What is your favorite race? I have only been running two years and do not have tons of races under my belt but my favorite to date is the Ocean’s Run Half Marathon and 5k.
Where was the race located, distance, and any other details you want to share. The race starts and ends at the South Kingstown Beach. It is a half marathon and a 5k, plus a kids fun run which is about .3 miles. It is put on by Trimom Productions and if you have ever run a race organized by them then you know how wonderful it is.
Easy to register, no hassle packet pick up, parking and transportation directions easy to follow, and you won’t break the bank doing this race. You get a great tech shirt and medal for finishing the half and there is a nice spread at the end. The support tables along the course are the best I have seen so far and each person working a table met me with a smile and kind words of encouragement.
What made the race special for you? This race was special for a couple reasons. First, it was my first half marathon. I had been training with Team in Training to run the Nike Women’s (Half) Marathon in San Francisco.
My training was really going well and I was up to 12 miles with more than a month to go. I had decided that it would be a good idea to experience what race day would be like by doing a race here in RI. Nike has 25,000 runners and that had me a little concerned. The Ocean’s Run had 160 runners.
Race day morning was beautiful, parking was easy and I had plenty of time to spare before the start of the race. I was there alone but felt really good. The first 3 miles of the race brings you past the Ocean Mist and back past the beach. Honestly, the course was beautiful and this is a huge selling point for me. We past farms, beach, and beautiful homes. There was not an ugly spot along the course.
At every mile, there was a water stop and starting at mile 6, they had oranges, animal crackers, pretzels, and Hammer Gels. This is a big deal for me. I am not a fast runner and the longer I am out there, the more fuel and hydration I need. As a bonus, the wonderful people of Narragansett Bikes were out there on the course riding around with extra water and gels. I never once felt like I was in need of something and couldn’t get it.
At mile 12, I was hurting but so happy to be so close to the finish line. I walked up to the water table with tears of joy in my eyes and unable to say thank you to the women handing me water. She just smiled and told me how great I was doing with a knowing look in her eyes that stayed with me until I crossed the finish line. As I passed the table a women on a bike started to encourage me and she stayed with me about a half mile. I loved this and really needed it at that point.
As I rounded the corner to the finish, I saw my kids and then my husband who was ready with the camera. No one gets lost in the crowd at a nice, small local race. I was handed my medal and water as soon as I crossed the line.
I guess the bottom line is this race is well organized, supported and beautiful. It was a perfect first race but a race I will continue to do because running it makes me smile! I am also a fan of small races but I know that isn’t for everyone.
However, this is definitely worth checking out what ever your preference. The only downside, was crowd support was minimal, but for me, the most important people were at the finish. You can read my recap here: http://runningwhilemommy.blogspot.com/2012/09/oceans-run-half-marathon-recap.html.
Best piece of running advice you can share with other mother runners. Easier said than done–but get rid of the mommy guilt. Running takes time away from the family, but it also sets a good example of a healthy lifestyle and it teaches our children that anything is possible with a little hard work and determination.
Running calmed me and cleared my head, not to mention that I am 20 pounds lighter. Because of that I am a better mom, wife and all around person. I started running two years ago and have not looked back. Since that time, my son, 7, has run two 5ks with me and we have a couple more scheduled. My daughter, 5, has run in kids’ fun runs and tells me she is going to be a marathoner just like me. That alone makes me want to keep on going!
Where you can find Nicole: You can find my blog at http://runningwhilemommy.blogspot.com. Twitter is @runwhilemommy,
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Running-While-Mommy/201532666599934?ref=hl a
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If you would like to be featured on Favorite Race Friday – send me an email at 30somethingmotherrunner[at]gmail[dot]com.
I have had nothing but good experiences with Trimom races! I had my eye on this race but maybe next year when we’re all healthy!
Fancy Nancy, you won’t regret it! See you there!