Happy Tuesday! On Saturday I ran my 37th half marathon – the SoNo Half Marathon. I ran this race back in 2016 as part of my 20 mile training run for the NYC Marathon. I was happy that this year I could just enjoy the race and not add on miles before or after.
Last week was very stressful for me between giving a few presentations and traveling for work. I think that these factors, mixed in with not eating like I normally do, lead to some issues. I started to have stomach issues on Thursday and they didn’t get any better by race day. This is the first race that a DNF was a definite option but I’m glad that I pushed through to finish. This was my slowest half marathon by far, but it’s true what they say “You never know what you’ll get on race day.” Yes, it was a hard race but I’m glad that I had enough grit (or was stubborn enough) to finish. Here’s my recap!
Communication leading up to the race was excellent! The organization sent out weekly emails and updated their Facebook page often. It was nice to know exactly what to expect on race day.
My mom and my friend, Vanessa, signed up for the 5K and my friend Shirley and I were signed up for the half marathon. We found parking easily and after a 10 minute walk, arrived at the start of the race. The race offered bib pickup on Friday but I took advantage of the race day bib pick up. Everything was SUPER well organized and it took all of 2 minutes to get my bib, race shirt, swag and gear check bah. It was a little cold that morning so I decided to check a zip up jacket as well as the race day goodies.
While waiting for the race to start, the wind really started to pick up. It wasn’t horrible but definitely enough that you felt a little chill in your bones! We found a bench and sat down to wait until the race start. Luckily there were a ton of porta potties and a real bathroom to use before the race start. I wish I could have taken advantage of this but my stomach was not having it. Before we knew it, it was 9am and time for the race to start!
The race started and ended in Veteran’s Park. For the first 3 miles we ran along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Drive. This part of the race had some inclines but nothing too horrible. After mile 3 we ran pass Roton Middle School and Brien McMahon High School. When passing Flax Hill Park I believe we hit a pretty big hill. I tried to run/walk this section but ended up walking most of it. During this time my stomach was really starting to bother me. It pretty much felt like someone was punching me and I had bad cramping.
Between miles 5-7 I stopped twice at the porta potties. Now if you know me, you know I avoid these things as much as I can. The inside often looks like a CSI crime scene. But desperate times call for desperate measures. There were porta potties every other mile, but only one. This made for lines (about 3-5 people) so I lost a lot of time waiting to use them. Also I couldn’t even use one of them because…well see my previous comment about the CSI crime scene.
Between miles 6-7 I was about 90% sure I was going to DNF. I actually turned around and was making my way back to the start, but then I turned back around on the course and called my mom. By that time she finished the 5K (and got 2nd in her AG might I add) and I was telling her what was going on so she knew it would take me way longer than usual to finish. After that call I changed my strategy to alternating between a power walk and a light jog. Every time I tried to jog, I felt so much pressure in my stomach. It was just such an awful feeling. I made a few more bathroom stops and just took my time (luckily the course time limit was 3 hours and 15 minutes).
Okay so back to the race. Miles 6-7 were pretty cool. I didn’t like running on gravel, but this part of the race took us by the Maritime Aquarium and it was really, really pretty! We then ran in and around Oyster Shell Park and Lockwood Mathews Park. Mile 7-9 were along West and East Avenues. These miles were a little lonely because by this point I was pretty much running solo. Due to all the potty breaks, I lost the group that was running just ahead of me. The last part of the the course was near a Golf Course and Calf Pasture Beach. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally finished. I was never so thankful to see a finish line.
After the race I showered and pretty much laid in my bed for the rest of the night. I ate a little bit but I was just so mentally and physically exhausted. The race pretty much took everything I had. Because of my stomach issues, I couldn’t really eat before the race (I ate a handful of crackers) and I couldn’t take in any water or fuel on the course. I was pretty much running on fumes.
As with all my race recaps, here are my pros and cons:
PROS
Aid Stations – There was plenty of water and Generation UCAN on the course (basically every other mile).
Charity – This race really likes to give back to the community. They donated any leftover food, beverages and discarded clothing to a local organization called The Open Door Shelter. They also asked runners to bring food donations (canned goods, etc) to give to that same organization as well. There were two ways to give back at the post race party. You could enter a charity raffle to benefit Norwalk Pal Boxing. Spectators could also purchase beer for $5 with all proceeds going to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Communication – There was such great communication from the race organization in the weeks leading up to the race. They literally answered any questions that you may have about race day logistics.
Post-Race Food – Even though I was one of the last runners, the post race area was still mostly intact and food was available. I was able to grab bottles of water, a slice of pizza and a Truly Spiked Sparkling Water. I LOVE this brand and I was able to grab a new flavor – ROSÉ. I’m planning on trying it later on this week! The only thing that was gone was the ice cream but that’s fine because my stomach couldn’t handle that anyway.
Race Date – I love that this race was on a Saturday! It’s nice to have an extra day after the race to recover before going back to work.
Swag – Let’s take a moment to admire all the race swag, shall we? The medal is beyond cute and for once, I love the race shirt (I’ll actually wear it)! I also love the mason jar and the Buff will be perfect for Fall/winter running/training.
Volunteers/Staff – I could probably write an entire post about this but I’ll try keep it to just one paragraph. Mentally and physically I was exhausted for the last half of the race, but every time I passed a volunteer or staff member, they made me feel so much love. From all the high-fives to the “You’re doing great!” moments, it was really an amazing experience. Also all of the water stations were still fully functioning when I ran by them which was nice. Nothing is more defeating than seeing things getting broken down as you’re running by. Also the staff tracks every single runner out on the course. They knew when I was close to finishing and screamed my name as I approached the finish line. I’m just so appreciative that they wanted to make sure that every runner had the same race experience, no matter if they finished first or last (the last runner received a bottle of champagne when crossing the finish line). I’m not an emotional person at all, but that REALLY warmed my heart!
CONS
Late Race Start – I’m a super early bird so I wasn’t a fan of the 9:00am race start. I’m usually done with my long runs by that time on the weekend, lol. Because the roads were only partially closed to traffic, I think starting at an earlier time would have been better as there would have been less traffic.
Course – The course was way different than when I ran it in 2016. It had way more inclines and hills so that surprised me! Also the course wasn’t completely closed off to traffic. For instance, for a two lane road, only one lane was closed off so we were still pretty close to cars. And of course you have the asshole cars that feel the need to speed by instead of slowing down and driving at a normal speed (so obnoxious)! Luckily there were a good amount of cops out on the course so they tried to make sure that the cars all adhered to the rules. There were also a lot of volunteers out at intersections to direct traffic to make sure that we felt safe. I was thankful for that but I still don’t like running on courses that aren’t completely closed off.
Overall I was really pleased with the organization of this race. If you are looking for a race to do in Connecticut, I would highly recommend this one!
Have you ever had a horrible race experience or been close to a DNF?
I’m linking up with Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice, Erika from MCM Mama Runs and Patty from My No-Guilt Life for Tuesdays on the Run.
I’m also linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
Last but not least, I’m linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Lora from Crazy Running Girl, Marc from Train With Marc and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
Wendy says
Your face in that medal photo says it all!
Oh heck, yeah, I’ve had some really awful races. I almost DNF’d ZOOMA in September. I remembered how bad that feels (I’ve only done it once) so I pushed on through. Glad I did. You never regret crossing a finish line, do you?
Congrats on a well-earned finish!!!
kookyrunner says
Very true that you never regret crossing a finish line.
The photo I took in bed pretty much summed up how I felt 100% lol.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I think if you run long enough, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll have a really bad race. I’m sorry this was one for you, and I’m positive that that lack of fuel (besides the other issues) contributed to it.
I hope you’re feeling a lot better now!
I do love a race that has food still available for the BOTP (many don’t) and that’s some great swag, too.
kookyrunner says
Definitely! I figure that I should be good for a few more years before I have another race disaster.
This race did a great job at making sure that all runners felt the same which I love.
Laurie says
So sorry to read about your less than perfect race experience. I sometimes have stomach issues, too, but (knock on wood) never in a race before. But, you did it! Another half marathon in the books. And congrats to your mom on her AG place!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Laurie! All I can do now is laugh about it because it was just such a no-win situation, lol. The stomach will do whatever it wants and it doesn’t care if you’re supposed to be running, haha.
Melissa says
That sounds like a fun race! I haven’t been to Connecticut in about a year but I did a Turkey trot last Thanksgiving there.
kookyrunner says
So cool that you’ve run in CT before!
Kimberly Hatting says
Well done! I have had some tough “why am I doing this” races, and although they totally suck at the time, I usually look back on them and am proud of finishing what I started. Sometimes I feel that pride immediately, other times it takes a couple weeks of reflection. None the less, there is great pride in crossing a finish line, especially if you really have to fight to make it happen. #KimTough
kookyrunner says
Totally agree with you. I think I’ll look back on this race in a few weeks/months and feel really proud of it even though I was hoping for a better finish time.
Marcia says
Oh man. I’m so sorry you felt so awful. I feel you on fighting the urge to DNF. I’ve definitely been there. That was me in Vegas last year. Seeing them break down water stations is such a huge buzzkill and what is up with a’hole speeding traffic?? Seriously. I’m glad the volunteers were so encouraging. Good on you for pushing through!
kookyrunner says
Yes! Seeing things getting broken down is so discouraging 🙁 I was just happy that wasn’t the case on Saturday.
Susan says
I hear you! My last 2 have been survival. I’m glad we finished, and I think it just shows how much we can fight through. I was in such a rush to exit the porta-CSI on Sunday I banged the absolute crap out of my arm, porta war wounds? Anyway, congrats! You are strong lady 🙂
kookyrunner says
Oh man that porta potty injury sounds rough, but I don’t fault you for trying to get out of there as quickly as possible!
Lesley says
I do like it when races are on Saturday. That’s when I normally have my long run, and Sundays are great for recovery. Good for you for hanging in there and getting it done!
kookyrunner says
Yes! Sundays are awesome for recovery after a Saturday half marathon.
fairytales and fitness says
I’n so sorry this wasn’t a great race for you. However, sounds like they are really supportive of the runners. I love how they celebrate the last runner!
kookyrunner says
Yes, they were SO supportive of the runners which is really a great thing to see. I’ve done other runners where they could care less about the back of the pack runners.
Becca | Rabbit Food Runner says
Sorry the race didn’t go as well as you might have hoped! You’re medal picture sums it up perfectly ha. I’m usually not a fan of late race starts either. Hope the recovery is going well!
kookyrunner says
Yes the medal photo was definitely not my best look but it was honest, lol!
Liz Dexter says
I’m so sorry you felt so awful and hope that’s all resolved now. As I said on your weekly wrap post, I’ve had astoundingly bad stomach issues on training runs, including one for Birmingham Marathon where I basically had to run down this one road, going up and back down each road that went off it, because I thought I was going to explode in one way or another and the main road was a bus route home! And this last mara training campaign, I had one after lunch (due to it being icy the day I was meant to do it) where my lunch never digested so everything I took in just sat on top of it and I got no energy from anything (then cramp for the last mile and after due to lack of electrolytes). If that happened in a race, I’m not sure what I’d do.
So well done for persisting, and that will make a great story in a while. Also I was very cheered to read about the great experience they gave to every runner, including the last one: how lovely! And a Saturday race is indeed welcome.
Hope you’re all recovered now.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Liz! I’m feeling much better now and much more like myself.
Running with stomach issues, for a long run or a race, is just brutal! The stomach is such a delicate thing and it seems like anything can just throw it “off”
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Sorry about all the stomach issues! It sounds like a tough race but it’s pretty awesome that you were able to push through and finish. I am also not a fan other later start times.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Lisa. It was definitely not a fun race at all but I’m just happy that I got through it, lol
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
Considering the crazy busy week you had leading up to the race, you should be proud of yourself! And believe me, I hear you on the tummy issues!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Debbie! Luckily this week is much less hectic 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner says
wow have really done 37 half marathons?! That’s something to be proud of! I am so sorry you had such bad stomach issues-nothing you can do about that. Nice job pushing through and making it to the finish. PS your mom really rocks 🙂
kookyrunner says
Thanks! When I counted them up I was like whoa, that’s crazy. I’m hoping to get to 40 by the end of the year if all goes well.
Annmarie says
Oh Kim, I feel SO bad that you had to go through that. I know the torture of stomach pains and it is just the worst. I am super impressed that you forged ahead and finished – you rock!
kookyrunner says
Thank so much Annmarie! I actually thought of you during my race because I know you dealt with a lot of stomach issues last year. You are one tough cookie my friend!
Darlene says
UGH! Stomach issues h ad to be the worst experience. But you are one tough cookie. You finished and got a medal. All future races will be better, I bet.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Darlene! I’m hoping that my race this weekend goes better.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I’m so sorry you were dealing with stomach issues. But way to power through!! And 37 halves?! That’s awesome.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Nicole
Debbie says
I’m sorry you had a bad race. Be proud of yourself for pushing through and finishing! I’m sure the next race will be much better.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Debbie.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Stomach issues are so tough – I came close to a DNF a few years ago thanks to an awful stomach. Mad props to you for finishing! I love that the staff and volunteers were so supportive – those encouraging words can make such a difference.
I had no idea you’ve done 37 half marathons! Wow!
kookyrunner says
Those stomach issues are no joke! It just felt like every step was a struggle.
De Bolton says
I am absolutely amazed you ran 37 half marathons. That is phenomenal! CONGRATULATIONS
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much De!
Smitha says
I’m sorry you had a bad race, but the bad ones make us appreciate the good ones even more!
kookyrunner says
That’s very true!
Zenaida says
Oh man, sorry that you had an awful race. That is super cool of your mom to finish 2nd in her age group! I hope you are feeling better. I also avoid the port a potties but I understand that sometimes you just have to go.
I’ve done the Hartford Half Marathon and have actually enjoyed it. I am planning to run it again next year or the year after.
kookyrunner says
I am feeling better now, thankfully. I just hope I never experience that in a race again!
I’ve actually never done the Hartford Half but my friends are I are thinking of doing the marathon relay next year.
chaitali says
Ugh, so sorry to hear about the race. It sounds like a painful experience. Though it’s great to hear it was pretty well organized and they give back to the community.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Chaitali. It was definitely not a fun experience but I’m hoping that it only made me a tougher runner!
Farrah says
37?! :O! Major props to you for finishing despite the stomach issues, and I’m glad you managed to finish this race! I love that they give back to their community! :] Congrats to your mom for getting 2nd in her AG!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Farrah! I was happy when I find out that my mom got second in her AG. At least one of us had a good race!
Denise @ runheartfit says
I had an awful race at the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon. My stomach bothered me the whole time and then I couldn’t find the shuttle to take me back to my hotel. I had to wait on a curb for an hour for my husband to come get me. I swore off full marathons that day and hadn’t ran one since until 2 weeks ago at the Revel Big Bear Marathon where I had a much better experience. Thank the Lord! 🙂
Sounds like the SONO half is a great race when your stomach is cooperating.
kookyrunner says
OMG that sounds awful! I’m so sorry that you had to go through that experience. I give you so much credit for tackling the marathon distance again after that experience!