Charleston Half Marathon Recap

Morning, Y'all! I am back from a girl's weekend in Charleston where we stayed at one of my favorite hotels in the friendly city 'up north' to Savannah! Saturday, two of my college gals and I ran the Charleston Half Marathon and what a fun race it was. Here's a quick recap and I'll do another post about the food (it was restaurant week!!) , fun, and frills while we were there. I always enjoy my time in Charleston!

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Pre Race!

Expo & Packet Pick-Up

Small expo, as would be expected for a smaller race! Everyone was SOOO friendly!

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RACE DAY. BAM!

Pre-Bag...

hawt.

The girls and I walked from the Mill House Inn, a quick 0.9 miles, down to the start. Now, I know I can't complain because it's a lot colder in other places. But holy moly. Thank goodness for trashbags! 

We make our way to the start and my friend's gear check their crap. Apparently, A+ for gear check as they got all their stuff at the end easy peasy. I just load all my stuff into my fanny pack fuel belt.

We dance around for a few minutes until the race kicked off. Pretty much scoping out our competition and their outfits. I love looking at cute run gear at races.


And we're off.

The first 3 miles of the course was gorgeous. Winding through downtown Charleston and the historic area. Love Charleston. The middle portion of the course reminded me of Savannah's, industrial. Which doesn't really bother me... I just zone out and run! Better than winding through--> turn, turn, turn. 


I had a great 5k split (0:33) and 8k split (0:57). Both PRs for me. Then whomp whomp whomp. I went out too fast! Oh well. Remember, this was my first official half mary. I do have another next month. So I will pace myself a little better.

So I round the corner and want to finish in 2:45. BAM. Garmin clicks on 13.1 at 2:44... official time at 2:45.53 (13.25 mileage). I am one happy chick for a few moments...


I go to where they are handing out medals. And excuse me. Oh, sorry. They ran out. Boo. But it's ok. I put my name on the list to get one mailed to me! Moral of the story, run faster ;)


My only real complaint about the race was not having water right at the finish. You had to search for it. I know a few people had issues with the lack of porta potties on the course, I didn't have to go.... so I was ok. I also know that they said they would have gu's at the water stations. I bring my own fuel, but I did not see any fuel at the stations. 


Overall- I give this race ....

 3 out of 4 Hunters!

There is room for improvement, but for a 2nd year race (and for the HOT police & fire detail) I believe they did a great job.

See y'all next year!