This was my first half marathon (after only having run 2 5Ks in the previous 2 months before, so my third race overall), so I don't have anything to compare … MORE
This was my first half marathon (after only having run 2 5Ks in the previous 2 months before, so my third race overall), so I don’t have anything to compare it to. However, I loved the event. There are only a few hundred people in the half, so it was low-stress, even for a newbie. Midland is also very flat, so that makes it pretty doable for an inexperienced runner also. The roads aren’t completely closed to traffic, but they do block all traffic when runners are approaching. It’s completely safe for participants but doesn’t completely lock down everything on this side of town. The race director keeps everyone informed and also did the announcing at the start/finish line and was very supportive. I got a high-five after my finish! 🙂 One of my friends didn’t finish within the time limit but they kept the course open, cheered her across the finish line, and she still got a medal. The medal is my favorite part. West Texas is home to oil & gas (and it’s the industry in which I work) and the medal was oil & gas themed. I’m proud to display it on my wall at work. The weather was pretty perfect for a race. About 50 degrees to start, but my advice is to tough it out until the race starts and you’ll find you’re quite comfortable when you get going. Those who wore long sleeves, jackets, gloves, and other winter gear were shucking them a couple of miles into the race. Plenty of water and Gatorade on the course and a gel station (and they tell you exactly where they’ll be so you can plan in advance).
My First Major Race - Loved It
This was my first half marathon (after only having run 2 5Ks in the previous 2 months before, so my third race overall), so I don't have anything to compare … MORE
This was my first half marathon (after only having run 2 5Ks in the previous 2 months before, so my third race overall), so I don’t have anything to compare it to. However, I loved the event. There are only a few hundred people in the half, so it was low-stress, even for a newbie. Midland is also very flat, so that makes it pretty doable for an inexperienced runner also. The roads aren’t completely closed to traffic, but they do block all traffic when runners are approaching. It’s completely safe for participants but doesn’t completely lock down everything on this side of town. The race director keeps everyone informed and also did the announcing at the start/finish line and was very supportive. I got a high-five after my finish! 🙂 One of my friends didn’t finish within the time limit but they kept the course open, cheered her across the finish line, and she still got a medal. The medal is my favorite part. West Texas is home to oil & gas (and it’s the industry in which I work) and the medal was oil & gas themed. I’m proud to display it on my wall at work. The weather was pretty perfect for a race. About 50 degrees to start, but my advice is to tough it out until the race starts and you’ll find you’re quite comfortable when you get going. Those who wore long sleeves, jackets, gloves, and other winter gear were shucking them a couple of miles into the race. Plenty of water and Gatorade on the course and a gel station (and they tell you exactly where they’ll be so you can plan in advance).