On Saturday, March 12, 2016 I had the opportunity to run the Rock 'N' Roll half marathon in Washington, DC. My first half marathon was with this series in Las Vegas in December 2012 and I loved it then! Who doesn't love the RNR series? Between the great swag and expos, music with live bands every couple of miles, the runner's village along with great food and free beer...what's not to love about these races! There's so much to share that I'm writing two parts for this recap.

I had signed up for this race at last year's expo (I went to the expo even though I wasn't running the race last year to meet friends) because of the great expo price. And guess what, I signed up already for 2017 once again because of this special! I was a bit hesitant about this race as it wasn't the traditional DC race course that I was used to going through the monuments and Haynes Point. I also saw the elevation profile at mile six and thought, "That a hill!". I was also a bit hesitate with parking and getting to the race because this race had a different start and finish line. I had to park close to the finish line but metro to the start line.
I went to the expo on Thursday at the DC Armory.

DC Armory
I was glad that I chose to drive there because I pre-purchased the parking for race day and it was in Lot 6 which is where I had to park for the expo. Because of this discovery, I re-evaluated my plans for race day to allow for more time to get to the metro for the start line. The expo was smaller this year but I had more fun! I spent so much time at the expo and had a blast! Personally, I think that the RNR expos are some of the best running expos. Anyone else feel this way? :) Of course, great swag too!
I drove to DC and parking was super easy, what a pleasant surprise! The sunrise was beautiful over the city.

DC Sunrise
I hopped on the Metro to go downtown (Federal Triangle) for the Sparkle Sister meet-up. I had planned it and was hoping for a lot of sisters but this was more than I thought would show up. I love meeting new Sparkle Sisters and in every race, I always make a new friend because of Sparkle Skirts. These women are wonderful and there were many well wishes for the race going around!
The race started and we were off. First towards the Kennedy Center, the Memorial Bridge and then through Washington, DC. As I stated in Part I, I was a bit hesitant about this race. I had never run through some of the parts of DC with this race and the elevation at mile 6 scared me. However, the bands were wonderful along with the race support! Rockburn Park was beautiful and before I knew it, mile 6 was approaching! Yes, it is quite a hill! As one of my friends wrote on Facebook, he lost a lung and wondered if anyone had found it. The Wear Blue to Remember folks where at mile 6 with pictures and flags; quite a solemn moment. I made up it up the hill, turned the corner and there was a water stop along with a band. Well done, RNR DC! Just what I needed! There is a small hill at mile 9 which ran through a neighborhood and there was a Guinness Beer stop at one of the houses. Of course, I needed a swig of beer from these friendly people. I forgot to take a picture though; maybe next year! Somewhere between miles 9 and 10, I was in Adams Morgan and I ran into my friend, Brian from Shake Shack. He asked me how I was doing and I replied GREAT! He gave me a hug and wished me well. At mile 10 as I turned a corner, what did I see but the Brooks guy! This was fantastic !At mile 11, Toyota was there with inspirational signs and neighborhood people were handling out jelly bean! The bands and neighborhood support were wonderful throughout this race!
Before I knew it, I could see RFK stadium and the finish line. I sprinted to the finish line without realizing that I still had that much left in me! All I can say about this race is WONDERFUL! I have always loved the RNR Race Series and this one is going down as one of my favorite races! The bands, the course, the neighborhoods along with the support were all amazing! A huge thank you to all the volunteers, police and medical who helped make this race wonderful! We depend on you such much as runners and are so grateful for your support and time! THANK YOU!

I waited for friends, grabbed food and headed home. This is the first half marathon that I've done and didn't feel tired. I guess my cross-training is really helping!

I can't say enough good things about this race. I'm already signed up for next year and can't wait to do it again! The only thing that I would change is that I need to take more pictures! Again, RNR seems to have it together even the next day when I received an email with all my finisher badges, certificate, pictures, etc. Well done, RNR!

The race started promptly at 9 am and had almost 300 runners. The course itself was really nice going through part of downtown Wilmington leading into Brandywine and Rockwood Parks. These areas were wooded along the Brandywine River and the it was so beautiful. There are numerous trails throughout these areas and I am jealous of runners who live locally and are able to enjoy these areas. The volunteers along with the police officers were friendly and helpful in directing the course and the course was well laid-out with markers along with water/gatorade stops.The best features of this race were the after-party and the hot showers available at the YMCA afterwards. The after-party was held two blocks away from the finish line at an Asian Grill and Sushi Bar, Mikimotos. There were free beers along with water, cereal and milk, granola bars, pastries galore, yogurt and fresh fruit. Included were sodas and huge pretzels for the trip home. I really enjoyed this race and it may become a standard New Year's race for me. I love the medal also. :)

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of running the Inaugural Columbia Half Marathon. I hadn't done this when it was the Iron Girl because I was running the Nike Women's Half Marathon the last two years. This race was being sponsored by Rip It Events. This race was to support Athletes serving athletes. I have also done other races with this company and they are wonderful!

I went to packet pick-up on Friday after work at one of my local running stores, Feet First. My swag packet included my bib and timing chip, a t-shirt and a chapstick.On Sunday, I had the pleasure of running the Inaugural Columbia Half Marathon. I hadn't done this when it was the Iron Girl because I was running the Nike Women's Half Marathon the last two years. This race was being sponsored by Rip It Events. This race was to support Athletes serving athletes. I have also done other races with this company and they are wonderful!

There were water and gatorade stops at every mile along the race course. At the half-way point, there was a timing check point along with several volunteers shouting "Half-way there now"...little did they tell us that around the corner, they was a hill! From miles six through ten, the course was very hilly. I could really feel it. I started to get tired around mile ten and a half, thinking I am not going to PR this race as I thought due to the hills. The volunteers from miles eleven through the end were absolutely encouraging and wonderful. Thank you so much to the people who volunteer at races for us-we love you!

As I crossed around the corner at mile 13, I saw one of my running coaches waiting there shouting me to the finish line. Thank you, Bev for waiting for me even though you finished almost 45 minutes before me! As I looked at the finish line and saw the time, I quickly realized that I was going to PR by six minutes. I started to shout, jump up and high fiving everyone to the finish line. I can't wait to see that picture!

At the end, I was greeted by another friend, Mary and met her husband and beautiful daughter! Thank you, Mary for your kind words and for your husband taking pictures!