RnR Philly Recap:

We have had a busy week so far in our house so I am finally sitting down to write this recap!  I went into the Rock & Roll Philly Half marathon with little expectations for my time and to just use this race as a my training run for MCM next month.  Well,  I did just that and then I beat myself up for the next 24 hours over my time and how I HATE to be over a certain time EVER!  So here is my recap:

I met the Bear Glasgow Y runners at the Y around 5:45am and we planned to leave promptly at 6am ( I think we rolled out of the Y around 6:10 - 6:15 )....This was a lot of fun to go with a group.. I tend to do a lot of races on my own and always wish I had a friend there running too!  We got to the start of the race and I felt like it was VERY disorganized!  The port-a-potty lines were outrageous ... I mean like 45 min long wait outrageous!!  I wish I had taken some pictures of this but I was just trying to get to gear check and use the pot before the race started! 

I also never usually check a bag because my superstar hubby comes to cheer me on but this time I knew it was just a training run so I told him not to bother coming!  So.. I made my way to gear check and dropped off my bag which only took about 5 minutes BUT then they had the port-a-potty lines in the same area as gear check which made for a disaster! Too many people in too small of a space!  Once again those potty lines were not moving and so I missed my corral start and hopped in the front of corral 3 to start...Then had to use the first port-a-potty I saw!!

The other kicker was my Garmin ( which I had just taken off the charger right before I left the house ) decided it was going to die forever!  Even though I rarely look at my watch while running and I am the least technical runner you will meet ... I had planned on being very pace specific for this run!   So since I had no watch/goal I decided to chat with a fellow runner for the first 4-5 miles and just enjoy the day!  On the bright side Garmin released 2 new watches on Monday!!! I am dying for a new one before Marine Corp next month:

I WANT ONE PLEEEEAAASE!!!!!!

I basically ran a spot on progression run and felt like my race was just starting around mile 12.  I got to the finish line and felt like I could have gone another 13.1 and maintained/increased my pace the rest of the way!  This has me very hopeful and excited for MCM but in the moment I was very disgusted with my time.  Strange I know!!

Things I loved about the race:

The weather was PERFECT!
The course was fast and flat... plus it was scenic along the water and historic!  I highly recommended if you are looking for a fast flat course!

It is close to home and minimal travel to get there.
Very friendly volunteers and spectators.
Post race finish line goodies were great!!

Post Race Swag

Things I disliked about the race:

VERY CROWDED!!!  It was hard to get around people and I felt I had to bob and weave in the beginning.
Not enough Port-A-Potties and the lines were wayyyyyy to long for the ones that were available!
The water stations had very few volunteers.
I really expected more bands and more Rock & Roll.

Would I do this race again?  Maybe but I think I am loving the smaller races!

Even though the bus was convenient I think I prefer to get to the start about 20-30 minutes earlier so I don't feel rushed or miss my corral start!  Oh well...I had fun and felt strong throughout the race now time for MCM!!!

Also my Mizuno Wave Sayanoras got all the action Sunday and I have to say I love them!!  I normally wear Wave Riders for races but I am in major need of a new pair right now!

INSTAGRAMMED @ DERUNNINGMOM

I did carry some Honey Stinger Gel with me just in case I needed it since I did not eat before the run... but I never ate it and ended up with a nice battle mark:

 

I do love the medal too:

Showing my Philly LOVE!

How did everyone else do at the RnR Philly Half??

What are your upcoming races??

Happy Running!