The Franklin Half Marathon (that’s actually run in Leiper’s Fork)

It was a steamy morning with lots of fog.  This is the parking field.

It’s a local race and so fun to meet up with my friends!

This definitely wasn’t a “goal” race for me and I used it as part of my training for the North Fork 50 later this month.  There was a little congestion at the start and it quickly thinned out.

This course is notoriously hot and hilly.  Every year I wonder why we run it!  I was soaked in sweat by the finish.

Temperature when I finished!

Stats:

I think the 666 elevation gain is a sign!

I’m super proud of our group!!!!

Nutrition:

• Coffee and a Picky Bar at home.
• Cocogo in my handheld during the race. Use code: JENCHOOSESJOY (all caps) for 10% off
• 1 Gu at mile 8

Pros:

• It’s a local race with lots of friends!
• It’s close to home, 2,000 runners, and logistically very easy.
• Water-Bags on the course.
• Encouraging and cheerful volunteers
• Peach Truck Peaches at the finish line!

Cons:

• It’s hot and hilly.  Seriously, did I mention that it’s hot and hilly?
• Because of the heat, they ran out of water at finish.
• The porta potty lines were super long and folks resorted to peeing in the fields.
• No towels or napkins at the finish.

That afternoon, I was a bum.  I made a big misto and watched McFarland (loved it)!

And ate entirely too many tortilla chips at dinner, because…salt!  Warm restaurant chips are heaven in a basket.

Sunday:

My ultra training called for back-to-back runs, so I met Corrie and CB at Percy Warner for a trail run!

It was another hot one and I inhaled a big bowl of mango at home.

Before our dinner reservation, we stopped to visit with sweet friends.  It’s always fun to see runners in “real clothes!” (Plus a photobomb by Mr. Huffman!)

And lastly a (blurry) toast to the end of full weekend…cheers!

Peak and Pit of your weekend?  Peak: After being out of town, I was so excited to catch-up with friends!  Pit: The heat kicked my arse!

Mangos: yay or nay?  I keep trying to love them, but they’re not my favorite.

Have you used the Water-Bags during a race?  Do you like them? I like them because it’s easier to drink and run at the same time AND I would use the bag on my neck to cool off.

Share your race or long run from the weekend?

#choosejoy