Red, White and BOOM Half Marathon Race Review

Well ladies and gentlemen- goal complete. I still can't believe that I accomplished my goal. I never doubted that I would (okay after some particularly not fun races or when I had an injury there was a bit of doubt). If I am good at anything it is finding races, registering and man handling race day logistics. This race was the perfect way to end my journey.

 Red, White and BOOM takes place in Minneapolis on the 4th of July. This just happens to be the city my best friend since 7th grade resides. Match made in pancake making, adventure going, ice cream consuming heaven.

 This race starts at 6:30 a.m. in downtown Minneapolis. The course is a very nice and scenic course along the river, neighborhoods, across some beautiful bridges with some amazing views and is relatively flat except for the few massive hills thrown in for giggles. 

See that big hill in the distance- it was twice as big to run up on the other side.

 Exceptional cheering crew not included with every trip to Minneapolis but I was lucky enough to get the VIP package which included curb side drop off at the race start, four cheer locations throughout the course to keep me motivated, a personalized poster and my own personal race photographers/ cheerleaders. It was so fun to keep an eye out for my friend and her fiance throughout the course. Kept me motivated and my mind off any sort of hot, sweaty, tiredness/ achy foot feelings.

Cheering crew of the year!

This is way too much fun to be having at a race

  My general plan for this race was to just have fun. My left foot is still acting a little funny. It was warm and humid at the start and it was my 30th race. I didn't really care how fast I ran. I guess it would have been an amazing ending to my goal to finish in a record breaking 1:50 or something but really I just wanted to enjoy the course and have fun. I didn't look at my watch once which if you have read this blog at all you know that is way out of character for me.

 At one point during mile 11 as I was crossing a bridge with amazing views of the city I stopped and walked to take it all in and that is when it kind of hit me. My little self imposed journey of 30 half marathons was about to be over. I slowed down after that, I kind of didn't want it to be over for a minute. A big part of my life the last two years has been this goal and the thought of it being done was exciting and a little scary at the same time. I keep thinking "Now what?" I have a few ideas I am tossing around but that is for another post. Back to the race.

 After flying across the stone arch bridge to the finish line in 2:10:14 I was handed a nice red, white and blue medal, some water and a Popsicle. That Popsicle was a great idea. All races should have some sort of iced treat at the finish.

 Overall I was really pleased with this race. It was a great ending to my 30 before 30 journey. I was really happy I got to share it with Maren and Doug! Thanks you guys for being the best!

Overall this race goes on my list of favorites. I am biased because I got to be there with my friends but thinking just about the race it was well organized, has nice swag, a pretty and challenging course, a nice start and finish area and plenty of course support (though I don't remember them handing any sort of GU out so take some with you if you need fuel). Race started right on time and the volunteers were great. This is a fun way to start the 4th of July. Though napping to stay up for fireworks may be needed.

Any new goal suggestions?