Race #4, State #4 RI

Race #4, State #4 RI

September 16, 2012 Westerly, RI

The Surftown Half was the race of choice in little Rhode Island. I read online that it was flat and fast and great for establishing new personal records. Why not? A stunningly beautiful morning greeted the runners as we lined up alongside Misquamicut beach where the starting line was located. A carnival complete with rides and a petting zoo had been set up there, too, so there was plenty to look forward to at the finish. This was the first time I’d noticed pacing groups at a race, and so I decided to try keeping up with the 1:45 group to see if I could push myself and maybe get a PR. The course started on the road that lines Misquamicut Beach and went up in to a small neighborhood along the water. We circled through that area then back by the beach on the way to the Watch Hill section of the race. Watch Hill is appropriately named, as a giant hill looms at mile 11 (just when you least want it!). The homes around there are magnificent and were a great distraction on the last part of the run. I felt good for the whole run and even happened upon my neighbor along the way as he was running the race.  Coming through the finish line I was tired and wanted to push more, but I finished with a new personal record of 1:48  which thrilled me. I saw my neighbor and fellow runner, Dave and his wife, Karen at the finish line and hung out with them for a while before hitting the post-race food and beverage area and of course, the petting zoo. Thank you Rhode Island for a spectacular run! I would absolutely run this one again sometime.