We Run DC Race Recap: Thirteen Highlights of 13.1 Miles

Highlight #1

The City:  On April 27, 2013 , I traveled with my family and friends to participate in the inaugural Nike Women 1/2 Marathon in Washington, DC.

My Family

My Family

My Friends

My Friends

Highlight #2

The Hotel:  Upon arrival we checked into our lovely hotel: The Mayflower Renaissance Marriott in Washington, DC.

Renaissance Mayflower

Renaissance Mayflower

Highlight #3

The Excitement:  After we checked into our hotel we headed to the expo to pick up my race packet.  I had my picture taken and found my name on the We Run DC Wall of Fame.

The Expo

The Expo

We Run DC Wall of Fame!

We Run DC
Wall of Fame!

Highlight #4

My Race Outfit:  Oh yes, I planned my running outfit oh so carefully! And, I was anxious to lay it out the night before the big race.

Since the race is sponsored by Nike and Tiffany & Co., of course I wore Nike gear that was Tiffany blue!

Looking Good on Race Day!

Looking Good on Race Day!

Highlight #5

Mother Nature:  The weather was absolutely perfect for race day. I couldn’t have asked for a better day!

The Starting Line 6:45 AM

The Starting Line
6:45 AM

Highlight #6

Running Buddies:  In order to participate in the race, your name was randomly selected using a lottery system.  Holly and I were both selected and had the opportunity to run yet another race together!

Best Running Buddies!

Best Running Buddies

Highlight #7

Running Celebrities:  We were so close to the starting line that we  got to see Shalane Flanagan!

Shalane Flanagan

Shalane Flanagan

Highlight #8

S.U.C.C.E.S.S.!!!!   I successfully ran another 1/2 marathon under two hours!  I was pleased to see that out of 15,000+ runners I was the 2,036th runner to cross the finish line and for my age group I came in 130th!  🙂

NWM 1/2 Marathon Stats

NWM 1/2 Marathon Stats

Highlight #8

Bling!  Speaking of the finish line, my “race medal” by Tiffany & Co. was there waiting for me.  Who wouldn’t be excited when they see the silver platter filled with those special blue boxes!

Crossing the Finish Line in Style!

Crossing the Finish Line in Style!

Highlight #9

Oh, la, la…the necklace!

Race Necklace

Race Necklace

Race Necklace

Race Necklace

Highlight #10

Meeting New Friends:  I finally got to meet my new friend and fellow blogger, Susan!  She crossed the finish line about six minutes before me and we were able to meet each other for the first time after the race.

Amy & Susan

Amy & Susan

Highlight #11

Celebrating Holly’s new 1/2 marathon PR!  We both ran the race in less than 2 hours and were anxious to have our picture taken together.

Post Run Smiles!

Post Run Smiles!

Highlight #12

Shopping:  After the race we went shopping at the Nike store in Georgetown.  The employees were so nice to all of the 1/2 marathon runners!

Nike Georgetown

Nike Georgetown

Highlight #13

Last but not least…the sneakers!!!!  I think this is by far my biggest highlight of the race!  When we went to the Nike store I purchased my very own Tiffany Blue Nike commemorative sneakers.

Yes, they have white ribbon laces. Yes, they have two silver charms on the laces. Yes, they have the date of the race on the tongue. Yes, I feel special when I wear them…I mean who wouldn’t if they had the opportunity to ~Run DC~

Oh So Pretty!

Oh So Pretty!

Run DC

We Run DC

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend and a wonderful race.  I hope I get invited back next year!