ABOUT
This was the Burn Your Half Off trail half marathon organized by a small running group called Run Chattanooga. The group created a weekend long running bonanza including a Friday and Saturday night trail run at Harrison Bay State Park, as well as a Saturday and Sunday morning Chattanooga Riverwalk run; both including a half marathon, 5k, mile run....or whatever distance tickles your fancy. That's right. That is exactly how laid back this race was! This is a no sponsor, volunteer based only, no fancy schmancy anything; just a bunch of people that want to get out there and run, have a challenge, and enjoy the camaraderie in nature!
WHATS PROVIDED?
For a $5 registration ($10 if you are late online) includes a bib, one aid station (basically at the start/finish and every 4 mile lap) with water and Gatorade, ice, cold wash cloths/sponges, a marked course, free race pictures, a card stock 'medal', a potluck style refuel station, and an option to purchase race memorabilia.
WHATS PROVIDED?
For a $5 registration ($10 if you are late online) includes a bib, one aid station (basically at the start/finish and every 4 mile lap) with water and Gatorade, ice, cold wash cloths/sponges, a marked course, free race pictures, a card stock 'medal', a potluck style refuel station, and an option to purchase race memorabilia.
FRIDAY NIGHT TRIAL HALF MARATHON
I opted for the Friday night trail at Harrison Bay State Park so then I would have all day Saturday to relax before driving back to Florida on Sunday. The course was advertised 6p-10p, but really you could start at any time as long as you are off the trail by 10p. All you had to do is check in, receive a bib, and take off. There were about 80 half marathoners and 40 others doing various distances. The course was three 4 mile loops and then a mile out and back. I was worried with this being such a small race I wouldn't see many runners. Once you entered the woods, you came to a sign that read 'chose your adventure' pointing in either direction. I think this actually helped you to see more runners, as some went one way and some went the other. Every single runner I passed, said 'Hello' or 'Good Job' with a smile! This group is definitely one of the friendliest!
The course was in thick woods, but also right along the bay coastline, making it absolutely one of the prettiest courses I've run! We even got to run with deer and snakes! The hills were not too bad, but one direction was definitely steeper than the other! (I did Right, Left, Right, with the Right being the easier). It had been raining all week, so a large amount of the technical course was covered in mud....slippery mud, thick shoe sucking mud, having to find a whole new route type of mud. But that just added to the excitement!
RESULT
This was a cup free event, with one aid station located at the end of the 4 mile loops, so I carried my CamelPak with water. It had been a rough week for me being sick, having a lack of sleep, driving 7 hours to Chattanooga, not sleeping well in a tent, and somehow I managed to forget I would need GU for a race! The first 4 miles were rough. It was hotter than Hades! I decided within the first half mile I was taking my shirt off and running in my sports bra and I didn't care how much my belly shook in front of everyone! I've been a runner for 10 years now and I've always had a secret desire to be body confident enough to run in a sports bra. I would enviously watch elite female runners with six packs that effortlessly glide through their race without a bit of fat on them moving. But I've just become so tired of falling for this belief that only that type of body is worthy enough of living the life they want, and that only that body type is considered strong. Everyone has their own journey in life and you can't tell by just looking at someone how far they have come and how strong they have become because of it. Every body shape can be strong. Every body shape can be beautiful. And all of us should own, love, and appreciate our bodies for what they are and what they have done for us. My body has gotten me through SEVENTY FIVE half marathons now and 8 marathons! Ask me eleven years ago when I was overweight, smoking, and couldn't even run to the mailbox if I would think this is where I would be and I wouldn't believe you! But here I am, and I deserve to be able to run in my sports bra too!
And I'm so glad I did. Even that little bit helped with the heat. However, I still ended up drinking entirely too much water the first lap of the race and paid the price the remainder of the course. With each four mile lap, I got slower and slower with a nauseous stomach.
This was my 4th trail half marathon and every time, I am reminded how hard they really are! As runners would breeze by me without even a drop of sweat (probably locals who run this terrain all the time), I would give props by thinking 'trail runners are badass.' When it came down to the last few miles, I kept saying to myself "yes, trail runners are badass. and YOU are a trail runner now, so you are BADASS TOO!!" It didn't matter how slow I was, I was still doing it, and I was still finishing it and finishing is winning too!
By the time I was done, there weren't many runners hanging out and things were already being packed away, but my proud boyfriend was right there at the Finish with my puppy taking pictures, flabby belly and all, and still loving me for who I am and what I do. And that is all I need.
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| Look at that smile! So HAPPY to be Free! |
This was my 4th trail half marathon and every time, I am reminded how hard they really are! As runners would breeze by me without even a drop of sweat (probably locals who run this terrain all the time), I would give props by thinking 'trail runners are badass.' When it came down to the last few miles, I kept saying to myself "yes, trail runners are badass. and YOU are a trail runner now, so you are BADASS TOO!!" It didn't matter how slow I was, I was still doing it, and I was still finishing it and finishing is winning too!
By the time I was done, there weren't many runners hanging out and things were already being packed away, but my proud boyfriend was right there at the Finish with my puppy taking pictures, flabby belly and all, and still loving me for who I am and what I do. And that is all I need.
MEDAL
The group warns you its a $5 race, so there's not much of a medal, but they tried and did a paper cut out on string. I probably would have laminated it at least, as being all sweaty at the finish, mine is already tearing. I decided I would just add it to my bib binders.
SHIRT
I love the name of this race and the tank I purchased for $20. They change the design every year.
PICS
What $5 race gives you free photos? A volunteer was at each of the races taking random action shots. All pictures were then posted on the Facebook page.
COMMUNICATION
A website is lacking, but they are active on Facebook and emails were packed full of information.
HARRISON BAY STATE PARK
Harrison Bay is TN's first State Park and is truly a gem of a park! Located right on the water, three loops of campsites give you endless beautiful scenery, each with a different vantage point. Some located on cliffs, some in thick woods, some right on the water you can jump straight into. Deer walk aimlessly through the grounds during the day, and raccoons will scurry throughout the night! (they even know how to open your coolers!) Rent a boat from a local marina to spend the day on the water, or relax on the calm bay with kayaks, paddle boards, or tubes. Located right on the outskirts of Downtown Chattanooga, this park is one to escape the daily hustle and bustle without having to go too far!
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I was supposed to run Bryce Canyon for this months half marathon, but I opted to defer because of the wildfire. This was a perfect substitute! Dare I even say, I may have had more fun here than Bryce??? If you haven't been to Harrison Bay State Park, you need to check it out! If you are looking for a middle of the sweltering heat summer race, then check out Burn Your Half Off and it won't disappoint!
HM #75
13.1-3:14 (TRAIL)
HM #75
13.1-3:14 (TRAIL)
Pink Feet's half marathon calendar runs from March to February with the final race being the full marathon at The DONNA Marathon! I am on Year 7 of a 10 year mission to complete the 50 states while also running a half marathon a month; all to help spread the word of breast cancer prevention, early detection, and living a healthy lifestyle including running and walking. My goal is to raise $100,000 for breast cancer charities. Current donations are going to The DONNA Marathon whose beneficiaries are The Mayo Clinic and Donna Foundation.