I am an Iron Girl!

I officially have 13.1 in the books!  Let me start by saying it was a great race, and I am very proud of my time (2:10:10)!  I was able to convince my husband and mom to come to the race and the girls were there for the first time!  That was a great feeling.  When I came around the corner I could see them and they all started waving!  Madalynn Grabbed my hand and ran with me a little bit, and then I sprinted to to finish line!  It truly was an awesome experience.  There was a KILLER hill in mile 6 that I had to walk a little, but I made it.  Now for my critiques (better word than complaint, right?)

Security bracelet - It was put on my arm on Friday at the expo, and no one even checked it on race day.  Perhaps had I not been wearing one I would have been stopped at some point, but I seriously doubt it.  In my opinion, it was an unnecessary step.

Course short - Now this might be my Garmin's fault, but I noticed around mile 8, the marker was much sooner than when mine and other watches were beeping.  And I am not talking about .01 miles, I am talking about .2 miles!  According to my Garmin I only ran 12.89 miles.  Strange. 

Pace groups - it was previously advertised that they would have 7,9,11 and 13 min pace groups.  As a 10 min/mile runner I was disappointed that there was no 10.  At the last minute they added a 10 min mile pace group, complete with a homemade sign, but he was clearly unprepared to pace us for 10 min miles.  I managed to stay with him for 6 miles, but his splits were 9:43, 9:39, 9:26, 9:45, 9:33, 9:22.  Of course its nice to picture yourself going fast, but in my case when I lose energy on the first half of the course, I drag on the second half of the course. After I left him my splits were 10:30, 10:08, 10:51, 11:07, 11:07, 10:20.  I understand that he was there last minute, but still.

Porta Potties - normally I don't complain about them because I expect long lines, but they seriously should have had more.  They had maybe 20 total, for 2k + runners?  And not to mention the hand washing stations both ran out of water, and I didn't realize this until after I put soap on my hands!  Woops!  And there were only a few on the course, at mile 6.5.  Not that I would have stopped, but I heard other people complaining!

Kids stuff - Considering this is an all women's event, you should have prepared for alot of moms to be running, with kids that would like to have stuff to do.  I've seen some races have a section for kiddies, which always helps when trying to entertain them.

Now some of the good stuff!

The medal & bracelet were AWESOME!  So unique!!!!

After course food provided by wegmans was great & plentiful!!!

Free Muscle Milk - Awesomeness!

Free goodies for kids @ the Mix 106.5 tent - two thumbs up!

Parking & location were super easy.  I got there no problem, and my husband as mother came later to see me finish and had no issues - super bonus!

Positive and uplifting atmosphere - awesome!

I am writing this blog as both the girls are sleeping.  I would be sleeping too but I am still so pumped up from this morning, it's impossible!  I'm sure tonight I will be out like a light!

Stay tuned - next weekend I run my second half marathon in Frederick, completing the Titanium Girl Challenge!!!