*Overall is female only*

I never expected this to be a great race for me. Summertime running is not my thing (and neither are half marathons) but I signed up as part of the Summit Challenge, which includes this race plus 2 5k (already done) and a 10-miler in the Fall (the reason I signed up).

The weather was about as good as possible - low 60s to start. I think it must have been humid, though, because I was extra sweaty right away and it seemed to be true for many others. I started with the 2:05 pace group behind the start line, but lost them right away. The 2:10 lady was right behind me, and I liked that pace, but I needed more time at the aid stations. There are a few good hills right in the middle and I walked quite a bit. I didn't notice the 2:15 pacer go by, I wished I had. After the middle hills the course is great - shady, downhill or flat. I was getting tired, but I still was convinced I was ahead of 2:15. I obviously can't do math... When the 2:20 guy ran by it was an ego killer. I ran with them and it felt SO SLOW. However, I couldn't stop myself from taking walking breaks! I felt pretty wretched from mile 11-12ish and could have happily walked to the finish if my husband and friend weren't waiting for me. Fortunately the stretch at the end is nice, a little bit downhill and shady, so I trudged along.

As usual after any half marathon I've done - I am SO GLAD to be done. I immediately regretted having already signed up for another half in May next year. Perhaps I won't mind the training and running of that one, earlier in the season. We'll see. This is just not my distance.

TCM puts on a great race. Really easy parking here, which I appreciate compared to a lot of other big city races. I could have used a few more water stops.