I have a complicated relationship with this race. It was my very first half in 2012, after which I limped for a week as I learned, painfully, that running shoes do actually wear out. There was a time when I could chase a 2-hour RWTC; that day has long passed. As ever, I loved the comments, cheers, and seeing other runners on the multiple loopbacks. I could barely make it to the bathroom afterward as several groups asked for a picture (all women, we noticed). The return of the Wea (We Eat Always) buffet was worth the trip once again. Some pragmatics: I accepted at least one cup of water at every water stop. I bought a cooling towel at packet pickup, and the addition of a “dunking bucket” of ice water at each aid station seriously kept me from overheating. It did lead to some rust on a few safety pins, and my bib nearly disintegrated by the finish. Not a fan of the new course – way too much long uphill. (“Rolling hills” means you don’t notice you’re going downhill until it’s a monster uphill coming back.) The soundtrack was 3 parts 80s country, 2 parts “Urban Cowboy” soundtrack. Everybody loved it (I think). As is my custom, I swore after it that I’m never running this again, and that I’m downgrading my next half marathon. Translation: see you next year for the half.
Playlist (Spotify)
Playlist (Apple Music)
Urban Cowboy soundtrack (YouTube)
