• Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Fitness
  • Nutrition
  • |
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Brand partnerships
    • Nutrition Coaching
January 19, 2016

Charleston Half Marathon 2016 Race Recap

33 comments
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

If you’re looking to do a January half or full marathon next year, want to escape from cold weather/snow, and are looking for a well-organized non-massive race with a pretty course – put the Charleston half/full marathon on your list.

charleston half marathon

As you guys know, Matt and I were extremely fortunate to have been sponsored by our friends at Cabot to run this race, and they very generously gave us bibs for the race and covered our flights and hotel. Cabot was going to be at the race feeding the volunteers, and emailed me a few months ago asking if Matt and I would be interested in running the race as a fun offshoot to my work with them over the past few years (I’ve been on their Cabot Fit Team twice now, and have done some other projects with them as well). I was surprised that Matt was into the idea of doing another half marathon (this was his second – the first was the Pittsburgh Half Marathon in 2014) – the fact that it was in Charleston was a nice bonus. We’d been looking forward to this weekend away for a long time now! And yes, we are twinning in the photo below. I got dressed first, so I blame Matt. 😉 #CabotPlaid

charleston marathon race expo

It was refreshing doing a small race (just over 3,000 runners) after so many massive races lately – the packet pick up/expo was a breeze, as was getting to the race on Saturday morning. In terms of fuel, I brought some things from home for us to eat beforehand – one slice each of this paleo bread from Amazon that I really like (obviously I’m not paleo, but I find it helps keep me satisfied way longer than normal toast does, especially since we’d be eating awhile before the running started) and a banana to share. (Also, it’s called sandwich bread, but it’s really dense so I just use it as a heartier breakfast bread!) We also each had some Vega Pre-Workout Energizer (love that stuff – I have it before all my super early morning workouts because I can’t do coffee first thing/before running).

IMG_0152

The race started at 8; we arrived around 7:30. More porta potties would have been nice because the lines were really long, but that was our only complaint.

charleston half marathon start

It was a GORGEOUS morning – in the low 50’s and perfectly clear. The sun made it a tad warm for racing, but considering it was January the weather felt pretty incredible. 🙂

IMG_0153

I brought an old space blanket from the finish area of the Nike Women’s Half Marathon to keep me warm, and ditched it right before we started. I also wore my Nathan hydration vest for the race, as always – not a fan of stopping at water stops. Sidenote for anyone else who has this vest – I had problems with the water bladder getting leaks and finally bought this hydration bladder to replace it. It’s amazing – no more leaks, AND the tube is insulated/wrapped so it doesn’t freeze in cold weather. Highly recommend!

how to stay warm at a race start line

Right at 8 and we were off! As I mentioned, we both wanted to race this race – we planned to start together but it would be an “every man for himself” type approach with whoever felt better welcome to take off ahead.

charleston half marathon start

It was really crowded at the start – especially because there some huge leftover rain puddles in the road that people had to bottleneck to avoid – which was a little frustrating since I was trying to get on pace right out of the gates, but I did my best to weave in and out. I lost Matt pretty much immediately – it was crowded and I wasn’t sure if he was ahead or behind me.

Before too long, we came out on the water to breathtaking views. Beautiful houses, palm trees, and water. LOVED this part of the course!

charleston half marathon

charleston half marathon

The views made up for it, but the only not awesome thing about this part of the course was that the sun was blasting right in our faces – oof.

charleston half marathon views

As you guys know, I wanted to try to set a new PR (personal record) on this course since it was nice and flat. I knew I wasn’t super well trained thanks to skipping 3 weeks worth of track workouts over the holidays, and slacking on track work this fall, too, but I figured I’d give it my all and see how I felt. I needed to be at around a 7:50 min/mile pace to just beat my PR, so I started out aiming for that.

  • Mile 1: 8:11 (crowded!)
  • Mile 2: 7:43
  • Mile 3: 7:58

charleston half marathon

By the time we reached mile 4, I knew I was already off pace and my legs weren’t cooperating, but I figured I’d keep trying to go as quickly as I could while enjoying the views, which were still lovely – at this point we were near Battery Park.

charleston half marathon

Shortly after we turned into the historic downtown area of Charleston and started heading north on King street (the main shopping/restaurants street).

charleston half marathon

As you can see, I definitely slowed down but my legs were just NOT interested in going faster.

  • Mile 4: 8:13
  • Mile 5: 8:11

charleston half marathon

Dear women running in capes: you are awesome.

charleston half marathon super girls

Around this point I busted out my fuel – Matt and I both had a café mocha Huma gel (they have caffeine – awesome). I bought us this Huma gel variety pack recently to try and I’m a big fan! They are basically normal gels with a better ingredient list and the addition of finely milled chia seeds. All the reviews raved about no GI issues, which as a runner is key. 🙂 The chia seeds adds a nice little extra nutrition boost, too! I ate it really slowly, taking little bits of it every mile, so I didn’t finish it until about mile 10. I think that approach helps with not having GI issues – and with sustaining energy a bit too.

huma gel cafe mocha review

Despite the fuel boost, at mile 6, my legs were officially tired (walking miles with Matt the day before to explore the city was probably not the smartest idea…) and I knew I couldn’t make up the time to set a PR. New plan: smile and enjoy the rest of the race, and still try to get a good time even though I’d be way off a PR. 🙂

  • Mile 6: 8:31
  • Mile 7: 8:32

Around mile 7, I ran into Matt! Turns out he was just a little behind me the whole time. I was really excited to see him – gave me a nice boost of energy. 🙂

charleston half marathon selfie

Matt had tucked in with the 3:35 full marathon pace group (they wouldn’t be splitting off until mile 10) and we ran the next couple miles together, talking a little but mostly just doing our thing. The pace group was doing about an 8:10 so I pushed it to speed back up a bit again and keep up.

charleston half marathon

  • Mile 8: 8:11
  • Mile 9: 8:15

I was starting to fall back a little bit after that so I told Matt to carry on without me. I wanted him to see what he could do!

Around this point I also enjoyed reading the back of this guy’s shirt. Love this quote!

IMG_0593

A little before mile 10 we split off from the full marathoners. Not gonna lie – I was glad to not have to run as far as they were. 😉

charleston marathon split

After the split, the course was not so beautiful for a little while – we ran through an industrial area – and I was feeling pretty tired, but just told my legs to keep on moving. 🙂

charleston half marathon

  • Mile 10: 8:29
  • Mile 11: 8:35

I was pumped when a little after mile 11 we entered beautiful Riverfront Park.

charleston half marathon

Pretty views always lift my spirits – this was no exception!

charleston half marathon

charleston half marathon scenery

I loved this crazy bike sculpture!

charleston half marathon views

charleston half marathon course

charleston half marathon

We ran through some North Charleston neighborhoods after leaving the waterfront – beautiful.

IMG_0607

Hello, mile 12!

charleston half marathon

When we turned onto a street entering town I knew we were close. I didn’t have a ton of gas left in the tank but I tried to dial it up a notch. Let’s finish this!

charleston half marathon

There it is – the finish line! The most exciting part of a race. 🙂

  • Mile 12: 8:41
  • Mile 13: 8:54
  • Pace for 0.27 (according to watch) mile nubbin: 7:44

charleston half marathon finish line

Check out these gorgeous medals!

charleston half marathon race medal

I crossed the finish line in 1:50:29. Nowhere near a new PR but still an awesome time, and I’m proud of it! 🙂

IMG_0617

I found Matt shortly after I finished – he finished in 1:49:33, crushing our time from his first half marathon (1:54). So proud of him!

IMG_0155

We stretched out a little bit and then it was time to enjoy the after party! It was INSANELY nice out (mid 60’s and super sunny) and the Charleston Marathon put on an awesome post-race shindig. Food, drinks, and a band! We grabbed some water and snacks (peanuts – so good post-race – and a chocolate milk) and walked over to the course to cheer on the runners still coming in.

charleston marathon post-race party

We cheered for about an hour – I always appreciate spectators so much when I’m out there so it was nice to pay it forward. 🙂

IMG_0625

After cheering, we continued to enjoy the after party! We were having the best time enjoying the weather. A great band set up and started to play, and we had little tickets on our bibs good for 2 beers (or mimosas, as I discovered!) and 1 shrimp and grits. So southern – loved it!

charleston marathon post race beer

charleston half marathon shrimp and grits

The mimosas were amazing – I never want beer after a race, but mimosas hit the spot. 🙂

charleston marathon mimosas

What a fun morning! We finished the race a little before 10 and didn’t end up leaving the after party until 1 p.m. Couldn’t have asked for better weather – or better company. 🙂 It felt really nice to just hang out outside with my best guy with no plans or agenda waiting for us! And the post-race endorphin rush didn’t hurt, either. 🙂

Another HUGE thank you to our friends at Cabot for this amazing opportunity! Speaking of – if you are a fellow sharp cheddar loving running blogger, they opened up applications for their 2016 Cabot Fit Team trip – check it out! This year they’ll be racing in Vermont in May – sounds amazing.

IMG_0628

I’ll be back tomorrow to share a round up of where we ate and what we did in Charleston outside of running – stay tuned! Also – wondering how I got action shots during the race? I carried my trusty point and shoot camera in my hydration pack, as always. It’s way easier to use a real camera than a smartphone when you are running!

Anyone else race this weekend, in Charleston or elsewhere? How did it go?

—

Please note there are affiliate links in this post.

- anne
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

you might also like:

Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Race Recap 2015

Burke Lake Park 15k Trail Race

Nike Women’s Half Marathon in DC 2013 Recap

fit foodie 5k race recap

Weekend Fun + Fit Foodie 5k Fairfax Race Recap

leave a comment

Cancel reply

33 comments
  • Ash Diamond
    January 19, 2016 · 11:51AM:
    Great job! It's been years since I went to Charleston and choosing a destination half is the perfect way especially if it's on a long weekend or a Saturday!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 19, 2016 · 12:20PM:
      Exactly - it was so nice to have until Monday thanks to the long weekend!
      Reply
  • Nicole (Cuckoolemon)
    January 19, 2016 · 12:04PM:
    that post-race shrimp and grits looks amazing! congrats to you and Matt!
    Reply
  • Gretchen | Gretchruns
    January 19, 2016 · 12:39PM:
    This looks like such a nice race! The course is gorgeous, and I love the idea of a mimosa after a race. A beer always seems like a good idea, but I regret it quickly after drinking some! Congratulations to both of you :)
    Reply
  • Dietitian Jess
    January 19, 2016 · 12:57PM:
    Really looks like a great race- been wanting to plan a Charleston trip- excited to read more about your trip! Totally agree with never wanting an after race beer but I'm impressed its Sam Adams and not Michelob Ultra light (so gross)... love the peanuts and shrimp and grits as recovery food- yum!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 19, 2016 · 1:21PM:
      Yeah, Matt was impressed by the beer selections, too!
      Reply
  • Jennifer Thornburgh January 19, 2016 · 1:04PM:
    Great job recapping the race! However, i have to say...it may not always be a race to sign up for if you want to escape the cold. i ran the half back in 2012 and it was 19 degrees at the start; we were seriously huddled in the porta-potty at before the start because it was the only place that was warm! I actually could not feel my feet for the first few miles! i kept asking my friend if I could get frostbite =P
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 19, 2016 · 1:21PM:
      19 degrees?! Wow! We got lucky!!
      Reply
  • Erin January 19, 2016 · 1:05PM:
    That medal is lovely!
    Reply
  • Jen@bubblyrunner.com
    January 19, 2016 · 1:24PM:
    Congrats on your race! I LOVE Charleston so much and would love to do their half marathon, maybe next year. So fun that they served up shrimp and grits afterwards!
    Reply
  • dian
    January 19, 2016 · 4:02PM:
    Hi Anne, I am loving that pic of you and Matt in #Cabotplaid! Great race and recap! Congrats!!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 19, 2016 · 5:26PM:
      Thanks Diane! :) #CabotPlaid is the best!
      Reply
  • Taylor @ LiftingRevolution.com
    January 19, 2016 · 4:18PM:
    Glad you enjoyed the course! I love the Charleston Half, even along the train tracks. Great job, and yes the sun coming up on the battery stinks when running (and driving)!
    Reply
  • Cassie
    January 19, 2016 · 4:38PM:
    No racing, but I also love Charleston. Glad you had a good time.
    Reply
  • Carolyn @Cabot January 19, 2016 · 4:47PM:
    Congrats on a successful race, we are thrilled you enjoyed the weekend with Matt. Great recap and really enjoyed the images, I felt like I was on the course with you!~Carolyn @Cabot
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 19, 2016 · 5:26PM:
      Thanks, Carolyn! I hope you're well! :)
      Reply
  • Erin M. January 19, 2016 · 6:12PM:
    Awesome job! I love Charleston. It's so pretty!
    Reply
  • Lauren K January 19, 2016 · 10:59PM:
    Yay! How fun! PS- we need to half marathon together sometime soon, I bet we could pace each other to your well-earned PR!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 20, 2016 · 10:42AM:
      Yes, that would be awesome! Miss you!
      Reply
  • Heidi January 20, 2016 · 1:26AM:
    Great job on your run! I participated in a 28km trail race this weekend. I wasn't even going to start the run after being out with an injury for 6 weeks. It was hard but so beautiful, and I was very proud just to get to the end considering my lack of training.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 20, 2016 · 10:43AM:
      Glad to hear you are back on the run! :)
      Reply
  • Rachael @cabotcheese
    January 20, 2016 · 9:35AM:
    What a great recap! The race photos are an awesome "virtual race tour" :) Thanks for sharing! ~Rachael
    Reply
  • Regan @ Cabot Creamery
    January 20, 2016 · 12:38PM:
    Oh my gosh, it looks AWESOME! So glad you both had a good time. Way to go Matt on the new PR. And heck yes for mimosas and shrimp/grits after a race. Glad my southern neighbors treated you right :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 20, 2016 · 12:40PM:
      They did indeed. Wish you could have joined us! :)
      Reply
  • Sokphal@Life as a Classroom
    January 20, 2016 · 10:20PM:
    Oh you kids are so cute! :) Glad you had fun!
    Reply
  • Kris S January 21, 2016 · 8:03AM:
    Congratulations you guys!! Well done! :D
    Reply
  • Jill @ RunEatSnap
    January 22, 2016 · 10:57AM:
    I just had a client tell me he uses Huma gels. I had not heard of them but might check them out! Also, the medal is awesome!
    Reply
  • Roadrunner January 25, 2016 · 1:23PM:
    Well done to both you and Matt!
    Reply
- next post
previous post -

about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
Learn more

fannetastic reads

Top Posts
01

My Top 9 Most Popular Recipes + Posts

02

Why I Don’t Recommend Whole30

03

What Causes Sugar Cravings (+ How to Stop Them!)

04

How I Make Money As a Blogger

05

Blog Recipes We Make Again and Again

06

What to Eat Before and After a Long Run

07

What to Eat During Long Runs

08

7 Common Nutrition Myths

09

How to Love Veggies

connect with Anne

Email me
anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

follow anne:

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

back to top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recent Posts
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ

© copyright fannetastic food - site by kc - exclusive member of mediavine