South Bend, IN Half Marathon
This was the hottest half I have done. The fact that I made it through (this is my second slowest 1/2) and there were sooo many hills I think I did well. My ITB hurt a normal amount during but hates me now that it had to sit still during the ride home.
Things that did not impress me about this race--
Cheesy medal, IMO the 1/2 started too late--full started at 6, 5k at 7:15 and the 1/2 at 7:30 and then the 10k sometime after that. By the time my bro crossed the finish line for his 1/2 (under 5 hours) he didn't have any bananas or cantaloupe to munch on. Just popsicles and water/gatorade. The water stations were one table long--not good when there are a lot of people that want water! Hills! I didn't expect so many of them and they were steep. And I felt out of shape along with the humidity. The hype is that you are suppose to get your name said as you cross the finish line...Mine wasn't mentioned :( My brothers was though...although mispronounced. There could have been some overhead cover for the shuttle back to the start line. It didn't really rain during the entire race but we got drenched waiting for the bus! The crowd that was there was supportive but far to sparse! And no real music. Wish I had brought my ipod or something.
Things I liked-Very organized for 5 races. Path was clearly marked. I liked the post race snacks--just wish my bro could of had some! Glad there was a bus to get back to my truck! I also liked that this place was so close to a quilt store I just found out about. Also it has yarn! I went and checked it out. I didn't buy b/c I cna't right now but it is always fun to look. Plus they ship and sell online. Some of the runners were funny to over hear and listen too. I got a gu--which was yummy and I normally wouldn't eat one but I did anyway. Why not right?
I did run the last little bit with this lady. I had started the convo by asking if she had ran this one before (she was huffing and puffing a lot!) she said oh yea. I told her I didn't expect so many hills. She said she runs marathons but not this one...she keeps to chicago (nice and flat). She said oh that hill should have been the last one. Then a little bit went by and we turned a corner I turned and yelled LIAR!! LOL. I'm pretty sure she will be in my finishers photo...I think she was near me at the line.
I would not race this race again. Just too big of a PITA to get there (time zone change one hour a head)
Any who I dont have my official times but my AP was a 10 minute mile--which isn't marathon pace or easy pace. It is somewhere in the middle. But all things considered a good effort on my part.
When I got home all hobbly the fiancee spoke up and said, "I think you need to stop running." When he saw my jaw drop he followed up with, "Atleast take a break." with this follow up I more realized he trying to make me not injure myself. I told him that was the plan all along. My next paid for race is in October and that is the Urbanatholon. More for fun than anything. I may do the September 1/2 in Oakbrook, IL. But that I can wait on for registration to see how training goes. I want my under 2 1/2 marathon!
UPDATE- 791 female finishers, 1636 finishers over all | 