My parents live in Pompano Beach, Florida and have been pushing this race for a few years (since the full marathon goes past their house). The timing coincided with a last minute trip I had planned to visit them and I was able to register 2 weeks before the race. Having a place to stay and a mom to chauffeur me around during race weekend was an added bonus and kept costs down.

We visited the expo on Friday afternoon, right as it opened. My expo experience was quick and easy. It had great embellishments like a wrapped Lexus with all of the runner's names, as well as a wall from Dick's Sporting Goods that had the names of the runners. I grabbed my bib, bag, and shirt (a little off with the sizing of the women's cut) and I was set!

There was a heat advisory for the day of the race. Race organizers did a great job of keeping everyone informed through email and posts to Facebook. I was surprised that they don't have more of a presence on Twitter, since that's something I'm used to with big races. Given that it was going to be so warm, I made sure to hydrate the day before the race and planned to stop at every water station.

The race was schedule to begin at 6am, which meant that I set my alarm for 4am. The early start made sense in Florida, as the day goes on the hotter it gets. Super mom was able to drop me about a block from the start line (because she's awesome). I assumed that she would drive home and then come get me later, after the race. Instead she parked her car nearby and stayed for the entire race. (Again, because she's awesome!)

Going into the race, I had two goals. Have fun and get it done! I was pretty sure that I wasn't going to be setting any records, so originally I placed myself near the 2:45 half pacer and figured I would see if I could hang with him for awhile.

We started the race just after 6am and I had a smile on my face as we took off down Las Olas Blvd.

But we came to a screeching halt .2 miles in when we watched in disbelief as the arms at the railroad crossing came down and we heard the low horn of what can only be described as the longest train in the history of trains.

Thankfully the race organizers decided to bring everyone that was stopped by the train back to the start and we were able to begin the race again. There was an audible collective sigh of relief when they walked through the crowd to reel us back in.

We started once again and the false start just reaffirmed my plan to take it easy and enjoy. Since we wound up starting a half hour later than planned the sun was coming up and it was warming considerably.

The first water stop was short on volunteers I wonder if they thought that the runners had all passed through with the first wave of people that made it before the train. The volunteers that were there hustled to make sure that everyone got cups of water. I was very grateful for them!

Just before mile 3, my mom was cheering and I was so happy to see her along the course! I got a little teary-eyed as I continued along on my way but then reminded myself that I needed to stop so I didn't dehydrate myself, especially as we turned onto A1A, right along the beach.

The sun was strong and I was looking for some sort of respite. Thankfully, right past mile 4, we turned into Hugh Taylor Birch Street Park and its beautiful canopy of trees. We looped through the park for miles 5 and 6 and eventually came out around the area we entered.

I was very impressed with throughout the entire race was the flow of things. Even though the runners were on the road, they had some lanes open to cars. There were police and other volunteers stationed at each intersection and I felt safe the entire race.

Around mile 7 I was getting a bit more sluggish and decided to switch from 2:1 intervals to 1:1 intervals. That was the right call for me and I continued on along the route, smiling all the way.

I bopped to my music, thanked every volunteer I saw, pressed on multiple signs for a power boost, pet dogs, and oh, stopped at the unofficial beer station!

There were a multitude of photographers on the course and they snagged nearly 20 pictures of me through the race. Even though it wasn't a fast race for me, I actually purchased the pictures because I look like I'm having a blast in nearly every single one of them. And I was!

I saw my mom once more, around mile 12, and then headed to the finish. The finish line was a little confusing because there was a Publix inflatable we ran under and then a bit further up the actual finish line. I just kept running until I saw the timing mats and medal racks!

The medals are gorgeous and open in a locket style to reveal more beauty. From what I understand, they are different every year and I can see the draw to return for the medals alone (although the course and support were pretty fantastic too).

The finish line party was impressive! Tons of vendors giving away lots of drinks and food. There was a picture opportunity with a sand sculpture but there was a long line so I continued on my way and met up with my mom.

I'm so grateful I had the chance to run this race! Even though it was hot and I thought I was melting, it reminded me how much fun I can have while running. It was a bucket filler race and I'm so glad that I did it!

For more pictures and wordiness from me (is that possible?), feel free to swing by: http://www.scootadoot.org/2017/02/22/fort-lauderdale-a1a-half-marathon-2017/