Nike Women's Half Marathon DC 2013

I think this is the longest break I have taken in a while! I am not sure why but this past two months have been on over drive and I have felt like a hamster on a wheel trying to catch up with life in general.  Between my less than desirable work schedule, my attempts at half marathon training and keeping up with an almost two year old there hasn't been much time left for the "extras".  I think since this half marathon is behind me things should get back to normal around here! 

  This past weekend my mom, grandmother, and my friend went to Washington DC to participate in the first Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC. race historically has only taken place in San Francisco and its by lottery only and I have wanted to go for YEARS.  I put in for the San Fran one this past year and didn't get it but was over the moon excited when I saw I was chosen for DC!

We went on Friday to pick up our packets and do some shopping at the Nike Georgetown store.  The store was crazy packed, but the staff there made the experience so fun.  They had a DJ and were dancing and just generally having a good time it makes a crowded shopping experience so much more enjoyable! I was able to get some of the special shoes in my size.  I was afraid after reading all the crazy stuff on the Facebook page that they would have been sold out but they weren't and I love them!!  Since you get a Tiffany's necklace at the finish line the shoes are supposed to resemble a Tiffany's box...so cute!!

At the expo there were many photo ops and they had a huge wall with all 15,000 participants names, it was fun to find our names on the wall

On race day we had no problem getting to the start line from our hotel, we took the metro which they had open extra early and it was a quick but very cold trip!! 

The race started promptly at 7 am, they had the corrals arranged my pace.  I did not do well this race but its simply proof that you cant run a good race if you don't train for a good race.  I just had so much going on with work and life that I did my best to squeeze in runs but I really just wanted to go and have fun.

The course was beautiful and went by many of the big monuments.  The weather was PERFECT, cool, breezy and sunny.  God was looking out for use because as we were getting to the airport it started to get cold and rainy.

It was obvious this is the first race at this location as there were several logistical issues that need fixed in the future.  For one its a race for women so lots of porta-potties is a must...they were so few and far between that the ones they had always had so many people in line.  Also, at the water stops they were only one one side of the road so if you were on the complete other side you had to cut people off to get to it and then everyone was all clogged up trying to get their water or drink.

The finish line was complete with men in tuxedos and a silver platter of Tiffany boxes...the best site to see upon crossing that finish line!

After we all finished and found each other we ate our snacks, took some pictures, and headed back to the hotel.  It really was a great race, we all had fun and I really hope to do it again in the future!