This race fit in perfectly with my marathon training AND gave me a great excuse for a vacation in Boston, MA to visit both my awesome cousin and my awesome marathon runner friend, Michelle. Michelle was actually one of the people who first inspired me to start running and racing! The last time I visited her, in 2010, I was working through the Couch to 5K training program--hard to believe we are now running half-marathons together!
I was so. pumped. about the course for this race. I have always wanted to run a race near the ocean, but of course those are hard to come by in the midwest! Even though the half didn't start until 10:15am (!!), we still had to get up bright and early to drive from Boston to the beautiful town of Rockport, Massachusetts in time for packet pickup. Don't worry, there was a car nap and some reading time involved post pickup!
Pre-Race! |
Although it was the most beautiful course I've raced on, it was probably also the toughest! Let's check out that elevation profile again:
Check out that climb to the finish!! |
Michelle was having a tough running day, so we walked together a lot in the last couple miles. Not every race is about a PR; some are just about finishing and sticking with your friend that you know would stick with you if you were struggling! By the end, the sun had come out in full force making it extra tough--thank goodness for sea breezes and beautiful views!
I may be smiling, but I'm really thinking, "You mean I have to run DOUBLE this distance soon??" |
Overall, this was a wonderful race--it was the smallest half I've ever done, but well-organized, great volunteers, and good swag! There were even free samples of Yasso Greek Frozen Yogurt bars, which were probably one of the best post-race snacks EVER. Perfection.
Michelle and I promptly collapsed in the grass after running, but we eventually dragged ourselves to the car in search of food. During the race we passed a little restaurant called Olivia's--my sweet niece's name! I knew we had to find it again for lunch. YUM! By the time we were done running, it was almost 1pm, so late to be finishing a half! I was starving!
After a quick nap, we pulled it together enough to go out to a yummy dinner of ((veggie)) burgers, fries, and good beer, all enjoyed beside a beautiful harbor of sailboats. God I love New England!
What is the toughest race course you've ever run?
What is the most beautiful race course you've ever run?
That watermelon beer is surprisingly good, isn't it? Great job on the tough course. My toughest race ever was a 15k that had the craziest hills I've ever seen. At one point I swear I couldn't see the top of the hill. It the only time I thought about quitting a race....never doing that one again!
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MissKinBK
That course elevation is no joke! It sure looks like a beautiful race and a great place for a vacation.
ReplyDeleteOne of the toughest and most beautiful races I've run is a little half marathon in Green Lake, WI. It is super hilly (mile 5-6 is alll steep uphill) but it winds around a scenic lake and through historic countryside. Worth the hills!
Congratulations. I ran the race as well and noticed your matching skirts along with the hot pink K tape. Awesome job.
ReplyDeleteLove running by the ocean. THe last half I was in - also by the ocean - had the Yasso Greek yogurt bars and it was fantastic! The most beautiful race course - I have really run on a lot of beautiful courses. Garden of the Gods was fantastic. All my ocean races have been. The races I do on Lake Champlain are excellent. I often choose races for that very quality. THe toughest race course was up a mountain to a ski area.
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