On Saturday, October 10, 2015 I ran the Hartford half marathon for my first time. I had been nervous about running this race, especially for driving into the city and finding parking. I left my house at about 5:40 and I arrived in the city by 6:15. The plan was to meet the girls at the Hartford stage parking lot. I got off the highway and saw the start and finish line area and there wasn’t any traffic at all. I drove over to the Hartford stage parking lot but it was still closed. So I texted the girls and ended up back at the lot across from the start and finish line. I found Diana and we walked over to the gathering area use the Porta potties because there were no lines and then we went back and sat in my car for a little while. I was very surprised that there was nobody around considering this was such a big race and it started in a little over an hour from when we arrived.

At 7:00 we walked over to the Bushnell Park and try to locate Anne and Kimberlee. We used the Porta potties again just before we headed over to the starting line and on my way there I saw my new sponsor Ron as he was directing people. We took time for a quick picture and then Diana and I went to locate Kimberlee and Anne.We found them five minutes before the start listen to the national anthem and then we were off for the race.

Kimberlee decided she wanted to run her own race so she took off ahead of us. My intent was to take the advice that Dimity gave us at the Girls Night Out on Thursday night; which was to start off the first half slow so that you will have enough gas in the tank for the last half of the race. I also wanted to enjoy the now and savor the moment. I wanted to enjoy the race and have FUN with my friends. I definitely had a great time.

The course was nice and we were maintaining a good pace for the first few miles. At around mile 8 we started walking a little bit more because Anne was trying to get her sugar regulated. At that time Diana went off ahead of us. So we planned to just meet her at the end.

At mile 9 we entered Elizabeth Park. It was a beautiful park with rose gardens and they had a candy table there for the runners. We continued on through the the park and then went on back towards the city.We were taking our time so we could use this run as a training run. I was concerned about my leg acting up. We finished the race in 3:08. Not a fast race for me, but 13.1 miles under my feet.

After the race, we met back up with Diana and collected our awesome Hartford Marathon Foundation reusable water bottles and snack bags and then went to the food tent to get our post race fuel.  They had corn muffins, pumpkin bread, bananas, chili and milk.  They sadly did not have chocolate milk.  After eating we went to collect our Triple Challenge Race medal and jacket.  I was VERY happy to have them!  Those were some tough races.  Tough enough where I am not sure if I will do that triple challenge again next year.  But you know the bling always entices us when the registration opens in the beginning of the year.

I saw Dimity and Denise again at their booth.  I didn’t realize they were going to be at the race Saturday.  I thought they were flying home; but I saw Dimity earlier in the morning before the race and she told me to stop by their booth after the race.  I took pictures with them and got a cute Mother Runner shirt.  It was great to see them one more time before they head home.
   As we were walking around I bumped into my friends Bob and Mary and their daughter Elizabeth.  We talked for a bit and then Anne and I went to find the beer garden.  We got our Harpoon ale and drank it in the designated area, took some pictures and then went on the hunt for the Amethyst jeans.  

I read in one of the emails that there was going to be a pink truck that was giving out jeans for a $10 donation.  I had to check it out!  We finally found them on the far side of Bushnell Park.  Next year they need to get a closer spot so more people can take advantage of their special deal.  You give them a $10 donate and they donate food, money and a pair of jeans to someone in need.

I said goodbye to Anne and made my way back to my car.  As I did, I had to cross the area very close to the finish line and it was exciting to see the marathon finishers trickling in.  I decided to stand there for a little it to watch.  I had to get home for my daughter’s family birthday party.  I knew my friend Michael was going to be crossing the finish line close to 1:00.  I tried to wait and watch for him.  I was texting his family to find out where he was.  But somehow I missed him!  I was bummed, I really wanted to see him cross the finish line of his very first marathon.

The Hartford Marathon Foundation put on a fantastic event.  It was never in my plans to do this race; but now that I have done it I think I’ll consider it again next year as I use it for a training run toward the WDW marathon.  The Hartford Marathon Foundation has great support on the race course, with sufficient water stops, a good size expo, an excellent pre and post-race area and plenty of support and communication throughout the time leading up to the race.

Will I see you at the Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon next year?