Women Run the D:race report

10 months ago my running BFF moved to the Detroit area.  This was the person I started Couch to 5k with, ran my first half with and couldn't imagine running without.  So, of course I had to find a race to run to I could visit the Motor City.  I signed up for the inaugural Detroit Women's Half Marathon on September 22 and started counting the days until I would see my buddy.
I had the best intentions of training this summer, but I only managed one 8 mile run since the Hospital Hill Half June 1 and pretty sporadic short runs on weekdays throughout the summer.  My goal in Detroit was to enjoy the race and just finish.  I was excited to run in my gorgeous tutu that I won from Race Junkie a couple months ago but a little nervous about my lack of mileage.

Pre-race on beautiful Belle Isle

It was perfect running weather: a bit chilly at the start but felt great once I started running.  The location was BE-A-U-tiful!  the island is a city park on the Detroit River.  We could see Canada across the water! (next trip I'll need to visit Ontario) The island was the flattest thing I have ever run and I could feel that as the race progressed.  I definitely used the same muscles the entire 13.1 miles.  The course took us around Belle Isle 2 and 1/4 times.  Pros: I got free chocolate 3 times and I knew exactly what to expect terrain-wise after the first round.  Cons: I passed the same scenery 2 or 3 times and having the finish line in view more than once was a bit cruel.  The ultimate pro was passing my personal cheering squad 3 times and getting the extra encouragement.  

Feeling good and enjoying the scenery.

My final time was 3 hours and 7 minutes and change.  Not my best but not my worst.  But I felt good while running and really enjoyed the race.  The tutu was fun to run in and didn't interfere at all.  I'm already trying to figure out which tutu I'm going to order next. :)  

I can't wait to run this race again and I'm looking forward to my next half this Saturday: Kansas City Half.  No tutu for this race, but I have a Sparkle Skirt ready to hit the hills!

Post-race photo booth