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My First Race

I suppose I don't have a typical first race story. Not that I have any statistics to back this up, but I imagine most folks begin with a 5k or 10k. For me, this was not the case. Always a go big or go home type, I started off with a half marathon.

In summer 2009, I had just finished my first year at the University of Virginia (wahoowa). I was home in Norfolk, VA, living the good life...which consisted of hanging out with friends, soaking up the sun, and hostessing at one of my favorite local restaurants, Azar's. I was having fun, but was slightly bored. Let's face it, coming home after a year in college can bring a bit of a lull.

One night, I received an email on my sorority's list-serve that a "sister" of mine would be running the Virginia Beach Rock N' Roll Half Marathon, and was wondering if anyone would be interested in signing up with her. Norfolk is only half an hour from the beach, so it got me thinking...that race is pretty much in my backyard and will give me something else to do with my free time. I quickly decided I was in!

My mom, a major inspiration of mine, agreed to be my training partner. At that time, she was gearing up for a half ironman (where the run portion is a half marathon), so it worked out perfectly. I knew absolutely nothing, and she quickly got me up to speed on nutrition and training plans. Most of our training took place in First Landing State Park (more on that later!), but let's fast forward to race weekend.

The Rock N' Roll Half Marathon is incredibly well-organized, and while it is a big race, it still has a small town feel. The expo included a lot of great vendors and freebies, but you could be in and out as quickly (or slowly) as you wanted to. I definitely had butterflies in my stomach, and don't think I slept much the night before!

On race day, we arrived about 45 minutes prior to the start time. (Looking back, and especially with my experience of running the NYC Marathon three times, I didn't fully appreciate how relaxing and low key the start was.) At that stage in the game, I wasn't doing a 2-mile warmup, so 45 minutes gave me plenty of time to go to the bathroom, find the corral, etc.

After a few announcements, we were off! The course is *incredibly* flat--with the exception of one little bridge. From the ocean front, we headed into a few neighborhoods. The fans are great, and as promised, there is a band at every mile. (The occasional cheerleading squad and dance troupe also make appearances, which certainly adds to the experience.) At the end, you finish on the boardwalk. The finish is so amazing yet so cruel; because you end on a *super* flat straightaway, you can see the finish line from very far away...and you sometimes wonder if you are even progressing towards it! But of course, you do finally make it there, and victory is sweet.


My inspirational mom (left) and I just minutes from crossing the elusive finish line.


My goal was to break a 9-minute mile, and I averaged an 8:50 pace, which amounted to a 1:55:44 finish. I was incredibly happy with such a strong first race/first half marathon! I thought to myself, well, this was nice, but I won't be doing this again.

60 races, 5 marathons, and [I lost count] half marathons later...here I am!

The Run Down

  • Type: Race
  • Distance: Half Marathon
  • Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
  • Terrain: Pancake flat
  • Hydration/nutrition: Plentiful
  • Bathrooms: Also plentiful
  • Other conditions to consider: This race takes place in September in Virginia, where it is still very much summer. If you loathe heat and humidity, this race is not for you. Dress wisely and take plenty of electrolytes. Also, if your travel plans are flexible, you should stick around for post-race concerts on the beach the evening after the run...so much fun!
  • Recommended? Yes. Overall, it's a very well-organized event and you can make a mini-vacation out of the race. 



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Location: Virginia Beach, VA, USA

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