First Half Marathon Race Report

[Aggie_Ama]

My first half marathon is in the books and was a great experience overall. I finished at 2:34 which put me 662/2955. The course was incredibly hilly, even more than I expected but I ran the whole thing except one massive hill and water stops. I didn't start to walk on the hill until the last 10 yards or so.

The Good
The weather was amazing, a little humid but otherwise I couldn't have ordered better weather. The wet winter meant an abundance of bluebonnets where lining the course, I love the bluebonnets! The water stops were well stocked and organized, oddly I was nervous about that. I also liked that every mile was marked, it really helped keep my head in the run. I ran most of the race with two sisters behind me, they were friendly and encouraging. At the end of the race they said I inspired and motivated them. Funny, I was motivated by the one that was the cheerleader for her sister. I felt great most of the run and had fun. Plus I finished with a smile which was my goal. The finishers necklace is cute and I will wear it again.

The Bad
The race was not that organized. I expected better for all the media hype and marketing they do. I would not recommend the Zooma race and although I enjoyed the run I won't plunk down $75 to do it again. When we got off the bus there was no one telling us where to go. We ended up in part of the resort conference center with long bathroom lines which I stood in for 10 minutes and a lot people. Just too much nervous energy, I seriously felt panicked around it. So my husband and I end up following the announcer's music until we found a huge group of porta potties with no line (go figure) and the gear check. We then walked towards the banners we could faintly see. They didn't have pacers as advertised and didn't even attempt to organize us by pace so it was just a mess for about 2 miles with fast people coming up and wanting to pass. At the end no real direction, it felt like we just wandered into the expo. The expo was cramped and not very big but oh well, I got a 13.1 shirt. The much hyped catered brunch was awful. Apple wedges, some cheese blocks and a bagel. I was glad we didn't pay $8 for my husband to have one.

The Ugly
The seems of my skort chaffed. I think it was mostly the humidity but maybe I should have body glided that area. The last 3 miles were on winding concrete through the golf course. I ended with one huge blister I didn't feel until about half way through that section and my feet feel irritated. Amazingly up to that point I felt no pains. After the concreate my feet hurt, my calves are tight and my back hurts. I probably ran 13 minute miles through it which was way slower. Most participants were saying they thought it was a rough way to set it up.

So overall, I had fun and feel incredibly accomplished. It was definitely my favorite distance I have run yet and it was a pretty course. I just had a little higher expectations for the way they advertised it as a "professional run race". It actually felt pretty amateur.