Two years ago, I started a tradition of running a race for my birthday (which includes virtual races). I ran Fit, Fab, & Lean’s virtual Lacing Up for Boston Half Marathon last year and this past April I traveled to Huntsville, Ala. for the Bridge Street Town Centre Half Marathon! Bridge Street Half was during my post-marathon “running hiatus”, but I was happy to add it to my list. If you are looking for a beautiful, peaceful flat course…this is the one! Huntsville is a nice city and I wish we would visit more often. Bridge Street Town Centre is also packed with lots of retail stores, restaurants, and places to enjoy.
Being an hour and ten minutes outside of Birmingham, I appreciated that we could drive up and pick up our packet race morning. It was hard getting up super early, but we were fine once we got there. Maybe next year, we’ll stay over and enjoy the city a little more. It was a little chippy, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to need a jacket or not.
The sun was finally peeking its rays, so I headed over to the registration table to pick up my packet. It was a nice turnout and I saw a few familiar faces.
I’m glad I got to see Heather, my Half Fanatic friend, that I met at the Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon. She’s about to reach SUN status by completing 52 half marathons in 365 days. Proud of her!
I was excited that I ran into my sole-sister, Jazmine! She’s a fitness instructor (Body Pump, Body Step, and the list goes on) and one of the reasons why I started running. In 2011 she invited me to a Black Girls RUN! – Birmingham Saturday group run right before our Body Step class—and the rest is history! She is such an inspiration! If I can look this great after having a baby…I’m definitely riding the Jaz-Pizzazz train! *choo-choo*
I met my Insta-friend Tamra (Real Bama Blonde) for the first time before the race. How it happened: Her soon-to-be-hubby asked my HB to take a pre-race photo of them and immediately afterwards we recognized each other from IG. I love how social media brings people together! She’s a beauty and super sweet!
Half Fanatics Take Over HSV!
LET’S GET THE PARTY STARTED!
But first, selfie!
And we’re off! Such a beautiful day!
Sole Sisters: Leticia, Mel, and I decided that we were going to walk the half! YES, WALK! It was really fun! We talked about future races and recent happenings in each others lives. At every race I see a group of women distance walking and they always look like they are having a ball! No pressure, no worries, and now I know why. Fun times! That is what it’s all about!
Smile Y’all! — or not! Lol!
One of our pit stops! We had to get a selfie with the fun, gypsy-lady! Okay, I really don’t know who she was supposed to be dressed up as, but she sure was fun to have for our crowd support along the course!
13.1 Miles DONE!
Run, walk, jog, crawl…every mile is EARNED never given!
[Tweet “Check out my 2015 #BridgeStreetHalf Marathon Race Recap! #runchat #walkitout”]
Do you celebrate your birthday with fitness-related activities?
I’m really getting into your blogs. I love reading them.
Thank you, friend!!!