I wanted to run one more race this year but didn’t want to fork over all the cash for traveling, hotels and high entry fees. Luckily, I found a “no frills” race in Oak Ridge (nicknamed the Secret City). Score! It was easy to get to and easy to maneuver. But when they say “no frills,” they really meant it. They meant only three water stations along the 13.1 mile route and NO BATHROOMS. It’s a good thing I didn’t have to go, because if I did, I would’ve had to squat in the bushes like the rest of the runners.
Which I’ve done before. Ahem.
Anyway, somehow I secured my fasted time ever – 2:07:06. With each race I’m getting faster, which is funny because I don’t feel like I’ve gotten faster by the time I’m dredging along mile 12. Still, I’m quite pleased, and I was even MORE pleased to see I had fans on the sidelines. What a treat!
This makes medal No. 11, which I am so proud to acquire. And now I’m on the lookout for my 12th race because even numbers are better than odd.
Glad I was there for one of the medels. Congrats Jen!
Great job
Hi Jen, congratulations on finishing the half marathon. I hope you come back and join us next year.
I just wanted to clarify parts of your statement. Yes, We did have three water stops. BUT, It was a double loop course!!! So, you had a water stop approx every two miles. (Your statement made it appear as if only three water stops over the course of 13.1 miles). Second, we had three portables on the course. two on Briarcliff rd and one at the marina. (once again, double loop course)
I apologize for not being clear. Yes, there is the double loop, so that makes my remark misleading in regards to the water stations. However, I never saw a bathroom on the actual course. I saw a building at the marina that I assumed to be a restroom, but I didn’t stop at it. The only portables I knew of (or saw) were the ones just outside the gym in the parking lot. Those were off the course a bit, so I wouldn’t have wanted to run up to the parking lot unless I really had to.
Please don’t misunderstand me – I had a great run and it’s a great course. Perhaps I wasn’t looking in the right places or maybe I kept my head down. Because of previous races, I’m used to seeing long lines of portables with long lines of people waiting to get inside them. It would’ve been my own fault for not keeping a lookout.