Recap of the 2015 Kentucky Derby miniMarathon Recap: I Made Mine A Double!
The Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon (and Marathon) was the second race part of the Kentucky Half Classic! Note: KDF’s miniMarathon is the half marathon distance totaling 13.1 miles. On the last weekend of April, my HB and I arrived in Louisville for a fun-filled, festival weekend! When we arrived, we headed straight to the Expo to pick up our packets. As soon as we walked in we saw a sign wishing all of the runners “Good Luck” on the race!
I picked up my packet then went to check out all of the vendors. Of course Bondi Band was there. Y’all know I love my Bondi Bands! You can find them at www.bondiband.com and you can even customize your own!
I found my HB trying out this cool, exercise machine called The Zero Runner. The machine observes information about your running gait and form to make sure you keep good running form as you cover more distance. It’s a very awkward machine. I tested it out and let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. I felt so awkward while on it. It’s like an elliptical on steroids. I’m sure it gets easier with practice because clearly someone is enjoying it!
IT’S RACE DAY!
For race day, we knew rain was in the forecast. I was just happy that it wasn’t as cold as Run the Bluegrass. Coldest Race Ever! We geared up and headed to the start line.
And we’re off! I loved the sign from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. It said, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) I love those subtle reminders to keep me focused when I’m about to conquer something that seems so great. I can and will do this! Shortly after, we made it to our first water stop.
It rained and rained…and then Elvis passed me in “Blue Suede Shoes” style! Well…more like purple. Then it rained some more. Believe it or not, the rain felt amazing! I love that the course was flat which made all of the difference. There were even residents from the senior communities and various neighborhoods we traveled through outside cheering us on in the rain! Warmed my heart! Now that’s crowd support!
Reason #9508 why I love the running community!
I saw a young woman ahead of us who had either hit a wall, needed help, or needed encouragement. I know what it’s like to have a moment of defeat for whatever reason…even to the point of quitting. I was glad to know that she was okay and decided to keep going. Never forget…run, walk, crawl, finish! It doesn’t matter how fast you get there or how you get there…all that matters is that you FINISH!
I MADE MINE A DOUBLE!
I completed all 13.1+ miles with a smile on my rain-soaked face! I was also proud of my HB for completing his fourth half marathon and first half marathon as a Half Fanatic! We headed on over to the VIP tent to pick up our Kentucky Half Classic Challenge medals for completing Run the Bluegrass and the Kentucky Derby miniMarathon! The tent was full of treats and snacks for challenge finishers! I was sad that it rained the entire race and post-party, because organizers had such a fun, festival planned for us with live music and entertainment. When the rain slacked off, we headed over to get our post-race refreshments. We decided to listen to the band for a while before heading back to our hotel.
[Tweet “My 2015 Kentucky Derby miniMarathon Recap! #KentuckyHalfClassic #sweatpink #fitfluential”]
THE CELEBRATION!
After we rested up for a bit, we walked down to Fourth Street Live to celebrate! Luckily, Fourth Street was just minutes away and walking distance from the hotel. This area is the premier spot for dining, entertainment and retail. We found a lounge called Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge: Southern Inspired Cuisine and loved how laid back it was. They had live music, dim lights, and a late night happy hour! I think our 13.1 miles in the rain was worth every bite of our southern-style chicken and waffles! Mmmm!
I had an amazing time in Louisville and I cannot wait to go back! The Kentucky Derby miniMarathon is on my list of top five races to date. Hopefully next year it won’t rain. You should definitely plan to run or walk this race if you’ve never done it, because I think you will enjoy it! You can register here! Don’t forget to check out Part 1 of my recap of the Kentucky Half Classic: Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon 2015!
Until next time…
Congrats on completing this race! I’m glad that the rain felt good out there. I like a rainy run when the temp is comfortable, but I did the Cleveland marathon a few years ago and it rained the whole time while only being about 45 degrees out – I remember getting to the end and feeling freezing and I was so mad because all they had was cold food and I just wanted hot soup or something, haha!
I can’t imagine running a marathon in weather like that! I’m glad you rocked it! Thank you, Chrissy!
Sounds like an awesome race despite the weather. Love all the medals!
Thank you, Nicole!
Sounds like a great race. I hate racing in the rain, props to you for doing so!! Does your HB always wear a handkerchief around his face when he runs? I recall seeing pictures of him like that before too…
Yes, Sue he does! Don’t ask me why! lol It all started during the cold season, but I think it’s gone for now. Thank you!
I’d love to do this race! But boo to the rain. I guess you get what you get. And you have the best smile ever! :)
I know you will love this race! Thank you so much, Wendy!!! :)
Congrats on finishing the double! Bummer is was so rainy but you got it done!
Thank you, Marcia! I’m sure it would have been way more fun without the rain, but at least I had a good time. :)
I hear Louisville is a great city! Looks like a really fun race! I haven’t had chicken and waffles in forever. We have a famous place for them here in Los Angeles (Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles)!
It’s always fun to run a race with your husband!! Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you, Natalie! Yes, it’s a really fun city from what we explored! Btw…I love Roscoe’s! Can’t wait to go back!
I’ve run the Kentucky Derby half a few times and enjoyed it every time. Great recap Artney!
Thank you, Jill!
Congrats on not only completing your 10th half marathon, but also for completing the challenge! Running in the rain is never any fun, but you definitely made the best of it. That bling definitely makes it worth it!
Thank you, Kathryn! Yes, I earned my bling! lol
I loved the scripture sign too, but I think I would have better appreciated it around mile ten and while it was raining. looool! Great job Artney!
Lol!!! Yes, it would have been nice to have seen one then! lol Thank you!
Such a fun race weekend despite the rain! The race expo looked fantastic. What great medals too! Congrats on your finish!
Thank you, Sandra!!!
This read was awesome Artney.
Thank you, Leticia!
This is my first time on your blog. What a nice recap despite all the rain. I love it. You looked so happy! Congrats on your 10th Half-Marathon. Amazing!
Hi Ilka! It was such a fun race…even with the rain! I appreciate the kind words and thank you so much for reading!!!