Today’s race had it’s ups and downs. I didn’t PR or reach my goal, but overall I had a good time.
I made sure to get to the race with plenty of time to do any last minute “business.” Unfortunately, because there were so many drivers I ended up stuck in traffic for about 40 minutes. I was following the line of cars to the stadium and, much to my dismay, when we reached the stadium we were directed to turn away! I started freaking out and found street parking about a mile from the start. Needless to say I ran to my corral and had less than 10 minutes before the race (so no bathroom break).
The first mile was a little crowded so my pace was slower (@8:38) but after that I picked up the pace, maybe a little too much. I ate my first Gu on the mile 5 hill and felt energized, making my mile 6 a speedy 7:56! The crowd support was spread out, but great at certain points of the race. The hills were definitely steeper than I remembered!
I got to see my parents, Neil and the pups at mile 8. That was a great point to see them because it was right after a very steep hill. 
Everything continued to go well until mile 10 when I started feeling really fatigued. I knew I was due for another Gu, but for some idea of eating another one made me feel nauseous. In hindsight, I should have brought a pack of Jelly Beans too, just in case. I managed to swallow about half of one, and within ten minutes my stomach really hurt. As in, something is coming out (one way or another) kind of hurt. If there had been a porta potty in sight I am sure I would have stopped. Instead, I took a few 30 second walking breaks so mile 12 was my slowest @9:01. I guess it did help in the end though because my last mile was @8:07 and the last .13 was @7:42.
According to my Garmin, I ran 13.13 miles in 1:49:20 which would have been my goal/new PR. However, the signal went out under three tunnels and the timer auto-paused itself. I’m sad that those walking breaks cost me my PR but not every day can be a perfect race day. My official time is 1:50:56, 40 seconds slower than my PR on this course.
I should also mention my feet were hurting toward the end of the race, and not surprisingly when I took off my shoes I was greeted with this lovely site.
Some of the things I liked about the race were: running my local routes (did anyone recognize the reservoir?), and passing certain sections of the crowd (Howard U). I did NOT like the parking situation and the fact that I only saw a mile marker/timer at mile 10. Did I just miss all of them??
Anyways, the best part is that my leg didn’t bother me at all during the race. I guess resting actually does heal injuries, huh? 
Congrats on the race! Seems that your pace was still really awesome despite your setbacks, which you couldn’t prepare for, so you did great! And yay for your legs too.
Great job on the run even if it wasn’t your best! That’s a great time all the same! I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you today! I agree that the parking/metro situation was pretty ridiculous. They really should have opened the metro earlier which would have alleviated some of the parking issues.
Awesome race!
I think we kind of lucked out with the parking situation – the route we took in dumped us right into a parking lot. It was mostly full, but there were still grassy areas for the cars to park in.
I only saw mile markers at 1, 5 and 10. I’m not sure why it was at 1, but 5 and 10 were relay stops, so I’m guessing that’s why they were there. I have no idea why a race of that distance wouldn’t have mile markers! I’m so glad my friend had a Garmin that was close enough (the tall buildings and tunnels affected hers, too), otherwise I would have had NO clue how far/fast I was running.
Congrats on the race! Way to power through what looks like a pretty big blister!
My Garmin went nuts with the underpasses too. And the course was not marked at all – at least on the 5 miles I ran. I didn’t see a single mile marker!
Fun seeing you run by me today! You were on fire girl and I couldn’t tell you were having issues at all! You did a great job!
Congratulations on a great time!
Congrats on a great race! Wish I got to see u!!!
congratulations Liz on gutting it out through challenges – and despite feeling like you came up short, breaking 2 hours with a crabby stomach and blisters is fantastic!
Considering how expensive this race is for a half, it’s disappointing to hear so many things about poorly managed aspects of the event (bib pickup lines, missing mile markers, etc). Certainly doesn’t make me want to rush to sign up next year.
Congrats on a great race! Way to pull it together after the stress of getting to the start and stomach problems. I also didn’t see any mile markers except 10 — and my Garmin registered a 13.58 mile course? It’s a race with so much potential, so I imagine (hope?) some of the logistical issues get worked out for next year!
You did it Liz! They can’t all be the BEST races, but you are such a rockstar. <3 You're an inspiration to me.
That is a great time, Liz, especially considering that you were totally rushed getting there and had stomach issues. There is not much more unsettling than not being able to get to / park at the race! Congrats on finishing and getting so close to your PR!
This brought back so many great memories for me—the Howard U. stop (students were blasting Dr. Dre when I passed there … is there any better crowd support?), the early hills, the late downhills. Sorry your stomach wasn’t cooperating, but congrats on the great time nonetheless!
congrats on the time!!!
You’re a rock star!! 
I too was a little distubed by the lack of mile markers as well – i think i saw mile 1, mile 6, mile 10 and then not til the finish. Was not a fan.
The same thing happened to me in my half last weekend. I lost all energy around Mile 10 and then I ended up walking in Mile 12. You did great though!
Wish we found each other in the am. Congrats to you. You did such a great job and you should be proud! Lets find a boston half to do!
having a good time = more important than PRing sometimes. i still think you’re a rock star.
and ouch, that foot looks painful!
I’ve read quite a few race recaps and I can’t get over the start line situation! The national half needs to get their stuff in gear and move the start time back, or make an agreement with the metro to start service earlier. Oh, and adding additional parking would be good too! I’m also shocked about the lack of mile markers, I’ve seen that as a major trend throughout the recaps too. I’m sorry you didn’t get your goal but it still looks like you had a solid race! Great work
Congrats on fighting through your stomach issues. That’s a great time and you should be proud, PR or no PR. Also, I agree with the parking situation. It just plain sucked!
I loved the crowd at Howard U, this year and last year and the cheering squads are phenomenal. I too had a tough race, and I still am amazed when people tell me that they don’t think this course is hilly. It’s a mother. I had a tough time this year and I do think not seeing any mile markers until 10 was a huge blow to focus. I remember having to mess around with my garmin to try to get a read on the mileage so I could figure out how long I had left! And agreed about the parking, that’s something that really needs to get worked out before next year!
Congratulations, considering your leg issues prior to the race, coming so close to your PR must be pretty delightful!
Given all that you went through before and during the race, your time is really impressive! Congrats on a strong run. You’ll get that PR soon.
I agree with all of your logistical complaints. I love local races, but I think they need to address a few things before I sign up again.
Oof, that blister is hard core, what a badge of honor.
Congrats on getting so close to a PR, that’s really encouraging! Btw, I ran 13.29, but that was due to a lot of weaving in and out.
the start line was ridic. and i still can’t believe they didn’t have mile markers. even races with like 3 runners have mile markers.
congrats on a super strong race! can’t wait for SUNDAY!
Congrats on a great race! You came so close to a new PR and ran a strong half-marathon. I echo Lizzy’s comment – come run in Boston!
Congrats on the half marathon even though you didn’t PR. You still had a great finishing time! I hope your blister heals soon
Great job Liz! I am sorry you were so close to a PR and didn’t reach it. That’s the worst feeling. But you still did amazing! Don’t forget that
Congratulations on the great race! Even though it’s not a PR, you still ran amazing considering all the drama of getting to the race, etc. I love how in DC it can take you forever to get a few miles.
You should do the army ten miler in October
Oh my gosh – I can’t believe you had to run to the start!! My family told me they saw people running and felt so bad for them. I really think the race organizers need to do something to fix the parking/road closure issues. I’m sorry you had such a stressful start to the race but you did so well despite all that!! Congratulations on a great race – you were so close and I know that PR is in reach for you!! I’m bummed we didn’t get to meet up when I was in DC. Please come to Boston and run soon!!
Oh, and the mile markers were awful the entire time. I saw maybe 3 the entire race??
Sad to have missed you this weekend, but Congrats on finishing so strong!
I think I forgot how long Connecticut Avenue seems when you’re running it, too – but it’s So fun to run familiar routes!
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