Women's Series Half Marathon, St. Pete Recap

Eleven months ago, if you were to tell me I ran one full marathon and two half marathons within a three week period of time, I would have told you that you're mental. Yet here I sit, sore angry legs and all.

On Sunday, I finished my sixth half marathon, the Women's Running Series in St. Petersburg, FL. I finished this race with my best friend Keri who was my original inspiration to start running. She lost 30+ pounds with the help of running,. When she signed up for her first 1/2 marathon - Disney Princess Half in 2012, I decided to sign up for the 5K during princess weekend and the rest is history.............

Keri & I - rundisney Princess 2012

We stayed the night before the race at the Vinoy Renaissance in St. Pete, luckily for us - this is where the expo was being held.

We grabbed our goodie bag and got everything ready before dinner. I was a crazy pink lady for sure.

For dinner, Keri and I decided to split a burger at Vinoy's casual restaurant Alfresco's. Through the past year, we have both gotten smart enough not to overeat the night before a half marathon. This burger happened to be one of the best burgers I have had in the Tampa / St. Pete area. I am a burger snob and good lord this was delicious. The hand cut fries had old bay on them. Sure - a fatty cheeseburger may not be the best pre-race option but we loved it!

The Vinoy was an amazing hotel with super comfortable beds. Not to mention, Aveda body products. I was practically stalking housekeeping! Keri and I watched youtube self help videos on how properly wrap my ankle with KT tape. I can tell you my ankle survived.

Next thing we knew it was time to wake up on Sunday morning. This course started and ended outside the Salvador Dali museum!

This particular day was in the mid 60's with 15-20 mph wind gusts and was overcast. I prefer running on overcast days.

After a pain free few miles, I saw a hot dog in the distance. As a huge Disney fan, I instantly thought of the Hot Dog Song and wanted a photo - as we got closer, I realized the hot dog was a friend of mine - Kat of Sneakers and Fingerpaints. This excited me a great deal! HOT DOG!

I was so happy that the hot dog was a friend of mine that I didn't pay attention to the rest of my surroundings. Kat was dressed as a hot dog for the Best Damn Race and there were others dressed up as well.....dressed up may not be the best word. Keri said we should do this race next year :)

photo: sneakersandfingerpaints.com

As we went along, I was doing shockingly ok. One thing I have not shared on my blog is that I have had bronchitis since we left NYC the first week of November. I pushed through at Wine and Dine, which made it worse. I haven't laced my sneakers up since I crossed the finish line at the Wine and Dine Half Marathon.

Up through mile 8, Keri and I were in great condition. When 8 hit, we both needed a medic tent, one that I didn't see after mile 6. I am certain they were there but we couldn't find one. She needed anti-chafe while I in desperate need for Tylenol.

I pushed through - with an injured foot and a bronchial cough. Keri and I enjoyed our race together. Although we fight like sisters, we think exactly alike when it comes to running races. We were there to have fun and collect the bling & bubbly at the end of the race.

Overall, the race series was amazing and a perfect girls race weekend. I enjoyed Keri's attendance and am looking forward to our next race together!

My outfit:
Halo Headband Visor
Under Armour Women's UA Fly-By Stretch Mesh Tank
Sparkle Skirts DivaPink
CEP Women's Compression Sleeve - Pink
Brooks Women's Glycerin 11 Running Shoes
iFitness Single Pouch Belt