Wow! I had a lot of pages to get through! Almost like running a half marathon.
First, I want to thank all of you for all the wonderful advice and support you've provided on these boards over the past few months. It was invaluable. I really felt *ready* for the race because I completely knew what to expect, and I wouldn't have felt that way but for all of you.
I did manage to finish my first half! Wow, was it HOT and HUMID. Being from the DC area, I'm used to the humidity in the summer but I've been training in 30 degree weather. It was a total shock. By mile 3 or so, I could have wrung out my Sparkle Skirt. When I finished the race my 5 year old son was disgusted by how wet I was. I was dripping.
I looked for some of you -- particularly those that had posted pics of their costumes -- but never saw anyone. I'm sorry about that. I kept searching for Cripey's boyfriend's "Princess Protection Officer" shirt from behind but never saw it. And I accosted a lovely woman in Beaches and Cream on Friday who looked like Joan. She was sitting there eating with her "Perfect Princess" sash on with her friends (also wearing Perfect Princess sashes) and I asked if her name was Joan. It was not. I think she thought I was insane.
Overall, I was really happy with the race. I know my time would have been faster but for the crowds but fortunately my goal was simply to finish and have fun. I did that. I can see, however, how it would have been really frustrating for folks who cared about their time and really wanted to see how fast they could go (like annmarieda).
I must admit that I was stunned to see and hear people who clearly hadn't trained and just wanted to do this for the sake of it. I was up in Corral C and finished in just under three hours. But there were people there who clearly had no intention of even trying to run. They were just happy to be so far ahead of the sweepers. I wish something could be done about that. It creates a dangerous condition, as does forcing the men back into Corral C. I think a separate finishing chute for the men is a better compromise.
So, who's already in for next year? I am unsure. Given what I'm hearing about Tink, maybe that's a better option? I sure like running, and having a race to look forward to is motivating for me.