Xiaochao Zheng's Staging Area

I have run quite a few half marathons over the years but this is my first time at Richmond (Carmax half marathon). Longer version below.

After Covid, I came back to participate in races seriously and my Spring ’24 HM time was 10 minutes slower than my previous PR (set in 2016). Disappointed, I joined a training program and aimed for setting a new PR in the fall. My first goal was the Charlottesville Fall Classic HM in mid October, but nobody else in the program was running it so I didn’t register. Since I followed the October HM training plan, I had to find an October race so I ran the Chessie Trail HM instead. However, improper hydration (mostly during the week before the race than during the race) and the sliding pebbles on the trail caused me to miss my time goal by 3 minutes. After 2 weeks of recovery, I signed up for the Richmond HM, hoping to run faster. This time, I had a good race pacing plan (start slow for the first 2 miles, run at pace for mile 3-8, and speed up if possible for mile 9-13), and I finished the race in 2h09m01s, about 90 seconds faster than my 2016 PR. I would not have broken my previous PR if I ran a different race. Below are my comments for various aspects of the race:

1. With 20k runners, this is a typical large, regional race. (Very similar to the now discontinued Virginia Beach Rock and Roll, which I ran multiple times). Be prepared to arrive at least 1 hour before the start time, and be prepared for 20 minutes minimum waiting time at the potta potties. Even the wave groups are crowded, so try to be at your wave at least 20 minutes in advance or you may not reach it.

On the other hand, it is not easy to get lost before the race, and there are plenty of volunteers pointing the way if you are.

2. Race, first half: the first half of the HM was on rolling hills. Since I train mostly in Charlottesville, hills are not a problem. I lean forward more at uphill, keep the candence high and take shorter strides. Surprisingly, not many runners take the advantage at downhill. I tried to gain some speed always at downhills (on the other hand, that might be the reason I am nursing my knee now, 1 week post race).

3. Half-way hype zone is fantastic: I blasted through it and felt recharged.

4. Race, second half: mostly flat. Since I tried run faster (about 20 sec/mile faster than mile 3-8), I didn’t have much luxury enjoying the scenery. It was hard!

5. Finish line: the last 0.2 mile was completely downhill. I mean completely down hill! My race pace was 9:50/mile for the whole course and I ran the last 0.2 mile at 7:30 / mile. I basically flew through the finish line. (Race picture proved both the flying and the over-striding, see knee problem above).

6. Fuel: typical water, gatorade, some guys were handing out GU at some point, and I recall pickle juice and beer. I didn’t take any of those except a cup of water to dip my sticky fingers in (after consuming my own Honey Stinger gel). Oh I now recall wet and dry towels around mile 9-ish. I didn’t take it, but I would have if I knew in advance!

7. Post race: Got my medal after crossing the finish line. There was an area for picking up blankets and hats (someone was checking at the entrance, since these are for HM and M only, not 8k runners); an area for food; and an area for Information. Luckily I found my husband and a friend at the Info booth. Both I and my husband carried out cellphones, but for some reason we didn’t have signal and so were not sure how to find each other. (In retrospect, my guess is that cell signals were disabled — I find this a GREAT IDEA, absolutely necessary for runners’ safety).

8. Medical: Didn’t need to use it, but there were medical teams and tents along the route.

9. Parking: Now comes my only complaint: The race website says there are many private parking lots available. We found a private parking for an apartment, but the spaces are all *tiny*! I was very nervous about my car mirror hitting the wall or the other car. After the race, we exited the parking garage but Waze for some reason pointed us in the wrong direction on an One-way street. I was very confused because the street looked “off”, but my “running brain” didn’t have enough common sense to correct the mistake. I was in a frantic state until we found a street and turn into the correct direction.

In retrospect, of course we shouldn’t blame the race for our little parking/driving mishap. However, the race website could have pointed out some large, outdoor, safe parking for runners to use. (Coincidentally, at the very first VB RnR that we ran, we were quite lost and couldn’t find our car for about half an hour. I personally didn’t like the race until we found a parking that was safe and easy to find in later years).

10. Next year: I signed up for the HM again for next year. This time, we will find an outdoor parking with plenty of space near the finish line!

TLDR: great race, beware of the crowd (good parking is key), and set a meeting place after the race if you are with friends or family.