This was one of my worst marathons to date. I had goals of getting below a 3:45 time and came in 20 minutes later. The course was extremely hilly (over 700’ gained! On a supposed ‘flat and fast course’) and the weather was crazy (10 mph winds, 40*, and downpour of rain)!

The course was 2 loops of the half marathon and the last 3 miles of both loops included a crazy muddy/ dirt trail with a bunch of pebbles scattered about. It was also the smallest marathon I’ve ever done (maybe 200 finishers?).

I’m a terrible blogger and got zero race photos because it was just that miserable out. The volunteers that were there were amazing and if I had better prepared for the hills I think I would have done better (maybe?).

Overall, I was just so wet and cold by the time I finished the race that I couldn’t even open my bag to get my change of clothes! I celebrated post-race with the most amazing bowl of tomato soup from Panera with a grilled cheese and hot cocoa. Thankfully I also had an hour drive home where I was able to blast the heat in my car and have my heated seats going (ha).

They didn’t have enough porta potties at the start (I waited 10 minutes!), but we were able to wait inside a Ballroom before the start and store our bags there which was really helpful.

Overall, I’m thankful for the opportunity to run and complete another 26.2, but maybe want to set my sights on other distances for awhile. Change is good sometimes right?