Race Recap: Coastal Delaware Running Festival

We took off from DC on Fri evening for Rehoboth Beach.  We spent Saturday morning playing at the beach and Saturday afternoon at the expo.  I knew what I had to do at the expo- transfer down to the half marathon.  My training just wasn't there this winter with being so sick which I recently found out was due to being vitamin D deficient.    My mileage for the months of March and April were what I should have been doing per week!  I just didn't think it would be so hard emotionally.  I knew it was the right thing to do, so I gave up my personalized full bib for a generic half one.  

I was disappointed because the full course runs the trails of Cape Henlopen State Park, but the half doesn't.  Those trails are always part of my training runs when we hit the beach!  

We purchased tickets at the expo for the runners dinner at The LightHouse restaurant.  It was a buffet of pastas, salads, breads, desserts....we were impressed.  

We went back to the hotel to prepare for the early wake up call.  In the morning, I had some cold brew coffee and instant oatmeal and we headed out. I had my husband drop me off on Route 1 at the point where it was closed and I walked to the start line.  The bathroom line was really long and I chatted with a woman whose son is a chef at ChurchKey in DC...we love that place!  I barely made it to start in time!  

The course was nice and familiar to me since we often do beach weekends in the Rehoboth, Lewes, Dewey Beach area.  The course was beautiful.  The footing on the boardwalk wasn't my favorite as I feel it made me push off differently and use different muscles.  

My watch died mid race so I couldn't tell where I was in the final miles.  By mile 11.5, we were running down the breakdown lane of Route 1 in full sun.  It was feeling hot, no views and the monotony was getting to me.  At that point, I was ready for it to be over.  As I approached 12.5, I passed a runner then as we got closer to the finish line she sped up and was stride to stride with me.  I sped up and so did she...we ended up racing each other to the finish line!  Then we high fives at the end.  I would not have pushed that hard without that!

I met up with BeckStarRuns and congratulated her on her race.  She didn't stay long as she had to get back to a sick husband and daughter.

Then I proceeded to ice my legs in the bay....ahhhh bliss.  

We stayed and enjoyed the finish line festivities.  There was a finish line BBQ for all finishers, but nothing vegetarian.  

We enjoyed the sun and the sand for a while.  Avery was able to play and there were lots of other kids.  

We then headed out for an early dinner in Rehoboth Beach and a quick play session on the beach before heading back to DC.  

Overall, a good race.  I will do it again.  It's a great excuse to get to the beach for the weekend to relax and celebrate in the sand, sun and salt water?  Even better!