(Disclosure: As a member of the Rock’n’Blog team, I received a free race entry and VIP upgrade. As always, all opinions are mine!)
On Sunday, I ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon – my 10th half marathon!
I’ve been trying to figure out what to say about this race. As you all know, this was my first half marathon after a two year hiatus. This was not a goal race – just a re-introduction to the distance. But, you know I like to keep it real here, so I’ll be honest, this was not the triumphant return I had secretly hoped for. No…I did not have a goal time, but I had wanted (and expected) to run this much faster than I did.
So settle in while I share the good, bad…and downright u-g-l-y of Sunday’s race.
Janelle & I pre-race
The Good….
Blogger meet-ups! Once I arrived at the race, I made a beeline for the VIP tent to meet up with Janelle from Run with No Regrets. It was so nice to finally meet – she’s as nice as she seems from her blog! We got to chat for a bit and soon Kathryn from Dancing to Running joined us. We made our way to the top of the “Rocky steps” to meet up for a “We Run Social” photo, where I finally got to meet Dani from Weight Off My Shoulders. I feel like I’ve known Dani for years – we couldn’t believe we just were finally meeting! It was fun to hangout with everybody and it helped me keep my mind off my nerves.
VIP Upgrade! While I didn’t take full advantage of the full VIP food spread, it was definitely nice to have food and drinks to readily available. And, porta potties with no lines? Enough said!
Race atmosphere! I love the RnR vibe and this race did not disappoint! I enjoyed the bands and cheer squads along the route, and even had one band’s guitarist come down off the stage to briefly rock out with me 🙂
The Bad…
While the VIP area was a nice perk, it would have been nice to have a way for non-running family to join at a reduced rate. My husband J couldn’t enter without us purchasing a full price package at the expo – the main reason I skipped returning to the VIP area post-race.
My fueling – I woke up with no appetite and as a result my pre-race fueling was sparse. I forced myself to choke down a banana, but could only manage a bite or two of my GU waffle. The wait in the corrals was long and by the time I was approaching the start my stomach started to growl…not good.
The Ugly…
The humidity was soul-sucking and proved to be my complete undoing. Despite having run in the soupy muck for most of the summer, I could not find my rhythm. I felt ok through the first 5 miles but could feel a headache forming by mile 6. By mile 7, I had stopped at a med tent for Tylenol, and by mile 9 I had a front row seat on the struggle bus. Despite my best efforts to stay hydrated and down Clif blocs (with extra salt), the humidity took its toll. I reminded myself that this was more of a training run than a race for me, but it was hard to not feel defeated. Time to shift my focus – I high-fived every kid along the course, encouraged other runners and started run/walk intervals.
Around mile 9, I was so grateful to come across fellow Rock’n’Blogger Nellie from Brooklyn Active Mama. We had run into each other just before the start and it was great to see her. She was so positive and we kept each other company for a couple of miles. My other saving grace was my amazing husband, who had rented one of those city bikes and was biking all over the course! At last the finish was in sight and I was done.
So #10 is done and training for Rock ‘n’ Roll Brooklyn continues!
It was so great to see you on Sunday. That humidity was brutal, but I’m glad that we all survived!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon Training Log – Week 12
I’m so glad we had a chance to meet! Can’t wait to read your recap – heard you did great despite the weather!
Loved this recap and I was so happy to see you on the course too! I will see you again for Rock N Roll Brooklyn! I am so excited for this race!!
Nellie recently posted…Amazon Prime Now Has Just Changed The Game!
Thanks Nellie! Looking forward to seeing you in Brooklyn!
Love that you got to meet up with other bloggers! Too bad it was humid- always makes for a tough run!
Kerri McGrail recently posted…Top Foods For Healthy Teeth & Gums
Blogger meet-ups are always fun!
Congratulations on running your 10th marathon!! You go girl, thanks for the inspiration!! Goodluck training for Rock ‘n’ Roll Brooklyn.
<3
Thanks Abbey 🙂
When it’s humid like that, all you can do it make the best of it and have fun. Any pace goals go out the window. How great you were able to meet up with Janelle! I agree with you about VIP. I love it but when I’m with family I don’t use it. And why do I never feel like eating all that great food at the time? It is amazing though.
Marcia recently posted…Patience is a Virtue
Humidity really is my kryptonite! Hopefully by my Oct race the weather gods will cooperate!
Congrats on your first half marathon in 2 years…I’m sorry the weather gods just weren’t in our favor that day! Such a struggle but you made it through and that’s what counts! It was so great to meet you at last! And I totally agree…there needs to be an option for family to get into VIP for less.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…2016 Rock ‘N Roll Philly Half Marathon Recap
Thanks Janelle! Hope we get to catch up at another race soon!
Congrats on the half! It was just horrible weather. Glad you enjoyed the meet up!
Thanks Steff!
I’ve heard the humidity was really tough that day! Great job pushing through. And how sweet of your husband to rent a bike and bike all over the course 🙂
Chaitali recently posted…Race 13.1 Baltimore Training Week 3
Seeing him along the course really was a great pick-me-up!
First off congrats on finishing #10!! Second, thanks for sharing the bad and ugly aspects. We often gloss over those, but it’s important to acknowledge what didn’t go your way. Finally, now you have even more motivation going forward! Keep it up 🙂
Thanks so much Christina!
I think even when we don’t have specific time goals for a race, it’s always tough when it doesn’t go as good as we want it to. But you did it!! 🙂 Headaches are the WORST on a course.
Headaches really are the worst – that was the first time I ever stopped at a med tent!
Humidity is always rough! I’m hoping for a break in the weather by Sunday. I am jealous of all the blogger meet-ups, and what a great idea for your husb to rent a bike! It sounds like your legs did OK, though?
Coco recently posted…Running After The Next Accomplishment
That was one of the other good things about the run…my legs felt good – no pain! Hopefully all the strength training is paying off!
Great recap, I’ve never ran a half so I have no idea what it would be like, sounds like you did great despite feeling like you didn’t do as well as you wanted. Good luck with your Brooklyn training!
Tee recently posted…Celebrate Fall
Thanks Tee!
I came SO close to doing this race! I live about an hour from Philly. I’ve heard great things about the Rock N’ Roll race series! It looks like you had a GREAT time despite the nasty humidity! Humidity is no joke. It is ROUGH on running.
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run recently posted…Kick-Off of the Autumn Produce Challenge!
I would highly recommend running this one if you get the chance!
Number 10! Hello, Rock Star! How awesome!
I am so glad we got to meet! And I am so sorry we didn’t bump into each other on the course. I know everyone says Philly is flat and fast, but after the first 4 miles, when the inclines started, I was DONE. My friend was kind enough not to ditch me (she’s used to the terrain), but it was brutal and I finally told her that I was going to sit back, enjoy the view of the river and the conversation, and take it all in stride.
No regrets, though. I want to do it again.
Jenn recently posted…celebrate oktoberfest jacksonville + giveaway
It was great to meet you! Glad you had your friend with you on the course. It was tough…but I do want to run it again 🙂
So many fun blogger meet-ups! The humidity has been nuts and can make any run just feel terrible! Loved reading your recap!
Thanks Sandra! Blogger meet-ups are always fun – it was nice to meet so many this trip!
Congratulations for being able to pull through the awful humidity! I admire your strength. 🙂
Thanks!!
Congrats on finishing the half!! Sounds like the humidity was killer for this run but way to power through and how cool that your husband was on his bike and riding along the course! Great job! I also love meeting other bloggers in real life! So fun!
Sharon recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Week 14: 9/19-9/25
Thanks Sharon 🙂
Congratulations on half marathon #10! How fun to meet the other bloggers. Humidity is a total game changer. I wouldn’t beat yourself up over it. It’s something that can’t be controlled. You pushed on and finished and conquered that humidity!
Thanks Holly!
Blogger meet-up sound fun. And congratulations on your half marathon #10. Will you come back for this race again?
Thanks! And yes, already thinking about running this one again next year!
Glad you cameback and did well your 10th half Marathon!. Humidity was bad but it showed me your effect in bad circumstance and you were amazing! Keep up the good work for next race!
Jennifer Love Running recently posted…Experiencing Sudden Pain Under Left Breast, What Disease Can You Have?
Great recap. I enjoy reading it. Also, congratulation for finishing the half marathon!! You have done a great job.
Great recap. I enjoy reading it, Congratulations on running your 10th marathon. I admire your strength.
Wow, congratulations on your half marathon #10. !!! So much admiration for you.
Michael recently posted…How to creat HIIT workout plan for beginners
Congrats on overcoming the challenges as well as yourself. Beautifully done! Thanks for sharing, it was a great recap. The weather is getting tough, so take care as well!