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Navy Air Force Half Marathon Recap

September 14, 2014 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC62 Comments

Today was a beautiful day. I’m super excited to get this Navy Air Force Half Marathon Recap done to share with y’all! The weather was gorgeous, I felt good and everything was just hitting on all cylinders. I had been waiting for this race for months and it did not disappoint. I don’t usually recap expos and stuff like that so I won’t spend too much time on this one but to say it was a hot mess. It took about 45 minutes to get my race bib because lines were crazy. It was not awesome. I was underwhelmed with the level of (dis)organization at the expo, but don’t let that discourage you from running this race. 

The course is pretty standard issue for a DC race. We started near the Washington monument (as you can see below in the picture with my colleague Meghan) and it was a bit chilly so I kept my throwaway shirt on until we started moving. The course winds around towards the Lincoln monument and crosses the Memorial Bridge at about mile 1.5. We then ran past the back side of Lincoln towards Georgetown. We followed Rock Creek Parkway up a few miles until the turn around. Then you come back the way you ran up and head over to Haines Point for the last few miles. Relatively flat with a small hill around mile 6.5 and another tiny hill at the finish (not even really a hill but feels a bit like one at mile 13!). 

start of navy air force half marathon

You know I like to recap by miles so, here we go!

Miles 1 -3: The start was incredibly congested and people were not in their appropriate line up spots so the first couple miles were slower than I wanted them to be but I wasn’t too worried. I just keep moving and knew it would clear out soon. You can tell that it did clear up significantly by mile 3, which was great. Even though I had a TON of buddies running this race, I was running solo pretty much the whole way. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing — I was able to just focus on my race, which I wanted to do. 9:44, 9:42, 9:21

Miles 4-6: At this point we were running up Rock Creek Parkway, which is an area I am extremely familiar with and spent a lot of time training over there during my last cycle of marathon training. The familiarity helped deal with the tiny, gradual incline as we headed up the Parkway towards the turn around. 9:29, 9:19, 9:36

Miles 7-9: At this point, I knew I wasn’t going to go sub-2 but also knew that I could hit 2:05 if I kept pushing. I tried to just hold pace in the 9:20s and that seemed to work. K was at mile 8.5 briefly, so that was fun. The course doesn’t have a lot of spectator support so if that is something you need, be aware. 9:21, 9:21, 9:27

Miles 10-13.1: This final stretch is mostly on Haines Point which can be a real mental battle. I don’t love Haines Point, but I’ve run it enough that I am very familiar with it and I go into races knowing that it’s flat and pretty boring and am prepared for that. I really thought I was pushing it that final mile, but looking at my times, it’s clear I was pretty done. I definitely left it all out there on the course! 9:28, 9:33, 9:31, 9:52

2014-09-14 13.15.46

With Julie from Diving Into the Gene Pool.

2014-09-14 12.53.44

Mar (from Mar on the Run) and I!

2014-09-14 13.16.02

Julie’s sister Kristen (and Kristen’s adorable baby boy), Caitlin, Julie and I.

2014-09-14 12.51.41

The swag. Love the shirt and the medal!

Oh – so what was my official time? 2:05:49 This was a 15 minute PR for me and I am so proud. I worked really hard in this training cycle and I saw results. I will talk more about what’s next for me soon but overall, I feel like a total rockstar. I know I gave this race everything I had and I’m really proud of myself. It can sometimes feel uncomfortable to say that (like I’m bragging when I’m not) but the truth is, I’m proud. πŸ™‚ 

Did you race this weekend? Tell me about it!


Comments

  1. MCM Mama says

    September 14, 2014 at 7:12 pm

    Nicely done! I’m thinking about doing this one next year.

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 14, 2014 at 7:41 pm

      Thank you (and yay to you being able to actually comment!) – it was a great day! Can’t wait to hear more about Ragnar!!

      Reply
  2. M @ readeatwriterun.com says

    September 14, 2014 at 7:13 pm

    So happy for you! Congratulations!! Nothing like a PR when you know you gave it your all! And a good day for a race, nice breeze. Your hair looks really cute btw. Rocking that Flock singlet!
    M @ readeatwriterun.com recently posted…Friday Five – Blogs to TryMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 14, 2014 at 7:41 pm

      Thank you so much — especially for the hair compliment πŸ™‚

      Reply
  3. Jennifer says

    September 14, 2014 at 7:15 pm

    I thought of you today during the Parks Half in Bethesda…it was a great day for a race! Congratulations on your PR; 15 minutes is HUGE!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 14, 2014 at 7:41 pm

      Thank you! I’d love to run the Parks Half sometime – I know that’s a great race!

      Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    September 14, 2014 at 7:42 pm

    Great seeing you today and congrats on the amazing PR! Can’t wait to hear what is next. I completely agree with you on the expo…. will detail it Tuesday.
    Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Blogs to LoveMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 14, 2014 at 8:57 pm

      GREAT seeing you as always! ugh, the expo!!! can’t wait to read your recap!

      Reply
  5. Pam says

    September 14, 2014 at 8:02 pm

    Sometimes those slower starts can help in the end. Great job and you really crushed that PR. So happy for you that your hard work paid off.
    Pam recently posted…Weekly Roundup: Sept 14thMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 14, 2014 at 8:58 pm

      thank you so much! i think you are right and the slower start may have been a blessing in disguise.

      Reply
  6. Christine says

    September 14, 2014 at 8:26 pm

    HUGE PR! Congratulations!!! You ran each mile OVER a minute faster, wow!!
    Christine recently posted…#TBT : My first Marathon – Marine Corps MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 14, 2014 at 8:59 pm

      thank you so much! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  7. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    September 14, 2014 at 8:50 pm

    Congratulations!! That is an amazing PR, you worked so hard and it paid off! You are a rock star!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…RnR Philly Half Week 9 Recap: Philly 10K and Tough Long RunMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 14, 2014 at 9:02 pm

      thanks janelle. it felt really great to cross that finish line!

      Reply
  8. Chaitali says

    September 14, 2014 at 9:09 pm

    Congrats! You should definitely be proud of that PR πŸ™‚ I didn’t race this weekend but did my first run with double digit miles and that was a great confidence booster for me.
    Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – Blog postsMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 1:44 pm

      ooooh first double digit run is AWESOME. congrats!

      Reply
  9. Tiffany@ThisIsTheAfter says

    September 14, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    Congrats! I was rooting for you hoping that you’d make the time you wanted. A 15-minute PR! You give me hope for myself.
    Tiffany@ThisIsTheAfter recently posted…Feeling Proud!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 1:46 pm

      thank you so much!

      Reply
  10. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    September 14, 2014 at 9:26 pm

    Wow 15 min PR is huge! You’ve been working really hard and it paid off! Congrats enjoy your moment you deserve it πŸ™‚
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…200 must haves for a 200 mile Ragnar Relay-An Overpacker’s GuideMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 1:47 pm

      thank YOU! can’t wait to read more about ragnar πŸ™‚

      Reply
  11. Kat @ Life by the Laces says

    September 14, 2014 at 10:52 pm

    Congratulations!! I’m so glad all your hard work paid off. You should be proud! It’s not bragging when you’ve worked so hard!
    Kat @ Life by the Laces recently posted…Friday Five: Bloggers!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 1:48 pm

      thanks so much, kat! i was really happy with my results.

      Reply
  12. Jess@Flying Feet in Faith says

    September 15, 2014 at 6:20 am

    Congrats on a successful race!! Nice PR. WOOT!
    Jess@Flying Feet in Faith recently posted…Friday Five: Blogs I Stalk ReligiouslyMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 1:53 pm

      thanks jess! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  13. Mar @Mar on the Run says

    September 15, 2014 at 6:55 am

    YES!!!!!! So so SO happy for you πŸ™‚ congratulations, great feeling!
    Mar @Mar on the Run recently posted…Week 10: Navy Air-Force Half RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 1:54 pm

      thanks BRF! it was a great feeling! now i feel sore πŸ™‚

      Reply
  14. Jess says

    September 15, 2014 at 7:36 am

    Wow! A 15-minute PR is huge – congratulations! I hope you spent the rest of the weekend relaxing πŸ™‚
    Jess recently posted…Race Recap: One Lucky Buckeye 4-Miler (2014)My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 2:02 pm

      oh i did, you know it!

      Reply
  15. Rose says

    September 15, 2014 at 9:46 am

    I LOVE this! You worked so hard and deserve to be so so proud of yourself!
    Rose recently posted…Reflections on my DNSMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 2:02 pm

      thank you so much rose! i need to sign up for another NC race so we can hang πŸ™‚

      Reply
  16. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    September 15, 2014 at 10:33 am

    Im so bummed I miss you AGAIN. I saw Mar on the course and was looking like crazy for you but you must have been just behind me as I finished in 2:00 even. Great job crushing your goals and an AWESOME PR! So proud of you and all of your hard work!
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…I have found the most delicious protein bar & a Giveaway!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 2:03 pm

      yeah, i also started back in the slower area because we couldn’t push past the people. i knew you were ahead of me but i somehow never saw you either. boo. clarendon day?

      Reply
      • Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

        September 15, 2014 at 8:10 pm

        I have an 18 miler that day, but I will be finishing it off with the double πŸ™‚
        Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…I have found the most delicious protein bar & a Giveaway!My Profile

        Reply
  17. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    September 15, 2014 at 10:38 am

    You should be proud! Glad to see all your hard work paid off! Congrats again πŸ™‚
    Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Week 8 and CountingMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 2:05 pm

      thank you so much michelle!

      Reply
  18. Danielle says

    September 15, 2014 at 10:46 am

    Amazing!! Congrats πŸ™‚
    Danielle recently posted…Race Recap: Greta’s Run 5kMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 2:06 pm

      thanks danielle!

      Reply
  19. Heidi says

    September 15, 2014 at 10:53 am

    Congratulations! That is a HUGE block of time to chip off a PR. Go enjoy yourself and give yourself a massive pat on the back.

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      thank you so much!

      Reply
  20. LaToya says

    September 15, 2014 at 10:55 am

    Hardwork pays off! Congrats on your PR
    LaToya recently posted…Rise & Grind!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 2:13 pm

      thank you!

      Reply
  21. Chelle @ Blogs Like a Girl says

    September 15, 2014 at 10:56 am

    Congrats on your PR! I was doing the Navy 5 miler due to injury but ended up with a half marathon medal since they ran out of the 5 miler medals. Between that and the expo I was disappointed in the organization of the race. (They messed up the shirts too.) I guess this means I have to run the half marathon next year.
    Chelle @ Blogs Like a Girl recently posted…Friday Five: Blogs To LoveMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 2:14 pm

      yes, not the most organized. sorry you had an issue with the medals – that’s silly! but yes, the half is a great course! congrats on finishing the 5 miler!

      Reply
  22. Lauren says

    September 15, 2014 at 4:42 pm

    Way to go on the big PR-that’s awesome! Sounds like a pretty great race with no major issues where you were feeling good! Cheers!
    Lauren recently posted…Friday Five Linkup: 5 Blogs I’m Loving Right NowMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 9:07 pm

      thank you so much!

      Reply
  23. Heather Runs Thirteen Point One says

    September 15, 2014 at 5:07 pm

    Congrats on a great race and a new PR! You should be proud of yourself, and never worry about saying so – you know us runners understand! πŸ™‚
    Heather Runs Thirteen Point One recently posted…week in review: september 8–14My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 9:08 pm

      aw, thanks heather — i appreciate it!

      Reply
  24. Judith says

    September 15, 2014 at 8:07 pm

    Congrats on the massive PR! You are a rock star!
    Judith recently posted…Bethany’s English Channel Swim StoryMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 9:10 pm

      thank you!

      Reply
  25. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    September 15, 2014 at 8:33 pm

    Woohoo on the huge PR!!!
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Changing our AfterMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 15, 2014 at 9:11 pm

      thank you abby! it was a GREAT day to run.

      Reply
  26. Coco says

    September 15, 2014 at 9:46 pm

    Congratulations! Your training really paid off! And it was a fantastic day for racing! I think I need to train more on Hains Point so I can get over it, but its so boring! And flat!
    Coco recently posted…Ragnar Recap — Running RagnarDCMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 18, 2014 at 8:38 pm

      it is so boring and flat – i try to use it to my advantage but it can be tough!

      Reply
  27. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    September 16, 2014 at 9:12 am

    I’m so excited for your, Courtney! You and Julie have been training so hard; I just knew you were going to do great!! It was so nice to see you all together; looks like it was a beautiful day for a race. Can’t wait to hear what’s up next!! πŸ˜‰
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Marathon Training Week 5My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 18, 2014 at 8:38 pm

      thank you so much tara!

      Reply
  28. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    September 16, 2014 at 6:50 pm

    Way to go Courtney! That 15 minute PR is quite impressive, although I’m not shocked in the least since you worked your butt off this summer. I can’t wait to hear what your next big race is going to be since I know that you’ll rock that as well!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2014 Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5k RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 18, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      thank you so much kathryn πŸ™‚

      Reply
  29. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    September 16, 2014 at 11:24 pm

    Congratulations, Courtney! What a great PR – you were booking!
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Cruisers Rockin’ The Relay – Ragnar DC Recap Part 1My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 18, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      thanks so much debbie!!

      Reply
  30. Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says

    September 18, 2014 at 8:24 am

    You deserve to be proud of that awesome PR. Congrats!

    Also, I would love to know what you thought of the RLRF training plan you followed and if you’ll be continuing to following that plan. Maybe a future post?
    Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Colorado Trip: Part TwoMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      September 18, 2014 at 8:43 pm

      thank you so much jennifer. i definitely loved the run less run faster plan and will be using it to train for my marathon (a little bit modified since i’m not starting from zero). and YES – probably at least two future posts πŸ™‚

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Richmond Marathon Training Recap - 4 Weeks Left - Eat Pray Run DC says:
    October 20, 2014 at 6:31 am

    […] I’ve really enjoyed how I just tagged on marathon training after already being trained for my half marathon last month. It’s so much easier mentally! I may do this for all my future marathons. Can we take a […]

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