Sarasota Half Marathon Recap 2014

We had gorgeous running weather for the Sarasota Half Marathon on Sunday, March 16.  The starting temperature was cool, in the mid 60s, and about 75 at the finish.

The morning of the race, Denise and I hit some major traffic trying to find a parking space in downtown Sarasota.  We finally parked in a small business lot, with approval from the police officer on duty, and made our way to the start of the race with only 15 minutes to spare.

Before the race started, I wanted to use the bathroom so we stood in line for the porta potties.  As we got closer to the front of the line, people leaving the porta potties let us know there was no more toilet paper.  Wonderful, fantastic, super, terrific.....I needed toilet paper.  By this time, the race had already started so I decided to find a bathroom on the course. UGH

Denise and I entered the race corral behind the 3:00 hour pace group.  I knew this wasn't going to be a fast race for me but I had to pass the 3:00 hour pace group!  We ran over a big bridge and little bridge that took us to St. Armand's Circle, then back over the little and big bridges.

At about mile 4.3, I spotted the first porta potties.  Of course there was a line that would eat into my race time. BOO!  But on the bright side, there was toilet paper. SCORE!  It was a necessary stop if I expected to get through the next 9 miles.

We passed the relay hand-off at mile 6 and I wondered why I wasn't doing the relay.  They got the same awesome finishing medals as the half finishers.  I remembered last year's race and that I disliked the second half of this course because of the slanted roads.  Oh well, I was in for the long haul again.

Right before mile 8, I caught and passed the 2:30 pace group.  I expected and was fine, to finish anytime between 2:15 and 2:30.

The second half of the race did take us through lovely shaded neighborhoods where the oak trees swayed in the gentle breeze.  I got a whiff of orange blossoms, one of my favorite smells. I stopped to take a selfie with a fellow runner.  The roads were slanted but I took time to enjoy my surroundings.

Near mile 11 or 12, I caught up with Haley.  We ran the remainder of the race together and pushed each other to finish strong, including a sprint to the finish line which I didn't think I had in me.  I really need to take my own advice and run during the week again!

Age place: 166/311
Female place: 944/2057
Overall place: 1791/3235
Chip time: 2:23:16

It was no PR but at least I beat last year's time and earned some sweet race bling!

Disclaimer: As part of the Tampa Bay Bloggers network, I received a complimentary entry to the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.