Sunday, February 18, 2018

Mercedes Half (WW # 133)




The purpose of this linkup is to
support active women.
Rules can be found HERE.


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Mercedes Half Marathon
Birmingham, AL
February 11, 2018
Half Marathon  # 52


This was my third trip to Birmingham for the Mercedes Half Marathon.  Wendy did a great job recapping her race from a first timer's perspective so be sure to check that out.  We stressed over the Chicago snowstorm for a few days, but ultimately Wendy arrived after only a short delay. Next, we stressed over the 100% rain and thunderstorms race day forecast.

After brunching at First Watch, we went to the expo where we hung out while it rained.  I'm glad we were staying at the Westin Hotel as it connected to the expo site.  We had fun perusing the vendors, sampling the local craft beer, sipping Tailwind, and making silly photos.  Lots of silly photos.  My friend Valerie (#icecreamrunner) was due soon so we stayed until she arrived.  And...it was raining outside.  What else were we going to do?

Expo props...always fun.


In the late afternoon, we did a little sightseeing and previewed some of the course.  Yes unfortunately, the hills had not moved.  It was very windy atop The Vulcan tower...enough to make me weak in the knees.

When in Birmingham, you must visit
The Vulcan atop Red Mountain!

After attempting to eat at a restaurant near our hotel, we gave up as the wait times were ridiculous.  We dined at the Westin where I ate delicious chicken pot pie.  We were both happy with our dining choice.  Back in our room early, partiers that we are, we were nodding off before nine.  It had been a long stressful day of travel and weather worries.

In the hotel lobby...ready or not!
Race Day!  We checked the radar and it appeared we would run between storms.  HOORAY! Oh...wait. That means; humidity from hell.  {Cue deflating balloon noise.}  I mentioned to Wendy that I usually cramp in high humidity.  Why, oh why did I say that out loud?  We walked a few blocks and were in the starting swamp chute within minutes.  I heard someone calling my name.  Valerie and others were already there.


Wanting a 2:10 finish or less, I started conservatively.  My plan was to save energy for the large hills on the back side and push my pace on the downhills.  At mile two, it started raining.  The thing I stressed most over...felt fantastic!  It was brutally warm and swampy without the rain.  It didn't last very long, unfortunately.

The first five miles were all 9:xx and I felt on target.  Then, I hit the first steep hill at 8 o'clock.  I know because we ran by a church with chimes announcing the hour.  The humidity was brutal.  I took a walk break to regroup, let my heart rate settle and eat a GU.   For a hot minute, I felt a little defeated.  The crowd support is always phenomenal for this mid-sized race, reminding me of Route 66 in Tulsa.  Their cheering energized me and I managed to get my head back in the game.  Val and I swapped places over and over.   That big downhill section in mile 9 is so much fun!   I let it fly.


In mile 10, the cramps started -- even though I had taken salt caps, drank electrolytes, and eaten GU.  High humidity gets me every time.  And...I had already jinxed myself.  They started first in the feet (which I can handle) and then moved to my calves.  Every time I had one in my calf, I stopped in my tracks.  Literally.  On my Garmin, it appears I came to a screeching halt 5 times.  The last seize was right before the finish line.  Mere feet.  How comically awkward.  Total spaz.

I finished 28th out of 138 in my age group with a 2:15:23.  Would I have met my goal without the humidity?  Without the cramping?  I'll never know.  But, you won't hear me complaining with a top 20% finish in that muck. 


Nice air for an old lady.  In full disclosure:
 My calf cramped for 5 minutes after landing.

Valerie arrived shortly and Wendy wasn't far behind.  They had the usual fruit and hydration in the finishers area.  This race gives out a finishers award and this year it was a large wrap towel.  I ate a banana for potassium and after a few pictures we headed inside (thankfully, because -- more rain!) to the after party. They served a BBQ sandwich with coleslaw and chips.  Since we were in no hurry, Wendy and I kicked back, sang along with the band, and enjoyed the after party for a while.  I'm so happy my friend and co-host flew south to run this race with me!  Sharing this experience with her makes it even more special.  

Thank you, my friend!

The thing I find so addictive about running distance races is this:  You never know what you'll get on race day.  It's the challenge of facing what the day brings; somehow digging deep to make it work; doing what it takes to cross the finish line (even if you're stopped short with cramps).    If it were effortless, I have no doubt I'd lose interest.

After 52 half marathons, this race still remains a favorite.  The course itself is entertaining, winding around the downtown area plus showcasing different outlying neighborhoods.  The direction and amenities are top notch.  Let me add, in past years it felt more like a winter day.

And that's a wrap!


Have you ever been to Birmingham?  Visited the Vulcan?

Anyone else cramp in humidity?  I'd love to ear your solutions!




66 comments:

  1. I'm so glad I got to experience this race with you! I had an absolute blast, even in spite of that brutal southern humidity, or as one reader commented on my blog, the death march. Wow. Great job, my friend. What's up next for us?

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    1. Next year, we can say "it can't be as bad as last year!". LOL. What is next? It seems like the year is flying by too quickly now. It is already too warm here to do well in races. I'll have to go elsewhere.

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  2. I'm sorry you experienced so much cramping. I will have to take notice to that next time I run in the humidity. You always do a fantastic job on your races, congrats on #52! Keep it up!

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    1. It's probably the combo of hills and humidity that cause cramping. Our local half is the same way. I always cramp during it as well.

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  3. I'd say that 's a pretty amazing finish! Sorry to hear about the cramping I've never had that. You 2 look like you had a blast together. Thanks for the linkup

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    1. I think some people are just prone to cramping. I've had them all my life! My Mom was the same way.

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  4. I have never even been to Alabama nor any of the gulf states other than Florida. It's the one part of the US that I've totally neglected in my travels.

    What we will do for a jump picture! I usually hurt my hip or something whenever I land, but I still keep doing them. LOL

    Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. Alabama has beautiful beaches but most people don't consider that when picking a vacation spot. Ask Wendy, I couldn't even move after that jumps hot. The cramp had me locked down. LOL.

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  5. Congrats on a great race and Im glad you were able to have a fun weekend with Wendy! That humidity sounds rough. I don't think I've experienced cramping due to humidity but I definitely struggle in that kind of weather.

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    1. After cramping a few times, I noticed a pattern. If definitely occurs more often in warm temps and humidity. I think the hills make it worse too.

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  6. You said it perfectly...You never know what you'll get on race day. And, I agree...it's the mystery and intrigue of that unknown which keeps me doing more and more races. I have had the calf cramping happen and it's PAINFUL. It totally stopped me in my tracks as well. Still you finished the race, and with a decent time none the less. Congrats!!

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    1. I am lucky the cramps didn't start until mile 10. I think taking the salt was the reason for their delay. My hometown race is usually the same way. Yes, we keep going back for more -- I guess to find that elusive perfect experience...which will never happen. LOL.

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  7. I've been to Alabama but never made it to Birmingham. I'm sorry you had such cramping! I definitely struggle during really humid days but I generally (knock on wood) don't cramp. Maybe you had too much salt? I don't even know. Nice time considering all the ick!! *high five* And that after party sounds fun! I've only stuck around for 1 after party and it was at a local, small race and it was meh. I'm really hoping for more fun when I run that 50k in October, especially since I purchased an extra BBQ ticket for my husband! haha

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    1. For whatever reason, I'm prone to cramps. It's a lifelong issue. My Mom was the same way. My sister? Nope. It's fun to hang out at the after party, especially if there is music and good food.

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  8. I'm prone to cramping when it's NOT humid, LOL! I cramped up something fierce at PCB & those last 3 miles were so painful, so I hear ya & feel for you.

    I've never been to AL. Period. But all the posts recently have put this one on my radar; we shall see.

    I think you did a great job, and finishing is always winning Finishing with good friends is even better.

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    1. If you need to run this state, I'd choose either Mercedes or January's First Light in Mobile (especially if you like a flat course). Some people never cramp and I'm a lifelong cramper. I wonder why?

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  9. I love all of your pictures! What a great trip!

    I've never cramped up during a race but I am certainly not a humidity kind of runner. Great job sticking it out and finishing strong anyway!

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    1. Humidity is such a game changer for me. It was very unusual to be so early in the year. It's normally pretty cold at this race.

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  10. Looks like a great trip, and you've got some serious hops! That steep elevation gain in the middle of the race seems awful. Sorry that your calf cramped, but a top 20% finish is great!

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    1. Luckily, with uphills come downhills. The humidity just played more of a role than I wanted.

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  11. Wow, you did great in those conditions. I've had calf cramps during a race - they are so horrible! I think Westin has some pretty good food -- pot pie sounds like a great pre-race meal. I have to admit that I love the medal. The towel sounds cool too.

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    1. The top of this pot pie was more like a flatbread, not a greasy pie crust. So, I believe it was healthier than the traditional dish. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

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  12. I've avoided muscle cramps, but have definitely dealt with stomach cramps in the heat and humidity. So frustrating when you think you've done everything right to prevent them.

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    1. You just have to work with the hand your dealt. I couldn't control the humidity or the ensuing cramps, but I was lucky it was late in the race before they started.

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  13. Great finish in tough conditions! Humidity always does a number on me - I have yet to find the right formula to combat its effects. Congrats!

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    1. I thought I took a preventive approach with salt, hydration, Gatorade and GU but they still got me anyway. I'm very thankful it wasn't the worse case I've experienced.

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  14. Knock wood I don't cramp in humidity but I definitely feel lousy. Great job keeping it together in those conditions and on that tough course! What a fun weekend for you two!

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    1. Humidity causes such a perceived heaviness for me. It's such a game changer. I hope you have good conditions for Gasparilla next weekend!

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  15. I haven't cramped in humidity, but my fingers have swelled up. If I do a race in humidity, I'll have to be prepared.

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    1. I was wrinkled and swollen when I finished; prune-like from the moisture in the air. LOL. My hometown half is usually the same way. I can look forward to that next month.

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  16. Kudos to you for another half marathon finish in not so ideal weather conditions! I have not cramped in humidity but I usually feel super lousy and my energy totally depletes.

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    1. Humidity is definitely and energy zapper! We looked like the walking dead. Or at least, I did!

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  17. I've never been to Birmingham, but I'd love to go sometime and this race looks like a great reason! I enjoyed your recap and best of luck moving forward!

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    1. If you ever want to run a race in Alabama, Mercedes will not disappoint!

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  18. I'm a severe cramper in any type of weather. Once after finishing a half, I stood on my tip toes to see over a crowd of people to find my family. I immediately got cramps in both calves and fell to the ground. That got the attention of at least 10 people who thought I passed out and needed medical attention. No no. Just cramping up! ;)

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    1. OMG. I feel so much better knowing I'm not alone. I'm a lifelong cramper and used to get them at random times too. Those that require you to jump out of the bed in the middle of the night are just plain cruel!

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  19. Sounds like you two had a total blast - despite the weather! Sorry about the cramps, but congrats on your nice finish!!

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    1. It was definitely fun, despite the humidity and the cramps!

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  20. I definitely don't do well with racing and humidity! Is probably because I'm not used to it. Sorry about the cramping. But I love all the running skirts! So cute

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    1. I live in this humidity 8 months or more out of the year and have never grown accustomed to running in it. I'm always amazed at the people who can do it!

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  21. Congrats on running a strong race despite the difficult conditions. You definitely earned bragging rights for finishing in the top 20% of your age group.

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    1. After such a struggle, it helps to know I stacked up fairly well in my age group. I think there were only 2 sub 2:00 finishers in my age group. That's definitely an indication of the tough conditions.

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  22. Sounds like a great race. You are smart to keep repeating.

    Even better to do it with a friend. FOMO.

    I haven't had a problem with cramping but then again look where I live. And so far all my Florida races have not been super warm.

    Knock on wood. I'll be back March 17.

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    1. I like repeating races I've done and enjoyed. At least you know what you are in for!

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  23. I lived in Birmingham twice as a little girl! I do not remember the Vulcan and we went last year for a soccer tournament and got to run the Wine 10k! Congratulations on a great race in the swampy weather conditions! Mercedes is on my list for next year!

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    1. The Vulcan has been around forever (I think). It has a nice park and museum too and it looks as if they were adding some type of light show. You should check it out.

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  24. I've cramped a time or two, but never like that during a race - yikes!!! It's crazy how much humidity can wreck your body. So glad you had a great race weekend with Wendy...love that you guys hung around after the race and enjoyed the party!

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    1. After my worse case of cramping (feet, calves and hamstrings), I started taking salt capsules. It helps but doesn't always keep them completely away. The after party is always fun, especially when a race has a band!

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  25. "Unfortunately, the hills had not moved" - that line had me laughing out loud in the office! What a great recap and I am so glad you got to do it with Wendy. But those cramps sound absolutely horrendous! I am not prone to cramping but I struggled a lot with cramps when I was pregnant so I can just imagine how awful that must be when you are in the middle of a race. Well done for pulling through - as you said you just never know what's in store for you on race day, and I guess it just adds to the excitement and fun. :-)

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    1. I still haven't figured out the cramping thing completely. Taking salt does seem to help but isn't a guarantee they will stay away altogether.

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    1. It's a fun touch having the props and someone to take pictures for you so you don't have to ask random people!

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  27. Sounds like a fabulous race... well except for the cramping.

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    1. The fun factor definitely outweighed the humidity and the cramps.

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  28. Congrats on another half marathon! Sorry to hear about the cramping! So cool Wendy ran it too! I don't think I've ever been to Birmingham.

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    1. There were a few fun things we could have done outdoors in and around Birmingham, but the rain had other plans for us.

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  29. Congrats on your race! You did great despite the difficult conditions! Also sounds like you had a blast with Wendy!!

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    1. I did the best I could with what I had to work with on this day. I can't complain. And, you can't go wrong when you share a race with a friend.

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  30. Wow, hills and humidity? That is rough! Great work and congrats!!

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    1. Humidity is definitely my nemesis. I wish I had the magic power to run in it!

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  31. This looks like such a fun race. Hills and humidity suck- it is humid in Charleston but thankfully hill-free. I love all the recaps from the Mercedes race because it looks like fun. I want to run that one day because let's be honest, that medal is as close to a Mercedes as I will ever get. Glad you guys had a great girls weekend and race.

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    1. It's probably the only Mercedes emblem I'll ever have as well. The marathon runners got a very cool one with a black background. I admit to coveting it, but can't fathom going twice around that course.

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  32. You girls always have so much fun at the races! This looks like a great time. And that elevation map though... My only hills are on the treadmill! hehe

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    1. Yeah, there are some serious hills in the middle of this course. But the crowd support more than makes up for it!

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  33. Racing in the humidity is SO tough - congrats on a great job! Glad you and Wendy got together again! And 52 half marathons, what an accomplishment!

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    1. It just seems to suck the energy from my body! I wish I had a super power to be able to run in it.

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