Latest reviews by Alexis

(2015)
"First Time 10 Miler"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
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Race Management

I ran the most fun, beautiful race I could have asked for!

It was perfect weather for a race day, and the Cherry Blossoms had bloomed just a couple of days in advance of the race, so the scenery was everything. This was the longest distance I'd ever run, so of course I managed to earn a PR for this race. :-)

I was grouped with the purple corral, which meant I a was super slow (which I already knew). Considering that I wasn't sure if my knees were going to survive the distance, I really didn't care which group I was in. Plus, I had never actually run 10 miles, so there was that.

I was off to a decent pace. Man, was the city at its finest! I absolutely love D.C. I think it's such a beautiful city, and I'm so fortunate that I live in this area. The cherry blossoms are absolutely gorgeous, and we had such great views the entire race!

When we headed towards the Kennedy Center, after our loop near Arlington National Cemetery, I saw my friend/volleyball teammate, Christie, with an awesome sign. There were so many supporters with great signs during this race! I think checking for funny signs helped power me through the race! My family came out to support me, but I completely missed them and didn't connect with them until the end of the race because I was completely entranced with the Martin Luther King Memorial, and they were right around this area, soaking in all the crazy costumes.

During the race, we were given water, per usual, but we were also given the opportunity to try Gatorade Endurance (Lemon-Lime Flavor). I don't think I'd ever had it before, and the first experience was a little overwhelming. It tasted super salty the first time, but I definitely think the combination of Endurance and water helped keep me hydrated.

So many people complain about the Hains Point section of the race, but I personally loved it. What was not to love?? Both sides of the road are lined with cherry blossoms, and while the crowd is smaller, it is much more serene than any other part of the race. It was breathtaking! I saw lots of people stop to take pictures and I almost took a running selfie myself!

Towards the end of the Hains Point segment, there was this AWESOME all-women percussion band called Batala. They were so good! I actually paused my music and just ran to the beat of their drums.

Finally, I made my way through the last stretch of the race. I actually picked up the pace significantly around mile 8.5. I only had a mile left, since the race was cut about .5 miles short due to a very serious accident that occurred just before the race began. The crowd picked up, and everyone was cheering.

I finally reached the finish line, and I felt my arms shoot up in the air with triumph. I did it! I was so proud of myself! I had worried so much that I wouldn't be able to do it, that I would collapse, or that I would get picked up by the sweeper truck. I finished towards the back of the gigantic race, but I still beat more than 1,200 people! And I'll tell you what: It might sound cheesy, but I beat everyone who was still in bed! :-)

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