Run for the Redfish Recap

This was the half I was going into with "no expectations".  My oldest son enjoys this half and we don't get the opportunity to do many races together, so of course I said YES .  Well let me just sum it up in one word:  FOGGY.  And of course, fog = humidity...my nemesis.  Ugh!  It was too warm as well.  Had I not looked at the calendar before leaving home, I would sworn I was running in August. The fog never lifted.  Not. All. Day.

Our view.  Can you see the water?  I promise it's there!

I'm glad now I planned to run this one for "fun" because my performance suffered.  Had this been a goal race for me, I would be devastated.  {It's disappointing enough as it is.}  The route is out and back right along the beach with very few hills.  I actually started out on target but by mile 8, I was completely zapped.  Done.  Over.  The Fat Lady Sang.  That's what the humidity does to me.  Thankfully, I was able to keep the cramps at bay.  That's the other thing I typically deal with in these conditions.

The weather is no fault of the race itself.  It's a very well done smaller race with plenty of nearby parking and easy packet pickup.  I can't complain about a flat route with stunning ocean views.  The after party is hosted by Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.  I mean, come on, it doesn't get any better.  They served Landshark on draft and seafood gumbo.  You get a very nice long sleeve tech shirt and the entry fee is nominal, compared to others.

Looking for my lost shaker of salt...

Shirt Front

Shirt Back -- Even Better

Oddly, there is  little crowd support.  There are people at the finish but really not on the course.  I saw a few chalked messages but that's about all the Rah Rah we got.  I'm OK with that.  I supposed one reason could be because it's in a tourist town.  Also, we were told they are not allowed to close the roads.  So within 2 weeks I ran completely opposite half marathons.  Ultimate spectators to none.  No cars to honking drivers.  Hilly to flat.  This was a completely different experience, and I have no problem with that whatsoever.  That's what makes each race unique and challenging in its own right.

All in all, we had a fun trip.  We finished, although both slower than we should have (me 2:09 and he 1:59).  We'll definitely repeat this one.  I think it's become a tradition.  I got a little Christmas shopping done, we watched the SEC championship game (RTR) and ate delicious seafood.  {Let me just say, eating Oysters Rockefeller and listening to geriatric karaoke are an unbeatable combination.}

Does anyone else have problems running in humidity?  Or, is it just me?  I'd love to hear from you!

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