Jacqueline Ross's Staging Area

This was my first half marathon and it was a beautiful course to run – I love Savannah!

The expo was small but had some nice sponsors there — I bought 2 ‘13.1 Georgia’ stickers to proudly stick on my water bottles at home — this was my ‘you have to complete this half marathon now, Jacqueline’ motivator.

Finding the race start was easy. Loved the gear check-in area. The race announcer (FITZ!) was amazing – loud, fun, and encouraging! I ran this race with my mom – she runs marathons all the time and this was my first, so it was special for us. I did pretty good up until about 9.5miles and my leg gave out. I had minor hip/knee pain throughout training, so this was expected but not to the level of pain I was feeling — and it ruined the half marathon for me because I had to WALK the rest of the way 🙁 But, I refused to give up and I’m proud to say I ‘completed’ my first half marathon. No, I didn’t run my first half marathon – I completed it, and I’m happy about that!

I will say, there are not enough water stations/aid/port-o-potties after like mile 9/10 which really is a bummer when you’re limping to the end and haven’t gone to the bathroom yet and need to hydrate.

The ending was magical – my mom ran ahead of me so she was there to see me finish and Fitz asked her to say something and she cried and was just so proud of me. I loved that moment. We (I) then hobbled to the post-race party, downed two mimosa drinks and a post-snack and laid on the grass listening to the live band — that was fun!

Last thing, I wish they gave out shirts. The medal was FANTASTIC and beautiful, but as it was my first half marathon, I shirt would’ve been nice. I know they had some at the expo but I wanted one with the DATE on it. The ones at the expo were generic ‘Savannah half marathon’ shirts. But, it’s all good! Congrats to everyone who ‘completed’ this race with me — here’s to next years race! 🙂