#WUFPACRanRichmond - My First Sub 2hr Half Marathon

This past Saturday, November 15th, I ran my second half marathon in Richmond, Va. I dedicated this race to supporting young women in politics via WUFPAC. I raised just under $1300 for the cause and had some absolutely amazing support for my race. (Click here to check out my fundraising page)
The run itself was beautiful, in the fall foliage of the capital of the Confederacy and I beat my pace goal by about 30 seconds. I finished in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 2 seconds, which I was VERY happy about!

Here's a recap of the day, which was pretty awesome.

Pre-race morning:

• We AirBnB-ed it at and got a great place in Richmond. Our place was the style of an early 1900s home but with modern kitchen and bathroom. I loved the historic feel of it, until about 2am when I was convinced there were ghosts. 
• I woke up with "game-day" butterflies in my belly. I chowed a bagel with peanut butter and pounded some OJ, gatorade and water.
• It was 27 degrees when I woke up. I layered up in my race outfit and then layered again with some cheap throw-away clothes we got for me to wear to the starting line to stay warm. I looked HOT. 
• We made our way to the starting line with "plenty" of time.

Starting line meltdown:

• The cold hit me when I got out of the car and immediately, all of the hydrating I did with breakfast became regrettable. About 15 minutes until my start time and I was about to pee my pants. 
• The lines for the bathrooms at the starting line were gigantic and I soon realized I was not going to be able to start with my wave. Not being seasoned in this whole race deal, I thought that meant I was going to my race entirely. This made me cry.
• I didn't figure out that this wasn't the case until Nick pointed out that a good chunk of the people in line were also doing the half. As more time went on though, I got worried I was going to have to start with the full marathoners & try to figure out the half course. Sheer terror.
• It was close, but I got off and running with the last wave of half marathoners and an empty bladder.

The race:

• I had never been so happy to start running and I instantly let go of the crisis at the starting line.
• My pace was much faster than I'd expected and hoped for right off the bat. I thought about slowing down but decided not to because I felt great.
• After the 10k mark I saw Nick twice, which I was surprised about since I figured our starting line crisis had messed up his spectating plan. One of the times I saw him, he was dancing to Taylor Swift's "Shake it off" with his sign that said "Run 4 Da Oreos" (my post race treat to be paired with champagne). I don't think I will ever loose that visual.
• The foliage was SO pretty. The day was cold, but the sun was shining and the fall leaves were just gorgeous. 
• At mile 9, I had a cup of beer.
• At mile 10, I felt my legs start to fatigue.
• At mile 12, I realized I was going to finish this thing in under 2 hours.
• Mile 13, I ran my fastest mile of the race.

Results:

• Out of the  8,452 runners in the half marathon, I placed 2,678th.
• Out of the 5,551 female runners in the half marathon, I placed 1,253rd.
• Out of the 1,062 runners in my women 25-29 division, I placed 275th.
• My official time was 1:59:02
• HAPPY CAMPER!

Post Race:

• After the finish, it became clear immediately that I had pushed myself during the run. Upon meeting Nick after the finish line, I laid on the ground and had him stretch/work on my tired legs. It was definitely soreness for the books, but the best kind.
• Back at our Air BnB, I had the best shower ever. With Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" on repeat and a bottle of orange gatorade in the shower with me, I basked in my sub 2 hour run and being in hot water after a morning in the chilly temps.
• My stomach was funny for a bit, then I basically ate everything in sight. When I say ate, I mean inhaled. Progresso chicken noodle soup (best food ever after a cold run), Olive Garden left overs and those double stuffed oreos. All paired with champagne.
• Spent the afternoon snuggled in my race long sleeve, new aloe fuzzy socks from Al & under my finisher blanket. 

Race days are pretty fantastic. I've only had 3 "big ones" and every one has been a blast. My first 10k, my first half and my second half were all amazing for reasons completely unique to each other. No run or race day is ever the same, and that is SO cool. Thank you to all my supporters, donors, family, friends and even other runners on the course for your encouragement! 

I'm excited for my next finish line! 

#WUFPACRanRichmond

Richmond, Va. View from Hollywood Cemetery.