What a weekend! The Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Clearwater is in the books! We went with two other families who we’ve run in races with before. Together we all ran the Oceans 50 Relay which was a lot of fun. Four of us planned to run the half and two of us signed up for the 5k the day before. And all of us agreed that training during the summer was the worst idea we had. Although the weather this particular weekend felt like the beginning of the Florida fall and was absolutely perfect for running, our training months were brutal. There was so much to do this weekend, so here’s a recap of my experience!
Friday Night in Indian Rocks Beach
We arrived Friday night, later than everyone because Rylee had her dance team class that night and she can’t miss it, but the drive to Indian Rocks Beach, where we rented an Airbnb right on the water, was a quick and easy ride. There was a bar and restaurant right in the complex where we met up with everyone for a bit before heading to the condo.
The views from the Harbourside condos were so beautiful, it was really nice to sit out on the balcony and watch the water.
That night, we all got acquainted with the place, watched some football, and tried to calm the kids down enough to go to sleep.
Saturday 5k and 1 Mile Kids Run
The next morning was the 5k and the kids 1 mile run. Brett and our friend Desiree were both running the 5k and all the kids were excited about their 1 miler. We laughed when we saw Brett, who is not a runner, but decided to sign up and then questioned why he did so. Their entire race was over a bridge and back. What a challenge! We were tracking them on the app and they both did so well!
We rewarded them with a Starbucks coffee. And a hug.
Then it was time for the kiddos to start their race. They waited very patiently for the start of the race.
When the horn went off, the race went by so fast! All the kids did so good, it was fun to see them crossing the finish line. One mile is the perfect distance for them. Poor Reece, though, is just like me and got a terrible cramp! But he pushed through and made it. Our friend Easton was the first kid to finish! He is super fast, and we were so proud.
Number 1!
After the race, everyone was pretty hungry and tired and wanted to head back to our place to eat and get ready for the beach. The beach was so close and relaxing. The water was beautiful, nice and calm and refreshing.
It was great therapy for those of us running the next day and the perfect primer for me mentally.
Of course, the boys had to play a few games of football on the beach. We were worried one of the dads were going to break an ankle in Ashton’s hole he was digging!
That night, we all knew we wanted to take it easy and get to bed early. We decided to cook a meal at home and it was perfect. We made a delicious lasagna with cheesy crescent rolls and salad.
After an inspiring convo on the patio with the ladies and a full belly, I decided to hit the hay around 9pm. I started reading our October book club pick to help wind down my mind, it’s an instant attention grabber!
Sunday Half Marathon
Sunday was the big day! I am not going to lie I was very nervous about how it would go down, since I didn’t train very well and it’s been a while since I’ve ran in a race. These speedsters were in the second corral, and I made my way up with them so we could stay together, for a little bit at least.
I am not that fast and typically finish around 2:30 so by mile 2 they were long gone. But I kept up with them for a little bit, especially down the bridge, ha! I was impressed with myself for being above my average pace for the first 6 miles, when the 2:15 mile pacer passed by me. I’ll take it!
I have run in another Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Savannah years ago, and that experience was amazing, but different. The views of the Clearwater race were incredible, even though the best ones were over three giant bridges. And the entertainment was so good! I thought it was much better than Savannah from what I can remember.
After the first bridge that took us over to Clearwater bridge, we ran along the beach and it was so quiet and pretty.
Then it went through a gorgeous neighborhood before taking us over another bridge. Right as I got to this one, the cannons went off on this pirate ship!
I thought it was so cool that there were people dressed like pirates, cheering us on on their microphones. The amount of support throughout this race was really incredible. The people on the sidelines, the encouraging shouts from spectators telling us to keep going, it really felt so good during the race. I especially loved the Hulk Hogans on the trail as we made it to the final 3 miles, giving fist bumps and telling us we’re almost there!
Around mile 10 is where I was really struggling. After making my way through the Biofreeze station, and then again for quick spray down at a medical tent, I thought my legs (my hips and knees especially) were going to give out if I stopped. But I told myself to keep going and that I was so close. Plus in the back of my mind I wanted to stay close to my target time of 2:30.
When I crossed the finish line—at a record time of 2:28!—at the end of the bridge, and made my way down the spiral walkway, I caught a glimpse of Brett and the kids, and the emotion poured out of my heart.
Being exhausted, legs burning, hips aching, mentally and physically fatigued, and then seeing my kids cheering for me at the finish line, was the most incredible feeling I have ever felt.
They gave me the biggest hugs and told me I did a good job, and I couldn’t hold back the tears.
I kept moving with the crowd after my hugs to get my medal, and tried to hold them back. Not sure why I cared if other people saw me crying at the medal awarding. It was a happy cry, and would have felt so good. If I could go back in time I’d let them out. Let them ALL out. I’m getting emotional now thinking about that feeling. It was honestly and truly amazing.
I headed straight for the expo area to meet up with everyone, grab my delicious well-deserved beer and listen to the entertainment.
And of course take a few photos.
We did it! I’m so proud of all of us for committing to this half marathon and sticking to it! Of course there is such a high when you finish these things, even though we were in pain, one of us said, “When’s the next one?”
Wedding Anniversary Dinner
This was also the weekend of Brett and I’s 12th wedding anniversary. Since Brett’s parents live close by, they met us at the race and took the kids home with them for the evening, so Brett and I could enjoy a nice dinner out. (After a few naps on the condo sofa)
We went to Salt Rock Grill and it was amazing! The view, the company and the food!
We started off with a delicious firecracker tuna appetizer, pictured on the left that was to die for! Looking out the window, with my love, enjoying this food was one of the best anniversaries yet. Our entrees were so good, we decided to share and make our own surf and turf. The fish dish was absolutely divine, and so up my alley, it was amazing!
I loved reflecting back on this amazing weekend with family and friends. It was nice to have a short week, and I decided to fully recover from my race day weekend and skip the gym so I can get back into the groove for the week.
I have to say, I am very excited to not be only running and training and to venture out into other classes and styles of working out. Gotta work on that new routine now!
Thanks for reading about my journey at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Clearwater, Florida. It was such an amazing experience and I hope you are inspired for your next fitness adventure, just like I am!
