Tuesday, December 9, 2014

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!

Don't forget about the Giveaway Hop.  You still have time to enter and win!


28 comments:

  1. Humidity is always difficult, and I have run far too many Disney races in those conditions. I was primed for a 10k PR in February, but the temperature coupled with 100% humidity made it impossible. Still placing in my AG was nice, but not the PR I was after. Nice that you got to run with your son (or not with him but at the race) and the karaoke has left an indelible image in my mind!

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    1. I'm ready for a nice and crisp cool race, for sure!

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  2. Oh gosh, NO, you are not alone with the humidity, and I feel like it's too late in the year to be messing around with it! Hee hee. I still think your time is stellar :)

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  3. Yes, I ran a half in July & I almost passed out after. My hubby & I are Jimmy Buffet fans so the after -party sounds great. I would be thrilled with a 2:09...just saying.

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    1. Love Jimmy Buffet! Christmas Island is one of my favorite Christmas songs. (He makes a killer margarita too.) I am grateful for the sub 2:10, but I want a sub 2:00 so bad I can almost taste it!

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    2. You will get it! I want a sub 2 so that I can get into the NYC half but I got quite a ways to go.

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    3. I hope so. It's been difficult this year. I know you can do it too!!

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  4. You're definitely not alone. Humidity shuts me down. I'll take zero over hot and humid any day. Glad you had fun with it!

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    1. Even though I know I can't run well in the humidity, it still shakes my confidence. I love a cold race too!

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  5. I really admire you for not giving in after feeling done at mile 8! Humidity is the worst, for sure. But it sounds like overall a good experience with your son!

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    1. I did so much of this during the summer. I want better weather!

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  6. Great job on finishing the race in that humidity. I actually don't mind running in the heat. I'd rather that then the cold. That after party seems well worth registering for the race. How fun! -L

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  7. Humidity makes running hard, but I'd do it if I had a son racing, too!

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    1. Absolutely. The last one we ran together was this race last year. So I have to take the opportunity when I can.

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  8. Humidity is a killer! I'm already dreading and excited about my half in Sarasota in March. Last March I ran in St Petersburg and it was a killer. No goal times for my Florida halfs, for sure! Great job!

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    1. You just never know. I'm running another in FL on the 28th and hoping for better weather.

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  9. I know humidity can be a killer, I don't have trouble with it but I know a lot of people who do and it seems like it can really take it's toll on ya! I remember my first humid run was in Florida DWM and it took me a while to get used to be soaking wet before I even started to run, LOL.
    Sounds like despite the humidity it was a pretty good run and it sounds like it was a fun trip:) Congrats to you both on your awesome finishes!

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    1. Thanks. I keep thinking I'll get used to it. Hasn't happened yet!

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  10. Humidity is the WORST! Strange that they can't close the roads. Did they at least block off a lane for you?

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    1. Humidity should be a four letter word! No we didn't get a lane either. Both shoulders are narrow bike lanes but they are not wide enough.

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  11. Thanks, I have one more to go this year. Maybe I'll get lucky with the weather.

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  12. I loved racing with my son too! Humidity is the pits although right now I would love some

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    1. Now I'm home running in the upper 20s before daylight. Never satisfied. LOL

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  13. I do terribly with humid runs...but its so weird since I feel like its been so long since I had to deal with that kind of weather! And this morning while I was running in the cold wind, I was wishing for summer running!

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    1. I never thought I'd have to deal with it in December either. Very weird.

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