I usually play by the rules, but today, I went against the system. I made the last-minute decision to fly back to Boston for the weekend and I thought it would be fun to run the Smuttynose Half Marathon with Kristen.
The race was sold out by the time I planned my trip, but I noticed on Facebook that a high school classmate had a number she was unable to use. So, I did what any normal person would do: I gave her $25 to run with her number. It was a win-win scenario.
I drove up to New Hampshire on Sunday morning and I was surprised by how busy it was in downtown Hampton. Parking was filling up quickly and streets were already blocked, so I just pulled into the first lot I could find. I then met Kristen to get my number (well, "Susan's" number) and to chat a bit before the race.
For the first time ever, I was running a half marathon without any record of my participation. The feeling left me very relaxed, but at the same time, it felt less important. I fully planned to keep a comfortable pace since there was really no reason to push myself.
Once the race began, my whole plan dissolved almost immediately. At first, I just started passing people who had no business being at the front of the pack because they were like a roadblock. However, after a couple miles, I found myself passing people who were actually running fast. My "race mode" is almost like an subconscious competitive drive that cannot be turned off.
The first six miles of the course went along the water, which would have been beautiful if it weren't for the giant cement sea wall. Despite the wall, I could tell that waves had been crashing onto the street because there was some seaweed and sand strewn about haphazardly.
The next five miles took racers through a residential area, which had limited spectators. Those that I did see had a some pretty funny signs. One read: "This seems like a lot of work for a free banana". Another said: "You look hot when you sweat". I don't know if anyone else pays attention to signs, but I always enjoy reading them for a smile along the way.
Around mile 8, I noticed a bicycle alongside a blond girl. I immediately realized that she must be the first woman, so the internal debate began: Do I pass her and get disqualified at the finish line when they realize I am not the woman that my number belongs to? Or, even worse, do I hang behind this girl for the next 5 miles and possibly win the 2nd place trophy from the woman who rightfully deserves it?
The weather was perfect and I was feeling good, so I passed her with a smug smile on my face. It felt good to break the rules so shamelessly.
As expected, the announcer identified my fake identity as soon as I crossed the finish line and it was deleted from the results list. However, I glanced at the clock as I crossed the finish line, which read 1:25:08. So much for taking it easy!
After the race, there was a live concert at the outdoor performance venue, plus two free Smuttynose IPA beers. I have to say this is one of the worst beers I have ever tasted, so I put mine down after the first couple sips. At least the 80's cover band was entertaining and the weather was perfect.
As I drove home, I was happy with my decision to run the race to my full potential. Even though my time was not recorded, I can at least be proud of my effort. My personality simply won't allow anything less.
Regarding the number resale, I honestly don't have any regrets. Shame on the race organizers for not allowing a transfer option. I know it's rare among races to allow transfers, but I would have gladly paid $20 for them to reassign the registration to my name. Not only this race but all races should recognize that people will transfer bibs, so this is a good way to legitimize the process and make even more revenue.
Was this race fun? Yes. Would I run it again? No. I feel like it was overpriced, and Hampton New Hampshire is not the best location. Plus, the medal and shirt were both ugly. That said, it's nice to have another race under my belt and it's always good to run with a friend.
The race was sold out by the time I planned my trip, but I noticed on Facebook that a high school classmate had a number she was unable to use. So, I did what any normal person would do: I gave her $25 to run with her number. It was a win-win scenario.
I drove up to New Hampshire on Sunday morning and I was surprised by how busy it was in downtown Hampton. Parking was filling up quickly and streets were already blocked, so I just pulled into the first lot I could find. I then met Kristen to get my number (well, "Susan's" number) and to chat a bit before the race.
For the first time ever, I was running a half marathon without any record of my participation. The feeling left me very relaxed, but at the same time, it felt less important. I fully planned to keep a comfortable pace since there was really no reason to push myself.
Once the race began, my whole plan dissolved almost immediately. At first, I just started passing people who had no business being at the front of the pack because they were like a roadblock. However, after a couple miles, I found myself passing people who were actually running fast. My "race mode" is almost like an subconscious competitive drive that cannot be turned off.
The first six miles of the course went along the water, which would have been beautiful if it weren't for the giant cement sea wall. Despite the wall, I could tell that waves had been crashing onto the street because there was some seaweed and sand strewn about haphazardly.
The next five miles took racers through a residential area, which had limited spectators. Those that I did see had a some pretty funny signs. One read: "This seems like a lot of work for a free banana". Another said: "You look hot when you sweat". I don't know if anyone else pays attention to signs, but I always enjoy reading them for a smile along the way.
Around mile 8, I noticed a bicycle alongside a blond girl. I immediately realized that she must be the first woman, so the internal debate began: Do I pass her and get disqualified at the finish line when they realize I am not the woman that my number belongs to? Or, even worse, do I hang behind this girl for the next 5 miles and possibly win the 2nd place trophy from the woman who rightfully deserves it?
The weather was perfect and I was feeling good, so I passed her with a smug smile on my face. It felt good to break the rules so shamelessly.
As expected, the announcer identified my fake identity as soon as I crossed the finish line and it was deleted from the results list. However, I glanced at the clock as I crossed the finish line, which read 1:25:08. So much for taking it easy!
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| Finish line at the 2014 Smuttynose Half Marathon |
After the race, there was a live concert at the outdoor performance venue, plus two free Smuttynose IPA beers. I have to say this is one of the worst beers I have ever tasted, so I put mine down after the first couple sips. At least the 80's cover band was entertaining and the weather was perfect.
 |
| Post-race concert at Smuttynose Half Marathon |
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| Kristen and me after the race |
As I drove home, I was happy with my decision to run the race to my full potential. Even though my time was not recorded, I can at least be proud of my effort. My personality simply won't allow anything less.
Regarding the number resale, I honestly don't have any regrets. Shame on the race organizers for not allowing a transfer option. I know it's rare among races to allow transfers, but I would have gladly paid $20 for them to reassign the registration to my name. Not only this race but all races should recognize that people will transfer bibs, so this is a good way to legitimize the process and make even more revenue.
Was this race fun? Yes. Would I run it again? No. I feel like it was overpriced, and Hampton New Hampshire is not the best location. Plus, the medal and shirt were both ugly. That said, it's nice to have another race under my belt and it's always good to run with a friend.
 |
| Smuttynose Half Marathon 2014 Medal |
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