#nafhalf

After a work-induced layoff it was great to get back out there for a #longrun this morning, despite the ever-present humidity. The temperature, at least, was not scorching and that helped. But I was still soaked from head to toe when I finished. Cruised comfortably for 7 miles, then picked it up a little for the last 3. I couldn't go as fast as hoped in the last mile thanks to the big hill on Pickett. But I'm pleased that the run went well. Long runs were my trouble spot in the previous marathon cycle, so doing them better this time is a priority. Planning to do some more long miles tomorrow at #burkelakepark with the @runpacers Fairfax group. #lifetimerun #ltemployee #marathontraining #summerrunning #mcmillanrunning #mcmillanrunteam #richmondmarathon2018 #nafhalf #nafhalf2018 (at Life Time Athletic - Fairfax) https://www.instagram.com/p/BmotNAZlvpF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=174x2kutv9d08

Do you use races at training runs? We did today!! . . @naomi_gal and I hit the trail at 3:50am and ran from Vienna into DC to the start of the @nafhalf! The whole run was 29.2 miles of fun! (Or at least I’m going to choose to remember it that way!) . . When we started I literally wasn’t sure I’d be able to run at all. I was feeling everything that cramped up yesterday at the 8k. Luckily, Naomi had my back, kept me calm and distracted, which is what I needed, and by mile 7, it was all gravy! We easily found Lauren when we got to DC, dropped our packs, hit the potties, and finished up our pre-race 16 miles! . . The race was controlled and smooth. We probably should have run a little slower, but all in all it was a great day! 2:10 on the first half, 4:15 for a full, and 2:06:47 (by my watch) for the race! . . #nafhalf #marathontraining #gallowaymethod #teamsparkle #irunthisbody #runnergirl #celiacrunner #veganrunner #runwalkrun #overdistancetraining #ultrarunners #runnersofinstagram #womensrunning (at Washington Monument National Monument) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnyk9ZulduX/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=oerf238fon4n

Ultimate Warrior medal (race series award) arrived for doing three military races with the time span of last year's Navy Air Force Half and this year's NAFHalf. Each branch of the Department of Defense (DoD) / Military is represented with races including Army, Marine Corp, Navy, and Air Force. #ArmyTenMiler #RunWithTheMarines #NAFHalf

This is the third year in a row that I have participated in this event, which is not my norm. I usually move on from a race to try something else. The first year and this year I ran the half marathon and last year I did the 5 Miler, just to change it up. I signed up for the half this year to complete the requirements for the Ultimate Warrior medal. The half marathon is in a spot in the year if you are training for a fall full marathon. This is the fourth year that the half marathon has been around and has grown each year. The organization is trying to keep up, but is challenged with some growing pains of the explosion of the participants. There could be more port-a-poties, the lines were pretty long prior to the events. The food needs to be moved up into the finish chute to streamline the distribution. The banana that I got after the race was so green. My dog didn't even want to eat it. I really liked the shirt and the new medal. A contest to pick the design of them was a great idea. My only comment about medals is that if you are going to have individuals complete challenges for a medal like the Ultimate Warrior, it would be a good idea have the medals handed out after the race and not mailed to the participants. The food box had some very good samples in it and I don't think I have seen a race that hands out Red Bull. I'm partial to chocolate milk myself. The course was flipped from the one I did in 2013 and I will say that I liked it better that way. There was a large showing of Team RWB today, which is awesome in itself. Many Eagles did a great job. The weather was about as good as you could get. A small breeze and clouds to keep the temperature down. Undecided if I will go for four years in a row.