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April 29, 2013

Nike Women’s Half Marathon in DC 2013 Recap

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Well, my friends – I am excited to share that if you didn’t already see yesterday via Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook… I have a new half marathon PR (personal record)!

nike womens half marathon

My college BFF Turner and I crossed the finish line together at 1:43:44 for an average pace of 7:54 minute/miles, smashing my PR from the Rock ‘n’ Roll USA half marathon last month by nearly 5 minutes! I’m so proud. 🙂

The Nike Women’s Half Marathon has become infamous for the Tiffany’s necklaces they give out at the finish line instead of medals. Until this year, in the US the race has only been offered in San Francisco, so when my friends and I saw it was coming to DC we jumped on it. We played right into their genius marketing plan but whatever – those necklaces would be ours. 😉

It was a beautiful day for racing yesterday! I gave myself PLENTY of time and arrived at the race a full hour before the start even though I wasn’t checking a bag. I’ve discovered by this point that peace of mind by getting to a race early > sleep. 🙂

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I took a few pictures, found the porta potties (the line was short since it was so early!), and then headed over to my corral. I was in place by 6:25 a.m., ready to rock!

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I was in the 7:30 to 8:59 pace corral and the only corral in front of us was 6:30 to 7:30. I’ve never been so close to the front of a race before – we were at the front of our corral and there weren’t that many people in the first corral! At first I was confused why there weren’t more people ahead of us, and then realized – duh! There were almost no guys running this race!

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Loved the “red carpet”!

I found my friends Turner and Sarah and we hung out, waiting for the race to start.

nike womens marathon

See those sleeves on my arms? They’re actually an old pair of Matt’s dress socks! I simply cut off the toe of a pair he was going to get rid of anyway and used them as arm warmers before the race start, ditching them just before we began. Such a great idea – totally doing that again!

Like with the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, Turner and I planned to run the race together. She’s faster than me but wasn’t looking for a new PR and wanted to help pace me to a new PR instead! You rock, Turner. 🙂 When I finished the Rock ‘n’ Roll USA half last month my first thought was “Wow, that was fast!!” and then my second thought was: “But you know what? I could have gone faster.” I remember it feeling hard but not crazy, and then I surprised myself by being able to do sub 8 minute miles at the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler a few weeks ago. With that in mind, Turner and I decided our goal for the race was sub-8 minute miles – what we had done a few weeks ago for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, just for 3 extra miles!

While we waited, a couple really cool elite runners were introduced up on the stage right by us: Shalane Flanagan and Joan Benoit Samuelson. Click on their names to read more about them – so inspiring! Shalane just got 4th place in Boston this year.

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The time waiting flew by and soon the corral tape was removed and we all crowded forward.

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And then we were off!

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Even though there were 15,000 runners out there, I didn’t find the course to be nearly as crowded as the Rock ‘n’ Roll USA or the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. I heard some of the farther back corrals had overcrowding issues and would have benefited from a wave start approach, but up front it was a nice change from the other large races I’ve done recently, again probably due to the lack of speedy guys.

Turner and I settled in to a speedy start. Since we didn’t have to do a ton of jostling and passing like we normally would during the first mile of a race, our first mile popped up at an impressive clip! Off to a good start.

  • Mile 1: 7:44
  • Mile 2: 7:52

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The pace felt fast to me but not insane. The weather was good, I had my best friend by my side, I knew the course would be pretty flat – I could do this. Just keep it up, Anne. Keep it up!

We crossed over Memorial Bridge around mile 3 and then looped back – I’ve done that loop in every race so far this season! Hello again, old friend. 🙂 It was cool because we got to see the first few women running by, coming back the other way!

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It also meant we got to see our friend Sarah and give her a cheer as she ran by a few minutes behind us going the other way!

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Nike did a great job with having fun music groups out to lift our spirits – loved all the drum bands, they were awesome!

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I knew that around mile 5, Matt and my brother Steve would be somewhere cheering us on, so that gave me something to look forward to! A big thank you to them for coming out so early. 🙂 I wish I’d thought to give Matt my DSLR camera, but they got some fun camera phone pics of us racing by!

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The band coming up on the left in the photo below was one of my favorites of the day:

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The music and the atmosphere there were so fun and inspiring I decided to take a quick video to capture the action! It’s shaky (duh, since we were running!) but fun – check it out! And turn up your sound to hear the band. 🙂

Nike Women’s Half Marathon in DC 2013

In case you’re wondering how I got all these photos and the video, I was carrying my trusty point and shoot camera (the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera)! I’m so used to carrying it while running now it doesn’t bother me, and I just hold the camera up in the air and press the button to take pictures – no stopping or slowing down necessary! Occasionally they come out blurry but I’ve gotten pretty good at it. 🙂 I think I need to work on my video while running skills though, lol.

    • Mile 3: 7:59
    • Mile 4: 7:48
    • Mile 5: 7:50

At mile 6, we entered Hains Point.

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Hains Point is kind of rough during races – even though it’s pretty (it’s by the water), it’s really long (we entered at mile 6 and exited at mile 10), there’s not much crowd support since it’s not near a metro, and it’s boring so it can be hard mentally. This was definitely the most challenging part of the course, although Nike did have some fun signs up and there were a few bands around to lift our spirits.

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There was a lot of Boston Strong love out on the course, too, which was wonderful. Thinking of all those who have lost the chance to run certainly inspired me to go faster.

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I also really liked the race sign on the left – “Run Harder Than Your Mascara”! 🙂

I ate a Clif Shot Gel around mile 7 and just focused on keeping up the speedy pace. Anytime I felt myself dip a little, I forced myself to keep it going. I was not going to give up now and regret it later! It really helped having Turner with me, too.

  • Mile 6: 7:51
  • Mile 7: 7:58
  • Mile 8: 8:08
  • Mile 9: 7:56
  • Mile 10: 7:54

As you can see, pace dipped a little at mile 8, and the second I saw that split pop up on my watch I was like NO! My legs could do this, I just had to keep my mind in the game.

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Finally at mile 10, we left Hains Point! I knew we still had 3 more miles to go, but I was happy to be on to the last part of the course and to double digits! We went through a cool tunnel during this mile where there were drummers at each end with strobe lights. We went through it early in the race, too – so cool! It was dim so the photo came out blurry but the drumming and lights were so inspiring. The sound reverberated through the whole tunnel!

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The only problem with the tunnel was that it made my watch a little wonky on pace for the part of the mile we were in there. Oh well!

  • Mile 11: 7:30 ish ?? It felt like we were going really fast – all those drums pumped me up!

After the tunnel, I was surprised and excited to see Matt and Steve again! Hello, energy boost! Matt yelled: “You’re kicking butt!”

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photo (1)

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My legs were definitely feeling tired by this point but knowing that we were nearing the end kept me going. We rounded a corner and had a beautiful view of the Capitol.

  • Mile 12: 8:09

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Time to start dialing it up a notch – we were so close! By this point I said to Turner: “We’re not only going to beat my old PR, we’re going to CRUSH it!”

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We looped around the Capitol, made a turn, and then had a nice view of the finish line. It was funny because it looked MUCH closer than it really was! We started majorly speeding it up only to realize it was farther away than we thought. Oops! But… can’t slow down, now! Just finish it out strong! I couldn’t believe that we were on track to break 1:45!

I heard Matt and Steve yelling for us again near the finish. Adrenaline surging, we made our final sprint to the green arches!

photo (13)

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And… VICTORY!

  • Mile 13: 7:38
  • Last 0.1ish miles nubbin pace: 6:50 (!)

Woohoo!! The distance on my watch was off, but the time was spot on. 1:43:44!! Average pace: 7:54 minute miles. I even got a high five from Shalane Flanagan when I crossed the finish line. 🙂 Turner got a high five from Joan Benoit!

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According to the official results, I finished 492 out of the 15,000 people out there – wow! In my age group division (F 30-34), I came in 88th!

When we crossed the finish, our promised necklaces were waiting. They had guys in tuxedos with platters of Tiffany’s boxes handing them out – too funny! Best finish line ever. 😉

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Even tied up with a pretty bow. 🙂

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We were given our finisher’s t-shirts, too, which are super cute (and functional – yay for tech tees)! Clearly I wore mine with pride the rest of the day, along with my necklace. 🙂

me

nike women's marathon tiffanys necklace

A big thank you to Matt and my brother Steve for coming out to cheer us on, to Turner for running with me and inspiring me to be a better and faster runner, to you guys for your social media good luck wishes (and congrats!), and to all the bands and volunteers out on the race course yesterday! What a great day. I’ll definitely be doing this race again if it returns to DC!

Who else raced this weekend? How did it go? 🙂

- anne
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127 comments
  • Christine @ www.idratherbesweating.com
    April 29, 2013 · 11:41AM:
    Congrats on a new PR. You rocked it! I so wanted to run the Nike Women's Half this weekend but had to pass. Looks like it was a well organized race and I hope to join in next year. You all had perfect weather. I settled for a 5 mile run with my daughter in the stroller :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 11:56AM:
      Good for you for getting out there anyway!
      Reply
  • Claire @ Health Nut Claire
    April 29, 2013 · 11:44AM:
    That looks like such a fun race!! Must put that on my running bucket list!
    Reply
  • outside time
    April 29, 2013 · 11:47AM:
    You did crush it! Congrats! Also - I'd run a Nike race just to get a race tshirt that actually fits!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 11:56AM:
      Right?! I LOVED the race shirt! Nike and Brooks do race shirts the best, in my experience! :)
      Reply
  • Stephanie D April 29, 2013 · 11:48AM:
    Congrats! What a great race recap. The medals this year are fabulous! Much nicer (and bigger!) than the NWM 2011 one I have!
    Reply
  • Monica
    April 29, 2013 · 11:52AM:
    Congrats & Awesome blog!!!
    Reply
  • Michelle M April 29, 2013 · 11:53AM:
    Congrats! I ran Nike, too and thought it was a great race. Crushed my last (and first) 1/2 marathon time by about 9 minutes! Fun to see all of your pictures and recognize the sights :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 11:55AM:
      Congrats!! :)
      Reply
  • Krissy @ Shiawase Life
    April 29, 2013 · 11:53AM:
    Great recap and huge congrats on the PR! I think the secret to this race was to do what you did and get to the front. We were in the same corral but it was SOOO mobbed halfway through that your pics make it look like we were running a different race!! LOL ;)
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 11:55AM:
      That's so crazy! I'm sorry to hear that but hope you still had fun :)
      Reply
      • Krissy @ Shiawase Life
        April 29, 2013 · 11:57AM:
        All good! We had a great time, as all three of us running together were treating it as a training run :)
        Reply
  • Kim @ Cooking in the City
    April 29, 2013 · 11:53AM:
    Congrats on a new PR! That's an amazing time, and looks like a really fun race. Do you know if it will be in DC again next year or was this a one time destination? I can't tell from the website.
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 11:55AM:
      I'm not sure! I have a feeling it will be back, though - it seemed like it was a big hit!
      Reply
  • Caitlyn @ City and the Cubicle
    April 29, 2013 · 11:54AM:
    SO awesome! love the tuxedos & tiffanys. classiest race ever! :) congrats!
    Reply
  • Elena
    April 29, 2013 · 11:57AM:
    Great recap!! I was further behind---and it was crowded for sure--but such a great race. The bands were fabulous--and such a perfect day to run!
    Reply
  • Krysten April 29, 2013 · 12:02PM:
    Well done, Anne!
    Reply
  • Marcey April 29, 2013 · 12:13PM:
    Great Recap! This race looked like a blast. Congrats on your PR, awesome job!
    Reply
  • Emily @ The Swallow Flies
    April 29, 2013 · 12:14PM:
    This was the best race recap ever! Thank you for sharing your experiences and getting me pumped up and excited for race season. Congrats on totally demolishing that PR! Wowza!
    Reply
  • Elizabeth April 29, 2013 · 12:15PM:
    Congrats Anne! I ran the race yesterday too and had a blast! Have the official results been posted yet? I can't find them.
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 12:33PM:
      Yes, I found a link to them on Nike's facebook page! http://werundclive.com/
      Reply
      • Elizabeth April 29, 2013 · 12:41PM:
        Thanks!!
        Reply
  • Natalie
    April 29, 2013 · 12:17PM:
    Congrats on the PR!! It was such a great race and I had so much fun!
    Reply
  • Liz
    April 29, 2013 · 12:26PM:
    Great job! I loved this race! Like you, I thought the pace corrals were fine, but I was in the 730-859 corral, too. I am sort of glad we didn't have too many long-legged men to deal with!
    Reply
    • Liz
      April 29, 2013 · 12:51PM:
      PS: I didn't realize just how long Hains Point was! I mean, it feels like forever, of course, but I never really knew it was like FOUR MILES LONG.
      Reply
      • Anne
        April 29, 2013 · 3:01PM:
        Right?! Totally agree!
        Reply
  • Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog
    April 29, 2013 · 12:34PM:
    Congrats on the PR!!! I've been eagerly awaiting your recap - I'd love, love, love to run this race someday - and I knew your post would be full of beautiful pictures!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 12:35PM:
      Aw, thank you! :)
      Reply
  • Colleen L
    April 29, 2013 · 12:36PM:
    Congrats on such a great race!! I actually think I saw you pass me on Hains Point. I had such a rough day running - felt awful from start to finish - so I had trouble really enjoying the race at all, but thought Nike did an AWESOME job and would love to give it another go if they're back here. Now I'll just have to find another half to redeem myself!
    Reply
  • Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian
    April 29, 2013 · 12:39PM:
    Congratulations on the new PR! You're just setting PR's like crazy, lady!
    Reply
  • Melissa R April 29, 2013 · 12:50PM:
    Great recap! I ran the race yesterday and although I finished just a few minutes behind you (1:47) I spent the first half of the race dodging and weaving SO MANY people--should definintely have moved up as well and then I might have had a new PR, too -- oh well! I'm happy it was such a nice day and a great event nonetheless. Loved the photos although I kept thinking...where are the crowds I ran with??? LOL
    Reply
  • Kris S April 29, 2013 · 1:16PM:
    Yay!!!! :) Love the photos of you and Turner running together! Wish I could have been there to cheer you on! :) xoxo!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 3:00PM:
      We missed you!! xoxo
      Reply
  • Danielle April 29, 2013 · 1:23PM:
    Congrats on the PR! The course was great and very flat. I PR'ed too but definitely not as speedy as you are. I was in one of the last corrals and it was SUPER crowed until about mile 6. I'd love to know what my PR would have been if it wasn't so crowded. Hope it comes back next year :)
    Reply
  • Megan
    April 29, 2013 · 1:29PM:
    I raced DC also and while I didn't get my time goal, I nailed a 7:36 PR for a 2:01:33 race... not too shabby. I LOVE the necklaces (rockin' mine today still) and those finisher tees! So happy I got into this race and just loved it!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 3:00PM:
      Congrats!!
      Reply
  • Angela
    April 29, 2013 · 1:36PM:
    Looks like such a fun race!! I would definitely buy into the Tiffany necklace marketing approach. :)
    Reply
  • Serendipity
    April 29, 2013 · 1:39PM:
    Congrats on your PR-- what a huge accomplishment! Loved the photos of the race. Looks like it was a gorgeous day there.
    Reply
  • Linda April 29, 2013 · 1:40PM:
    Anne, this might be you best blog post yet! Congratulations!
    Reply
  • Penelope
    April 29, 2013 · 1:43PM:
    Hi, this is so funny... I haven't seen your blog before, I was just looking for pictures from the race and I found myself in one of your pictures!! I did 1:43:28 so we were close the whole race! Thanks for the pic anyway hehe!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 2:59PM:
      No way! Which pic? Too funny :)
      Reply
      • Penelope
        April 29, 2013 · 3:09PM:
        Yes I know!!! The one we are finishing crossing the Arlington Memorial Bridge! I am wearing black tights, gray sleeveless shirt and yellow headband! I am gonna add you on Facebook!
        Reply
  • Alison @ racingtales
    April 29, 2013 · 1:47PM:
    Woo-hoo, congrats on your new PR! Looks like a very familiar course with that memorial bridge out and back, Kennedy center overhang, and Hains Point, but of course DC never gets boring!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 2:59PM:
      Yeah it was very similar to the Cherry Blossom for the first 10 miles - but like you said, DC is never boring! Except maybe Hains Point. ;)
      Reply
  • Jane @ Not Plain So Jane
    April 29, 2013 · 1:50PM:
    Wow, I am so inspired to focus on speed now! You really did crush your old PR. You'll be on a runner's high for a while. I actually really like the design of the necklace too!
    Reply
  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More
    April 29, 2013 · 1:56PM:
    Congrats on an awesome 1/2 and new PR!! I definitely want to run a Nike race one of these days! :)
    Reply
  • Becca April 29, 2013 · 2:03PM:
    That is amazing! Congrats on the new PR! I ran the Country Music Half in Nashville (another Rock n Roll race) and it RAINED THE ENTIRE TIME! And I'm not talking about sprinkles, full on rain! You should see the pics! We were soaked to the bone and quite cold by the end. People ran the entire race with trash bags and ponchos! My shoes are still drying out! Ha! Even though our time was not what we really wanted, I must admit I feel pretty good about running 13 miles in the pouring down rain! Looking forward to my next race though!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 2:58PM:
      13.1 miles in the pouring rain = super hardcore! Bragging rights! :)
      Reply
  • Anel April 29, 2013 · 2:10PM:
    Congrats on your PR! That's awesome!! The run looks like fun! I like how there are bands out there playing for the runners, and the tuxedo guys handing out the necklaces is such a hoot!! :) I did race this week. It was a 5K bubble run. It was an extra special run for me because my boyfriend ran it with me, and I got a 5K PR :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 2:58PM:
      A bubble run?! That sounds awesome!
      Reply
  • Vicky L April 29, 2013 · 2:35PM:
    Wow! You are amazing. Great blog. Looks like we both ended up with the perfect weather this weekend. I completed the first mud run of the season on Saturday, the MUD DOG at Ceresville in Frederick, MD. It was great! It was my son's first mud run. It was so awesome to be able to do it together. This is one of my favorite mud runs. No PRs were set it was great to watch my son complete all the obstacles and finish covered in mud with a huge smile on his face.
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 2:58PM:
      How fun - I love that you guys did the mud run together!
      Reply
  • beka
    April 29, 2013 · 2:40PM:
    Congrats on your new PR! So awesome. Great pics! I would love to run this race in the future - looks like a beautiful course and the Tiffany necklace doesn't hurt ;)
    Reply
  • Hayley @ Running on Pumpkin
    April 29, 2013 · 2:41PM:
    Awesome!! Love the necklace and shirt - and the men in tuxes handing them out! :) Congrats on the PR!
    Reply
  • Victoria (District Chocoholic)
    April 29, 2013 · 2:48PM:
    Congrats on the awesome PR! And this of course raises the question...any interest in going for the full 26.2 someday :)?
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 2:57PM:
      Stay tuned for some more thoughts on that... :)
      Reply
  • Lu April 29, 2013 · 3:07PM:
    Hi! I just found your blog - I did the Nike women's half this past weekend too, though at a much slower time. Love the healthy yummy recipes on your blog and your colorful voice. Congrats on the PR, looking forward to trying out your recipes!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 3:21PM:
      Welcome! :) Congrats on running, too!
      Reply
  • Danielle @ Truffles n' Treadmills
    April 29, 2013 · 3:10PM:
    great job with the new PR! that's awesome. also those necklaces are so cute! I would run it just to get one
    Reply
  • Zulma April 29, 2013 · 3:27PM:
    Well done, as always! t-shirt is lovely! and the necklace is so cute!!
    Reply
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    April 29, 2013 · 3:29PM:
    Epic! Makes my 10k race I did last night the dark seem so meager!!! :) Well done on the time!! Amazing and the necklace is very cute!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 3:34PM:
      Not meager at all! That's great! :)
      Reply
  • Monica April 29, 2013 · 3:29PM:
    This race was great and a blast but I could never have PR'd because of the blockage at the start. I was in the 10-12 minute corral - which is already way too many people to be in one corral - and we were started somehow with some ladies who were planning to walk the whole thing, from the start. (Which is great, just don't start in front me and walk! I'm here to run!). I ended up being 10 minutes slower than my Rock N Roll time, and it was entirely because I spent so much time walking in the first two miles that by mile 2 I was 10 minutes behind and couldn't make it up in the next 11. Great race, but if you want to PR, get there early and sign up for a fast corral.
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 3:33PM:
      What a bummer! Totally agree that 10 to 12 minutes should have been split into at least two corrals, maybe more. That's a HUGE difference!
      Reply
      • Courtney
        May 2, 2013 · 10:00AM:
        I loved this blog post and completely agree with you, Monica! I was also in the 10-12min corral which definitely should've been broken up into two. However, I still loved the race, loved how many water stations there were and of course LOVED the men in tuxes giving out the fab necklace. I'm hopeful that the race will come back to DC next year so I can do it again and make an effort to be in the front of my timed corral -- lesson learned :) Congrats Anne on a great race!
        Reply
  • Christine April 29, 2013 · 3:38PM:
    Congratulations on your race! I was at the back of the pack - in the 14++ corral and, like you, I thought the race was much less crowded than others I've done, especially Cherry Blossom. Your favorite band was the GREEN MACHINE from George Mason University. Just past them was the Howard University pep band. I still want to know the name of that all female drumline by the Kennedy Center though.
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 4:01PM:
      Awesome - thanks for sharing! They were all great!
      Reply
      • Turner April 29, 2013 · 8:44PM:
        I actually looked up the female drum band at the Kennedy Center because they were so awesome! They're called Batala: http://www.batalawashington.com
        Reply
        • Anne
          April 30, 2013 · 9:59AM:
          They seriously rocked!
          Reply
  • Lee
    April 29, 2013 · 3:45PM:
    Congrats on an awesome race! My sister ran it too (her first half). I was actually standing right before that tunnel by mile 11. I could hear the drummers but I wondered what was inside!
    Reply
  • Coco
    April 29, 2013 · 4:33PM:
    Woohoo! Congratulations! I like the "We run uncensored" sign. And the Tiffany's necklace. Sweet!
    Reply
  • Reba- Not So Perfect Life
    April 29, 2013 · 4:49PM:
    I was in DC this weekend for the race. I didn't run it but I was along the course. Seems like a great event and I will def do it next year. AWESOME time... seriously awesome.
    Reply
  • Hunter April 29, 2013 · 4:52PM:
    I loved this post! So good to see Turner & Melby running DC too! I saw that you and Shalane finished so close together- like only 11 minutes apart. THAT IS SO COOL! Congrats!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 4:58PM:
      Next time, I'll totally beat her. ;)
      Reply
  • Gabrielle April 29, 2013 · 5:05PM:
    Great summary of the race! While I am much slower than you, I also set a PR and beat my RNR Half time by 5 minutes! It was definitely a fun course and the music and spectators were super motivating. Great post! :-)
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 5:22PM:
      Yay, congratulations on your new PR! :)
      Reply
  • Roadrunner April 29, 2013 · 5:27PM:
    Congratulations, Anne! Awesome race. Really impressive. And loved the camera work and narrative, too. You crushed it! And loved the arm sleeve idea! Well done... What's the new goal? :-)
    Reply
  • MegG April 29, 2013 · 5:57PM:
    Woohoo! Congrats on the PR, it was a gorgeous day and a wonderful race, I love your description of it! We must have been right near each other at the start! I wish I had gotten a picture on memorial bridge as the winner was passing, I was too slow to get my phone out. She was one of my teammates in college!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 6:00PM:
      No way - that's awesome you knew the winner! :)
      Reply
  • ani April 29, 2013 · 6:16PM:
    Congrats! I was there too in the same corral but towards the middle. very crowded. Fun race and loved it in DC. BUT they really need to print an etiquette guide for newbies on runner's etiquette!
    Reply
    • nicole April 29, 2013 · 6:47PM:
      Agreed!!! I had the same experience. Lots of people inaccurately placed...I was surrounded by slow pacers and walkers, mostly bc they gated off the entrance to the corals 10 min before the start of the race, so we had to wait until all the runners passed the start! 7:00, 8:00, and 12:00 min/mile pacers were all running together. Frustrating! Still fun once the crowd broke away tho.
      Reply
      • Anne
        April 29, 2013 · 6:59PM:
        Bummer! Guess it's a good thing I got there so early... I've definitely slipped in last minute at other races before though so I would have been annoyed if they wouldn't let me in!
        Reply
  • nicole April 29, 2013 · 6:41PM:
    Thanks so much for posting your recap! I was trying to explain the experience and just couldn't do it justice, but your photo story was a great accurate account! My fave part was the tunnel the second time around. I was also shooting for a PR, but I was unfortunate enough to be one of those unlucky ones stuck in the back of the corals...my first mile was a 10:45!!!!! I wanted to cry bc it felt like I was walking, and was dashing away at my PR hopes. The first tunnel made it impossible to get around anyone. Ah well....i know now to get settled in the corals early! It was the greatest spectator race I've run to date! :) Quick question: did you run w a camelbak? How does it work for you? Ready to retire my belt but scared to be reliant solely on water stations.
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 29, 2013 · 7:00PM:
      Aw I'm sorry to hear you got trapped for that first mile! SO frustrating when that happens - I had that happen in 2009 at Cherry Blossom 10 Miler and it was a huge bummer. Regarding the Camelbak, yes, I ran with it! I LOVE it. I really like having my own water and being able to drink it whenever - and not worrying about water stations! Plus I can store my phone in the pocket on the CamelBak.
      Reply
      • nicole April 29, 2013 · 7:48PM:
        Awesome...can you tell me what kind it is...or send me a link! I'd love to try it out. I've looked into a few, but they always have a strap across the chest, which looks miserable, but yours doesn't have that....
        Reply
        • Laura April 30, 2013 · 9:08AM:
          I have one of the version w/ the strap and I love it! Very comfortable and I like the security of it not moving around-I think the chest strap helps. I don't even notice/feel that it's there.
          Reply
        • Anne
          April 30, 2013 · 10:12AM:
          My exact CamelBak doesn't exist anymore (it's a few years old), but here's the updated version of it! It's almost exactly the same, just has a different style pocket. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00437V8N4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00437V8N4&linkCode=as2&tag=fanfoo-20
          Reply
          • nicole April 30, 2013 · 5:22PM:
            Thanks ladies! I'm definitely looking into this!!!
            Reply
            • Katy May 7, 2013 · 7:20PM:
              Nicole, I'm still new at this but I am training for my first half this fall and I will be using the Nathan Intensity pack. It's similar to a Camelbak, but from the reviews I've seen, it fits better without loosening up during a run - plus it has pockets on the front straps for gels, phone, etc. - so much more convenient! I found mine at runningwarehouse.com .
              Reply
  • E @ adventure of E
    April 29, 2013 · 6:52PM:
    I've seen a few other posts about this race and it looks like it was such a blast! You snapped some great photos and I'm sure it'll be one you'll remember for many many many years! Especially since you "crushed" your PR. You're awesome!
    Reply
  • Sian April 29, 2013 · 7:50PM:
    Great recap Anne! Congrats on your PR! Overall, I thought Nike did a great job and would definitely love to run it again... The Nike folks are marketing genious's from the cool expo, everyone's names on the huge wall in Georgetown, the sneaks, the necklace, etc. The only bummer was the droves of walkers I ended wasting tons of energy weaving through from the beginning through mile 8. People obviously put themselves in corrals they didn't belong in. Plus, throughout the race I found myself behind sets of 5 plus groups of people walking in front of me and wouldn't move, which is just bad race ettiquette. It definitely slowed me down! With all that said, I had a great time and love my necklace!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 30, 2013 · 10:11AM:
      They really are marketing geniuses - I was thinking that, too! That's super lame about the walkers not being considerate - boo!
      Reply
  • Meghan @ After the Ivy League
    April 29, 2013 · 8:42PM:
    Congrats!! on the new PR! You seriously crushed it, that's incredible! Definitely on a streak with running lately :)
    Reply
  • Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
    April 29, 2013 · 8:59PM:
    Way to rock that race! I love the necklace!
    Reply
  • Laura April 29, 2013 · 9:05PM:
    I ran the race yesterday too and it was a blast! So fun to read your recap and see the race from your perspective. I PR'd with a time of 2:01-beat my old time by 8 minutes! Next time I'm gunning for sub-2. LOVE the socks as arm warmers idea, definitely using that idea! I was in the 9-9:59 group and while it was crowded I didn't have issues w/ running at a normal pace from the beginning. My friend was in a slower corral though and said it was awful.
    Reply
  • Megan C. April 29, 2013 · 9:12PM:
    Congrats on crushing your PR! I always enjoy your recaps, but this one was especially great because I ran it, too! It was my first half, and I did it in 1:53!!! I loved every minute of it! Your photos are awesome. My sister had a huge sign (#48 Run like a champion) and you captured part of it in your last picture with the Capitol in the background! Too funny! Oh, and my watch went wonky in the tunnels, too. :-(
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 30, 2013 · 9:58AM:
      Your first half and you finished in 1:53?!?! That's AMAZING! Congrats! :)
      Reply
  • char eats greens
    April 29, 2013 · 10:03PM:
    OH MY GOODNESS!! Amazing time!!!!! That is SO awesome!!! I would absolutely love to get to a time like that!! I didn't PR mine but I felt good, so I'm going to use that as a marker for my next half AND crush my PR haha!! Once again, congrats. Loved the recap too ;)
    Reply
  • Katie Heddleston
    April 29, 2013 · 11:42PM:
    Congrats Anne - you killed it!!
    Reply
  • Jan @ Sprouts n Squats
    April 30, 2013 · 6:04AM:
    Congratulations!! You did so well.
    Reply
  • Allison @ Life's a Bowl
    April 30, 2013 · 7:30AM:
    This is a great recap and congrats on your PR! I ran it with one of my girlfriends and we had a blast - tons of fun :D Definitely planning to register next year!
    Reply
  • Maggie
    April 30, 2013 · 10:27AM:
    Congratulations, Anne! Your recaps are always inspiring. I have a local half this weekend - my third ever - and I hope to come in under three hours. Your time is incredible. I appreciate your reminder to keep my mind in the game. Have to keep my head positive! Thank you!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 30, 2013 · 3:30PM:
      Good luck this weekend!
      Reply
  • Miriam April 30, 2013 · 10:47AM:
    Woah!! That's a huge time difference in just a few weeks! I bet that feels great!!! I am running a half in August, and I am so pumped about it after your recap. It will be my first race in 8 1/2 years, and I am excited to get back out there again!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 30, 2013 · 10:51AM:
      Best of luck for a stellar first race back!
      Reply
  • Sarah@BoundingThroughLife
    April 30, 2013 · 11:31AM:
    Congrats on your race time! I can't even imagine going that fast. I'm new to your blog, and I was reading through the comments and I wondered if you might be able to answer a question. I also ran the half marathon on Sunday and I had a blast! I trained walk-run and even though I pooped out about mile 11, I kept up with my appropriate pace group through the first 10 miles. However, there were a number of people around me grumbling about the walking. I was towards the outside of the course, and I did my best to avoid people, but reading your comments I wonder if there were some rules that I didn't know about. At what point does a race like this become more for fun, and less about being annoyed with the people around you?
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 30, 2013 · 3:23PM:
      I'm so glad you enjoyed the race, too! As long as you were walking off to the side/didn't stop short in front of runners, I don't see why anyone should have a problem with that. It sounds like others were complaining because they couldn't get around people... I don't think there are any "rules" really regarding running races beyond just having common sense, which is sounds like you have plenty of. :) Congrats again!
      Reply
  • Nicole
    April 30, 2013 · 3:26PM:
    Wow--way to go! Glad it was a fun race. Weather looks perfect.
    Reply
  • Crystal
    April 30, 2013 · 4:08PM:
    Congrats!!!! I ran it too!!! What a beautiful run!!!!!
    Reply
  • Nikki April 30, 2013 · 5:49PM:
    You caught a picture of Boston Strong T-shirts my group had made for the race, very cool! Nice job on the PR!
    Reply
  • Alison (Fueling for Fitness)
    April 30, 2013 · 6:12PM:
    What a wonderful race recap! Congrats on your successful race. I actually came to your site because of your infamous fANNEtastic bars, but now I'm hooked on your running-related posts as well! :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      May 1, 2013 · 8:16AM:
      Aw yay! Thanks for reading! :)
      Reply
  • Sokphal
    April 30, 2013 · 10:29PM:
    Get it girl! So proud of you! Now you can go to Italy! :) Can I borrow Turner for my next BQ attempt? Promise to bring her back! :) Looks like a fun run!!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      May 1, 2013 · 8:15AM:
      It's amazing the difference a run buddy makes - love that you found someone to run with in Eugene!
      Reply
  • Tai Fung
    May 1, 2013 · 11:33PM:
    Congrats on a fantastic finishing time. I noticed a mini-controversy (we have them all the time in DC) over a marketing campaign aimed at "Frat Boys" cheering on the runners, but holding signs saying they were sweaty/beautiful. I think the controversy is an overreaction, but I'm wondering what you, as a female runner, thought of it? Assuming you even saw the guys, that is. The "protest," which features the objected-to cheering section is here, and I'm wondering how you reacted to it, if you saw it: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=374830542636070&set=a.243109512474841.50758.119270718192055&type=1
    Reply
    • Anne
      May 2, 2013 · 10:07AM:
      I didn't notice them but if I had, I would have just laughed and said thanks for the encouragement! For me, that's kind of one of those: "who cares?" type things - I don't understand why people get bent out of shape over silly stuff like that. Life is too short - just enjoy it! I love that so many people were out cheering! I just clicked through to the link and saw the signs included the word "beautiful" - I don't see why that's offensive at all?! People need to chill out. :)
      Reply
      • Tai Fung
        May 2, 2013 · 10:23AM:
        Thanks for the input Anne! Yeah, I'm hearing from more and more women runners now, and your take is right along what I'm hearing from them. I devoted a blog rant about it, and I'll link here to your comment with your view (I agree, btw). Thanks for replying!
        Reply
        • Anne
          May 2, 2013 · 10:47AM:
          Sounds good - thanks! No problem!
          Reply
  • Tai Fung
    May 1, 2013 · 11:35PM:
    By the way, I'm posting here because I was trying to see if my take on it as an overreaction (I was going to blog about it) was wrong. I am allowing for the possibility that it was offensive, or constituted "street harassment," or whatever, which is how I hit your blog. I'm still going to post my take on it, but I figure I should listen to someone who actually ran the race first before I weigh in! Anyway, congrats again -- you covered a heckuva lot of ground in a super fast time!
    Reply
  • Lisa C.
    May 2, 2013 · 8:12PM:
    I live close to the finish line and went down to see the winner and early finishers, so I'm sure I saw you cross. It was so impressive seeing you ladies out there. I struggled during my first half earlier this year (DC RNR) but I feel inspired to try this one next year. That Tiffany's box is great motivation! Great job and congrats on the PR!
    Reply
  • Calgary catering
    May 6, 2013 · 4:33PM:
    Looks like a beautiful and empowering event!
    Reply
  • Kimberly Westrich
    April 15, 2014 · 12:43PM:
    Thanks for your fantastic recap! I'm running this race in a week and a half and reading your recap is really helpful :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 15, 2014 · 1:14PM:
      Good luck out there!
      Reply
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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!
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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!

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