Race Recap: Mobile Half Marathon

Last fall, my WW cohost Holly and I talked about a winter half marathon. I preferred not to repeat another swampy half marathon like last February's Mercedes. Holly threw out a couple of suggestions for January. When she mentioned Mobile to me, I was interested. First of all, the course is flat. There was also the lure of southern charm, antebellum homes, and the gulf coast. Teresa and Karen had expressed interest about a winter half, so we made Mobile a girls' weekend.

When a black Friday discount became available, we sealed the deal. I booked my flight and was Mobile bound!

I arrived in Mobile on Friday and Holly picked me up from the airport. We had lunch and checked into our hotel, the historic Malaga Inn, which was located just a few blocks from the French Quarter as well as the race start line. We walked to the French Quarter to have a drink while we waited for Teresa to arrive. I was excited to finally meet her, and once she arrived, it felt like we had known each other forever. Isn't that the best thing about running bloggers?

There's no one with whom I'd rather spot a gator...
On Dauphin Island

Over the weekend, we explored the area, including a trip out to Dauphin Island. We also ate a lot of good food. A lot. Damn, that southern cooking is good! Holly tried to convince both Teresa and me to try the oysters, but I just couldn't do it. I also tried some local beers, including a yummy Southern Pecan nut brown ale made with roasted pecans from Lazy Magnolia (Mississippi).

Our Key Lime Pie cocktail, courtesy of Brian (our bartender)

Karen arrived late Saturday night and after picking her up from the airport, we went to bed to get some sleep before our early morning wake up call. 

About 7:15, we all walked over to the start line of the race. The conditions were perfect. It was about 52 degrees and overcast. The Azalea Trail Maids were at the start line. The southern charm was everywhere! 

At 7:30, there was a prayer (it was the south, y'all), followed by the national anthem. Then we were off! Immediately, I felt pain in my right heel. Probably from all the walking we did the day before, I was worried about this. I decided to keep going and try to run through the pain. By mile 1, I was worried that I might have to drop out. I started to calculate how long it would take me to walk the rest of the race. Fortunately, as I ran on, the pain disappeared and I was able to continue running. 

Aside from the heel pain, for most of the race, I felt great. I ran that first mile without stopping to walk but started my run/walk intervals after that. About mile 4, Holly caught up to me. We ran together for about a half mile until I stopped to walk. When I started running again, I caught up to her and she was walking. I had made a new playlist for the race and was really enjoying it. I tried singing to her, but she wasn't having it, so I moved on...

At mile 8, the marathon course split off from the half marathon course. I saw a woman with a clipboard watching the runners. I speculated that she was there to make sure that no marathon runners came that way and tried to cut the course. I appreciated that! I also appreciated the Mobile police force, who were out on the course at almost every intersection, ensuring the safety of the runners. 

I started to feel tired and a little short of breath around mile 10. I didn't have to take any extra run/walk intervals, but my running pace really slowed down around here. I never entertained thoughts of dropping out but I did think about walking the rest of the race. Maybe it was because the server the night before kept refilling my wine glass? I pushed on, but it was hard!

No regrets!

About a half mile from the finish, we ran down Dauphin Street and I could see the finish line. My fatigue was really making it hard for me to run and I did have to stop to catch my breath a few times. Determined not to walk across the finish line, I ran the rest of the way, crossing in 2:12:29 (gun time) 2:12:19 (Garmin). One of the L'Arche Mobile members put my medal over my head and thanked me for running for them. I made my way down the finish chute where there was a variety of post-race treats available. 

Official finish time 2:12:29 (gun time)
Best.finish line.ever.

I waited for everyone to finish and ran into Katie Shepherd! I've known Katie through her social media for many years and it was fun to finally meet her. Once everyone finished, we went to the food tent for some red beans and rice with conecuh sausage and cornbread. When in LA...

Katie and me

There was Coors Light at the finish as well and I took a pass on that. Instead, I indulged in Sweetwater 402 over lunch at the Blue Gill with the ladies. We recapped the weekend. It was hard to say goodbye! What a fun weekend! Besides all the shenanigans we had, I absolutely loved this race. The race was really well organized, including a small expo near our hotel. The course was flat and fast and had I behaved myself better, I might have had a chance at a better finish time. The fact that I came in 9th in my old lady age group tells me that some PRs were probably made this day! I wasn't disappointed in my finish time, though, because I felt so good for most of the race. All the fun we had made it so worthwhile.

I completely fell in love with Mobile. Mobile is a beautiful city with lots of antebellum homes. The race course is mostly run through these neighborhoods. The streets are draped with live oaks and you really get a taste of the deep south. Mobile is the home of the first Mardi Gras and there are signs of that everywhere you go. If you're looking for a fun destination race, I highly recommend this one.

Have you ever been to Mobile? Run the Mobile Marathon or Half Marathon? Did you know Mobile hosts a Mardi Gras? Have you ever run a race slower than you wanted but felt happy about how you ran?

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