I could spend hours reviewing this weekend’s race in my head. I wasn’t expecting to run my second slowest half marathon on Saturday. In fact, as you all know, I’d trained for a PR of a sub 2:10. I could drive myself crazy analyzing all the things I did right, a few of the things I did wrong, and how frustrating it is to work towards something and not succeed. I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t admit that it’s tough to see other friends finish a half marathon faster when they admittedly didn’t train properly. (Picture compliments of Jess)
But, last year in one of my favorite posts, I discussed the importance of not coveting another’s run. Since then I’ve learned to support my friends and cheer them to victory, knowing that one day they’ll do the same for me. At the end of the day, one of my Twitter friends said it best
Chin up! Whenever I have a bad race, I think a couple years ago, a half- even a bad one- would not have been possible.’- Anne @rileduprunner
With that being said, and out on the table, Saturday’s DC Half was a wonderful race. It was organized very well and it was clear that Rock ‘N’ Roll has taken a lot of the recent negative feedback to heart.
Here are a few of the things that I loved about this weekend’s half:
- The expo had extended hours on Friday night for runners traveling in for the race or late work hours
- While they did charge for picking up multiple bibs, they did allow each runner to pick up an extra bib without charge.
- They changed the race starting time this year to 8am so runners could use the Metro more easily
- The Armory’s gymnasium and restrooms were open to runners beginning at 6am on Saturday which provided a warm place to stretch, meet with friends, and prepare for the race.
- The corral system was far improved versus last year’s parking lot corrals which took forever to cross the finish line. In addition, the corral marshals weren’t too strict which was nice for people like me who wanted to start with friends.
- There was plenty of water and Gatorade along the course unlike last year.
- By the time I reached the GU stations they still had more than enough GU, in multiple flavors, for people to use if they needed or wanted it.
- The crowd support and Rock ‘N’ Roll cheer stations were more prevalent than last year.
- The medical tents were plentiful and very helpful. Whether it was swollen knees or dehydration, I heard wonderful things about the support teams which was especially important for a race which was far warmer than many expected.
- The post race recovery food options far exceeded my expectations. There were plenty of bananas, apples, yogurt, pretzels, water, and chocolate milk so everyone could take as much or as little as they wanted or needed.
A few things I would love to see improved in the future:
- I think this race has the potential to become one of Rock ‘N’ Roll’s more popular races and with that hopefully they can expand their Expo representation. While I didn’t make it this year, I heard from many people that it wasn’t as impressive as they’d expected.
- Bathroom support beyond the start line. There were plenty of toilets, both indoor and portapotties, at the start and finish lines but they were very hard to find during the race. Due to some unfortunate stomach issues, I had to wait in line for a portapotty for 5 minutes and then had to use a friendly liquor store’s bathroom for stop #2.
- The finisher technical t-shirts are cut very small and therefore many people left the expo with a shirt that doesn’t fit. If you’re requesting shirt sizes on the application, it’d be nice to let people know if they are going to be unisex or slim fit.
- There needs to be a more consistent message regarding bib pickup. We made sure that our friend had copies of our licenses and registration verification and then she wasn’t even asked to pay or for the proof.
A few people have asked whether I’d do this race again next year. I think this race makes a great Spring half if you are looking for a course that is both beautiful and challenging. In addition, Washington, DC is a great city to visit and is convenient due to Amtrak and bus options if you’re coming from the Northeast or North Carolina/Virginia area. However, next year I’m hoping to gain an entry to the NYC Half so I can enjoy a local race through the heart of New York City! Who knows though, if that doesn’t happen than I could easily see this becoming an annual Spring trip. We enjoyed some wonderful meals this weekend so I’ll be back later with a complete food and fun recap from the Washington girls weekend!
Congrats on finishing another 1/2 marathon. I hate when things don’t go as planned, but love to see people put a positive spin on it. You deserved your time and you will get it. Be proud!!!!!
I’m proud of you for moving on from a race that wasn’t what you expected, and I know you absolutely have that sub-2:10 in you!
Sorry it wasn’t the time you’d hoped, but congrats on finishing another half on a surprisingly warm day (seriously, last year I never took off my jacket LOL). I’m sure you’ll get that sub 2:10 soon!
Congrats on running an injury free race! IT shows that you trained well. The time will come soon as well!
I would love to hear more about your race, but I think you are already having a great positive attitude about it. Bad races (and runs) unfortunately happy, and there will be another race and another chance for a PR! And I HATE slim fit race shirts. I know lots of people like them but they’re almost always too small and too short for me (i.e., showing my belly, and no one wants to see that!).
Congrats on the race! Even if it wasn’t what you were hoping for time wise, all races such great accomplishments, especially one of that distance.
Congrats on your race! Sorry you didn’t have the race you were envisioning. It’s so damn hard when things, completely out of control, don’t go as planned. Is there another half coming up?
It’s nice to hear that RnR did a great job with this race. I wasn’t impressed with Savannah or Vegas – but I would LOVE to run DC.
Great Job finishing! If you are ready I too would love to hear about the harder parts of the race and what you think went wrong. My very first half involved some very unfortunate stomach issues and I did a lot of nutritional research to make sure It didn’t happen again. I know it’s kind of embarrassing to talk about tummy stuff especially if it involves going to the bathroom but we might all learn something from each other! Regardless…you if she’d and that is a win!
Ahh sorry for that auto correct there. The last line should read, ” Regardless, you finished and that’s a win!”
I have yet to run an RNR, but this is encouraging! Glad you are feeling better! I am excited to hear more about your weekend, I was jealous of all the fun girl time!
The picture of you and caitlin is so cute!!
Sorry to hear that you didn’t get the time you wanted. With that said, I have no doubt that you have a 2:10 in you and it will come soon! All that training will pay off…keep up the hard work!
I was so honored to meet you and I’m so happy that you pushed past every obstacle.
Great attitude about the race. It would be great if every race was perfect and there was always a PR. It takes the not so great races to help us re-evaluate our goals for the next race. I’m sure you will have your sub 2:10 soon!
I’ve never run a RNR. I’m kind of hesitant after hearing horror stories like Vegas. It’s nice to see that they actually do listen and will hopefully make improvements.
I am so sorry things didn’t go as planned for you at the race. I know how disappointing that is, I know you will bounce back!
You are so strong. I was telling Nate tonight that I feel so lucky to have spent the weekend with you – you are such a good friend! You are so positive, helpful, thoughtful and encouraging. I know you have big things coming your way and can’t wait to see what you do! xo
Congratulations on your race! While it’s wonderful and essential to have future goals, it’s so important to recognize improvement and growth. Even if it wasn’t your best race, your Twitter friend is right, it’s probably so much more than you ever thought possible before you started running. I love reading your recaps and look forward to hearing about many more successes!
Good to hear RnR has improved since Vegas. I had a horrible race there (for a number of reasons), but came back strong in my next half with a PR. You will do it too!
I would like to hear what you think went wrong, like another poster said, we can all learn from each other.
Good for you for taking this in stride. The next one will be better. It has to be! 🙂
I also had a rough time out there on Saturday. It was a great race though!! My running was just not great haha. But don’t worry- I bet you get the PR next time! It was HOT out there on Saturday!
You have such a great attitude about this race! I have read nary a good “run” review of this race! I think the heat really took its toll!
Way to stay positive girl! You should be SO proud that you can run 13.1 miles over and over again!
I agree with your assessment of the race. I was very pleased with the organization – there seemed to be A TON of people, but it was controlled chaos. I absolutely loved being able to chill in the amory before the race! I hit up 5 porta potties (awesome) and had an average of 4 min per stop (20+ min added to my time! wah!). The lines were always so long! We’ll both get our PRs soon enhough!
Congrats on another half, sorry it didn’t go as you hoped. While you’re bummed that the shirt is snug, I’m glad to hear they actually started to offer women’s sizing finally! I gave feedback about that after the Philly RnR halfs in 2010 and 2011 and they claimed they would begin to offer womens sizing in 2012 (but I didn’t totally believe them). I hate getting men’s race shirts which are too big for me but then also too small for my husband, because I tried the smallest man-size. And so then I end up donating them.
Thanks so much for this blog! Very helpful for this will be my 3rd marathon and first in DC. I am super excited as I use to live in DC so I know the area very well and well my favorite time in DC is spring time! On the shirt situation I am so excited I went with men’s medium, I never feel comfortable running in womans cut shirts so I always order men’s medium, even though from Disney I got a medium and it’s huge but better than small. I hope to hear your deciding to do this one again in a couple of weeks. Have you done any other rock n rolls? I plan on doing Pittsburgh first rock n roll half and then Virginia Beach’s as well.
-Abby!