Melbourne Music & Beaches Half Marathon

The last night shuttle launch was scheduled for this morning at 4:39. I got up at 4:15 so I could turn on the local news channel to watch the info from NASA. There was a 30% chance of liftoff, and it was eventually postponed until tomorrow. I was so happy that we didn't leave even earlier to drive to the beach to watch liftoff; as it was, a 5:15 pickup was PLENTY early for me! :)

I was feeling pretty good today. I changed some stuff up: I did not drink coffee this morning before the race, I did drink water, and I had a power drink for breakfast instead of my typical bagel, pb, or banana. I had zero stomach issues - so I am so happy!!!! :D

It was chilly this morning. The temp was less than 40 degrees at the 7am start with the wind chill. This doesn't make me happy. I like being warm. But I had on my beanie, my gloves, a sweatshirt, jacket, short-sleeve and tank on so it wasn't all that uncomfortable. We hit the pottys twice and I hit the bushes once before the start. I have to say, the only thing not organized a this race is the potty lines - there are plenty of potties, but they sit in a horseshoe shape at the race start and the line(s) was crazy, so i skipped it. Then we went to line up and there was my wonderful hubby - he DID make it! We stood with him for the anthem and then we were off! I knew it would be a good race :)

The first 3 miles were riverfront on US-1. US-1 is my FAVORITE part of Melbourne! It is right on the water with a lovely view of the causeway. I was looking for my hubby and his dad to hand off my things. There were several side streets we ran through, a neighborhood with the houses right on the water. It was lovely, I was feeling good but a little WARM at this point, so I was shedding layers. The first causeway was GREAT! I thought it was easy (mile 5). I turned on my music at this point. The hubster was at mile 6 to take my things and cheer me on! WhooHoo! Still going strong! Miles 7-11 was down Riverside, through the waterfront neighborhoods. I was slowing at each water station to take whatever they were handing out, but we ran the rest of the way. I thought there was a good bit of support out on the course.

The end of mile 11-mile 12 was the second causeway. I was remembering that last year we walked a good portion of these miles but today we ran them. I had made myself a deal that I only had to run to the top of the causeway (there was about a mile left after that), so I told Jeanine to go head. She took right off, but I got a drink and saw my sweet hubby and his dad sitting in traffic. I yelled, WOW I am moving faster than you. And being there was just less than a mile left, I was guessing the would NOT be at the finish line when we came through. I spent the rest of the mile unsuccessfully trying to catch up with Jeanine since I never needed to stop and walk it out. My last mile was definitely my fastest mile, we kicked it in and finished strong!

I was a little bummed when I saw that even though we ran the whole way, and I took ZERO potty breaks, I was still 2 mins slower than my last 2, and over 1 min slower than my worst (making this my new Personal Worst), but considering I have not ran over 5 miles since Disney a month ago, and I had lost so much of my speed while training for that, I am happy with a strong finish no matter what the time is. I feel great - and that's all that really matters :)

I just want to add that the finishers medals for this race are B-E-A-U-TEE-F-U-L

Pace: 10:31, 2:17:46