Recappin' it :: Allstate 13.1

I honestly do not even know where to begin with this race.  I'm still riding off the high of it.  It took a lot of extra stress and anxiety to actually get myself to Atlanta to make this race happen.  It did happen though, and I couldn't be more lucky.

Let's back track.  I got off work on Friday and drove straight down to Athens.  5.5+ hours of driving alone with bad tires is not fun.  I got to hang out in Athens with friends that I would miss on Saturday.

I tried every single way possible to have someone pick up my race packet so I could attend Terrapin's Hop Harvest Festival for at least an hour or so.  It just didn't work out.  D and I headed out, got some new tires, and had lunch together.  Since D had the event and couldn't come to cheer me on at the race, I got my dad and sisters to go with me.

My sisters adore swimming, so we hung out at the pool hotel before heading out to get dinner.  It was great to be able to hang out with my dad and sisters that I don't get to see too often.

Race day morning came quickly; the alarm was set for bright and early at 5:15.  I woke up to a sweet good luck text from CAP(M).

 [Race day outfit complete with skin sake to prevent chafing!]

 [I don't even like bananas but this is the race fuel of champions]

[Race day mantras.]

The race started at 7am, but the hotel shuttle stopped running at 6:15.  I got on the 6:00 shuttle.  Believe me, an hour is a fucking long time when it's 50 degrees and you're in a tank top and shorts.  I maintain the tank + shorts were a perfect selection and weather in the 50s is absolutely the best for running.  

[Prepped and ready at the start line]

[Trying to keep myself warm]

I am not going to get all technical about my splits and stuff (I'll save that for another post).  Let's get to the race day pictures (which look ridiculously better than last years...barf!)!

 [I can't remember exactly where this was in the race.  Since it was sidewalk, it had to be later.  Unbelievable I'm smiling]

 [Definitely in the last 3-4 miles of the race.  Damn how am I not sweaty and ridiculous looking?]

 [Last mile of the race (maybe less) after rocking it up some massive hills]

[Last mile and I'm actually running! And oh hey calf muscle!]

I had so many emotions going into this race.  There is just something about doing something this big that really gets your worked up.  One thing I loved about the course was the variety.  I ran on big roads, through beautiful neighborhoods (with massive houses), and a beautiful park and greenway.

Did I finish?  What was my time?  Comparison between the OBX Half and Atlanta?  Check back on Saturday!  I can't wait to finish the story...

(Also, shout out to Vanessa who hosted the giveaway that allowed me to run this race for free.  She's also the best ever for pulling out all the stops to try to help me find someone to pick up my race packet!!)