my running blog.

But I don't know how. lol

Four weeks ago Scott and I did the Little Rock Marathon- 10k and Half Marathon Combo Challenge. This was the second time I've done the combo, but a first for Scott. The weather was not great, but I have not experienced a LR Marathon Weekend with good weather. I've done the odd years, and it seems those are the years where weather is less than stellar. Even years seem to be not so bad. I guess I will need to do the races again next year. :-D

Because there is no race day packet pick up we needed to get to Little Rock on Friday for our Saturday 10k pickup. When we arrived things did not seem very busy, but there was some confusion when it came to packets. The couple in front of me seemed to have trouble receiving theirs, and Scott and I both had to wait a bit for ours. I will say, I think we were in the wrong line. I did not see a line that was for the combo racers. That is fully on me and I definitely apologized for being in the wrong line.

We had a hotel for the weekend to make things less complicated with back and forth driving. Saturday morning the 5k and 10k races started at 7:30. We were only about 10 minutes from the start line, but with the anxiousness that comes with race morning I, of course, wanted to allow plenty of time to get there and walk to the start. I don't like to deal with parking downtown, and I really don't like to pay for parking. I'd rather walk a little extra. The race started near the Statehouse Convention Center (also where the expo was held) and we parked in the lot for the Clinton Library. It was a little over a half mile walk. There was no gear check for the 5k and 10k so planning ahead for appropriate layers for feels like temps in the 30's with high wind before, during, and after the race were important. And almost impossible. As we walked from the car to the start line I could tell already that I needed to shed my top layer.

I got my layers situated as each corral started and we moved forward. We crossed the start line and it quickly became clear that I might need to adjust my goal for this race. Leading up to race weekend I had sort of been planning to give it all I had and try to PR. Friday morning I woke up with my throat swollen and by that night I was feeling pretty lousy. I was determined to ignore it, but I wasn't sure how I would be able to perform. I felt the decision had been made for me when I realized we were in a corral with mostly walkers. I will say it every time, EVERYONE worked hard and deserves to be at any race. Scott and I weaved through the congestion of excited participants for over half a mile, and things seemed to open up comfortably by the time we hit one mile. Once things opened up we were able to pick up the pace. Being in the cold seemed to clear me up a bit and the next thing I know our pace had dropped significantly and before I knew it I was suddenly on track for a PR. Scott was a great encourager, as always. The hills were killer. As we were heading back, we had maybe a mile and a half to go, we were heading towards the river which, in my head, should have meant only flat or downhill for the most part. I remember saying to Scott, how can we possibly be going up another steep hill when we are heading back and are so close to the river!? I still don't know. :)
We hit the 5 mile marker and I knew we had to be over the worst of the hills. We started a decent towards the river and I stretched out my stride. I was excited to hopefully pick up the pace even more. As we were coming up to an intersection with less than 3/4 of a mile to go and still a fantastic downhill, I noticed a large number of people. I knew by this point we had rejoined the 5k route so I figured it was a bunch of 5k finishers we would just run around. Then I realized they were stopped. Then a new realization hit. Even the runners that had just passed Scott and me were stopped. I kept running thinking surely I was imagining things in my sick and exhausted state of mind. And then I came to a dead stop because there was car traffic crossing the intersection. There was no way for us to continue. The volunteer at that intersection that was supposed to be stopping traffic was actually stopping racers. I wish I was wrong. But I wasn't. He was holding his hand up to us and waving the cars on by. To say we all just sat there and let it happen would be a lie. A majority of us, including the 5k walkers, were telling him that he needed to stop the traffic and let us go. It was unbelievable. It felt like we were stopped for at least a couple minutes. Based on my watch time versus my chip time it was not long at all. Yes, I did pause my watch. I was not about to have something completely out of my control prevent me from getting a PR. And at this point, that dead stop at an intersection was the only thing stopping me.
Most of us had started inching our way into the intersection and finally took a chance to cross in between some cars. As soon as I was safely across I took off. It helped that we were still heading down a hill. I looked at my pace after we crossed the intersection and I was running a sub 7 pace and managed to hold a sub 8 pace for nearly 1/4 mile. The last half mile has a couple short and not steep hills. I knew after we got over the second one the finish line would be in view. I was only mostly sure I had my PR. I thought I did, but I purposefully had not looked before the race to see what I needed to do in order to PR. Since I had been feeling sick on Friday I didn't want the pressure at the race. I had actually intended to just do the distance at whatever was comfortable. But after encouragement from Scott and a series of texts from my running buddy, Angela, I decided to push as best as possible. And I'm glad I did!

  https://youtu.be/p-kcvP49vog?t=2301

After crossing the finish line there is a bell that finishers can ring. We had a little fun with that and then got our medals. I really like the set up for the race this year. I don't know if it was like this last year, but it definitely was not this way in 2017. The finishers area is blocked off and leads people into the lower level of the Statehouse Convention Center. Medals were handed out as we entered the building. It was so nice to finish a cold run like we had and be able to go into a warm building. The only thing was, we had parked half a mile away and still had to get back to the car. :-P
Just before leaving the finisher's area there's a spot set up for participants to put in their bib number and get the official finish time and stats. I was definitely using my watch for my time, but wanted to compare, and it wasn't until I got the printout that I looked up my last PR.

Previous 10k PR- Time 56:06, Pace 8:59 
Chip Time- 55:02, Pace 8:52
Watch Time- 54:45, Pace 8:42
Placement:
10k Overall- 116th/1169
Age Group- 17th/168
Female Age Group- 5th/104

It's been a month and I'm just now seeing the placement stats. To say I'm in shock in an understatement. Fifth!! I placed 5th in the female division of my age group. Going for a placement in a race of this size has never been a goal of mine. I don't know that it ever will be. But seeing, and knowing, that I was within TWO PEOPLE of getting an award, is pretty stinking amazing. I don't need an award. I'm thrilled just knowing I was that close. Never in my running dreams have I ever thought I'd be where I am now. 
To look at the 3rd and 4th place finishers in my age group, they were basically tied. The 4th place finish just milliseconds behind. And I was just ONE MINUTE behind them. I've been sitting here shaking my head for 10 minutes. I can't get over it. 

We left the finisher's area and Scott and I walked back to our car and spent the rest of the day trying to stay warm. We met up with my friend Andrea and her husband for dinner. Andrea was running her first half marathon on Sunday and was sharing our hotel room Saturday night. After dinner we went back to the room and relaxed. I was starting to feel bad again and just wanted to lay down. 

Sunday morning things went smoothly. I don't think I've been so relaxed before a long distance race. I can't speak for Andrea, but on the outside she seemed pretty relaxed. :) 
While the was no bag check for the 5k and 10k, there was for the half and full marathons. I was so grateful for that. We checked our bags in the same room at the Statehouse Convention Center as the expo was held and a few minutes later we were leaving the building and heading to our corral. From the moment we entered, it seemed like we were constantly moving forward towards the start line. I was so excited for Andrea to be running her first half, which I planned to run with her, and also excited for Scott because I knew he would not stay with us and I had high hopes for him to PR for the first time in 8 years. 8 years ago was the last time Scott ran a half marathon for himself. He's done every other one with me. Which I love, but I'm glad he had a chance to run on his own with no obligation to stay with me. (His feelings, not mine) It didn't take more than maybe 1/4 of a mile for Scott to take off. 
It started to drizzle just as we started running, and developed into a steady light rain quickly. The rain came down for the next hour. It didn't stop for over an hour. That didn't stop Andrea and me from making the most of the race. We talked, we watched for the elite runners to pass by (when we were at about 1.5 miles and they were at about 3), we encouraged other runners, and sometimes we kept to our own thoughts. 

Around 6 miles we began the long out and back section of the course. I was hoping we would see Scott on his way back and we did! I saw him coming and we shouted and cheered for him. He looked cold but was running strong. I was so proud! After I saw him at this point, I started tracking him on the app. I just knew he was going to PR. Sure enough, he beat his previous time by 2 minutes. If he had been more trained (he did most of his runs at my pace) and if the weather hadn't been so lousy I'm confident he would have done even better. He's amazing! 

Andrea ran a strong race. I don't know how much she was keeping track of our pace, but I'm thinking not as much as I was based on her later reaction at the finish area. As best I can remember, we didn't walk once, not even on the crazy uphills in the last half of the course. I say "we". She didn't. Twice I dropped something and had to stop and pick it up. I felt horrible for being in the way of the other runners. We had dry conditions for about 4 miles and then around 11 miles the hail began. At first it was so seldom that I thought it was small petals coming off trees that were starting to bloom. But then about half a mile later those "petals" hit my face. And it hurt. I felt pretty ridiculous when it was pointed out that it was hailing and not raining flowers. 
About this same time is when we saw Andrea's husband and kids. They were just getting out of the car on a corner as we made a turn with a little over a mile to go. Andrea and I didn't really talk about it, but I think it was a pick me up and just the right time to focus and bring it home. I noticed she kept picking up the pace, and we would pull back. We made the same last turn that Scott and I did for the 10k and another runner asked how much further. I did my best to explain the last bit, we could actually catch glimpses of the finish line even with those couple rolling hills still looming ahead. 
Andrea picked up the pace and I told her to pull back for a little longer. I knew she had an incredibly strong finish in her, but I didn't want her to start too soon and lose it before the end. She started to surge one more time just before we hit the 13 mile marker. I told her if she was ready let's go for it. And boy did she go for it! As we approached the finish line all I remember is being so very very proud of my friend. My friend who all through training, followed her plan, did all the right things, still ran through pain, and still ran a stronger race than she knew possible. I heard the announcer say her name, as if he knew this was Andrea's first half marathon. I  know he said other names. There were just a few other people around us, but Andrea was in the "spotlight".  She ran her race and she deserved it. 

https://youtu.be/15N8_i4vg-g?t=4538

Between the finish line, and printing our results, amazingness happened. We got our medals of course, with me making a pit stop at the challenge table since I had done the 10k also. Then we made a turn and the finishers line made its way around a buffet of sorts. It. Was. Awesome. We were given a little bag and there were so many things we could add. I smelled food. There was pasta. It was so good! I have no idea who supplied it. There were so many drinks. Milk, pop, beer for those who drank it, orange juice... all the stuff! My word, I couldn't get my hands on the food fast enough! As we exited the finishers area into the reunion area I found Scott. It took me a minute to realize where we were. Turns out, we exited into the same room where bag check was. Of all the convenient parts of this race, this may have been my favorite. No searching, or walking all over creation in the cold, to find my much needed layers. We got our bags, then stopped at the results table.

Total Time- 2:21:21
Avg Pace- 10:47

My favorite part about running this with Andrea, well, I actually can't pick just one, but a stand out moment was when we printed our stats and she officially saw for the first time her finish time and pace. Tears were shed. Hugs were given. Pride was shining so big I felt the whole room (and it was a BIG room) could see.

We probably spent too much time inside, knowing that we had to make the half mile walk back to the car. Like a dummy, I didn't bring a change of clothes. I promised myself after my Hot Chocolate 15k St Louis experience, that I would be more responsible when it came to winter races. I don't know why I would uphold that when I'm not very responsible in most other aspects of running. I try. I really do. :) Anyway, NEXT time, I will bring a full change of clothes. Seriously. Everyone should do it.

Overall impressions: This was the best experience I have had with the Little Rock Marathon weekend. I loved that the finisher's area was indoors, and the food an beverage options were far better than what has been offered before. I'm wondering if things happening in the Statehouse Convention Center have been happening for a while and I just hadn't realized it in the past. Two years ago we definitely didn't finish and get led into the building. Whatever the case I'm really loving it! The whole experience was so great that I'm anxious to register for next year. :-D 

My training doesn't end there... In four weeks I'll be running the RussVegas Half Marathon, followed immediately the next weekend with the National Women's Half Marathon in Washington DC. I'm super excited for both!