SEASIDE HALF MARATHON – FEBRUARY 2016

I absolutely love this race.  This was my third time completing the race.  It is set in the beautiful town of Seaside, FL.  The race is always organized very well and has a great assortment of sponsors that include Vera Bradley and a few of the local restaurants and businesses.  Each participant receives a free Vera Bradley bag as well as a fun post race concert, food, and drinks.

All the essentials laid out the night before.  It is usually a little chilly first thing in the morning so I typically wear a long sleeve shirt and pants.  I love to listed to podcasts while I run.  There are 3 or 4 that I have just recently gotten into and I love them.  Makes running 13 miles so much easier!

START OF THE RACE

All set to go! I often hear, and I’ve been known to say it myself: “It’s funny what length mom’s will go to to get some solitude!”

WHILE MOMMY RUNS

This being my third year to do this race, the kids and Ryan have formed their own traditions while I run. They treat themselves to big breakfast from Modica Market or one of the Food Trucks. Anything from Belgian waffles, cinnamon rolls, sausage biscuits, or beef  brisket burritos. After breakfast, they love to go down to the beach and play for a while. One of the things we love about Seaside is the close proximity to the beach, you can quickly dip your toes in the sand and then back into town. After the beach, they head to the green space, set up the blankets for the post race party and play while they wait for me at the finish line.

FINISH LINE

This is such a great race! It is an easy out and back course along 30A. Pretty scenery, lots of people, and typically beautiful weather. Here I am coming towards the finish line and of course the guy beside me looks like he’s walking! As I get older and wiser, I worry less about my time and just enjoy the fact that I CAN run!!! I love my daily runs (that keep me happy) and I always love this run as a goal to start off the new year!

POST RACE PARTY

What better way to celebrate than cold beer, barbecue, and live music! Their after race party is always one of our favorites. They offer Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ, free for race participants and a small fee for additional family and bottomless cups of Grayton Beer. It’s always such a nice time to sit and listen to live music, stretch, and soak up a little more time in Paradise!