And I’ve got another race to report!

Well actually, I never really reported on the VA Beach race. Just the events surrounding the race.

So let’s rewind back to Sept 2.

Once again, it was a fun race. Bands every mile, and cheer squads in between.

It’s both a good thing and a bad thing to be familiar with the course (this year was my third year running the Virginia Beach Rock and Roll Half Marathon).

We know where the hills are (really just one overpass that you cross twice). We know that it gets kinda boring and potentially hot on the Army base (or whatever that is we run through).

We also know that after we get to the boardwalk, we’re almost done!

My ½ marathon PR (personal record) is on this course in 2005. I finished in 2:13.

In 2006, it was HOT and HUMID. I ended up finishing nine minutes slower. At least I could run into the ocean to cool off afterwards!

This year, I wasn’t expecting anything great. This would be my longest run since the marathon, and I didn’t think I’d gotten my speed and endurance back up for straight running. We ran/walked the marathon, and I took liberal walk breaks in all of my long training runs since then.

We were fortunate that the weather was much better than last year, but I still finished one minute slower than 2006.

Oh well … at least I wasn’t sore. It seems my body remembers long distances!

Fast forward to this weekend, Sept 16.

I went to Philadelphia with a few of my running friends to run the Philadelphia Distance Festival, another ½ marathon. While this race is not a “Rock ‘N’ Roll” race, it is associated with the same series. They also have bands every mile on the course. Unfortunately no cheer squads, though – boo! We could have used them!

Two weeks has made a huge difference in the weather. It was downright chilly before the race began, but it was perfect for running. The sun was out, there was a cool breeze, and the course was fairly flat.

I did not beat my PR, but came close at 2:16. I am thrilled with this. I can still run a ½ at a decent pace!

And I will get another medal for doing both races!