Race Recap: Madison Mini
On Saturday, August 16th, I participated (for the second year in a row) in the Madison Mini Marathon in Madison, WI.
I absolutely LOVE this race (even though the course this year was more challenging than last year) and I was so happy to finish 9 minutes faster than my time last year.
The expo took place on Friday, August 15th in the Memorial Union South on the UW-Madison campus. B and I drove to Madison after work on Friday and stopped to pick my race packet up on our way to the hotel in Middleton.
Compared to the Rock 'n Sole race expo, this one seemed quite small. I did score an Oiselle shirt that is bright green with hot pink writing that says "Thirteen Point One" on it for only $20!
I never sleep well the night before a race, and Friday evening was no exception. After going to bed early, I woke up around 4:30 am to get dressed and mentally prepare myself. Since I was not going to be at home to peruse my wide array of running apparel, I brought a few options and decided to wear my black lululemon running shorts and my Run: Swiftly Tech Racerback tank top (also from lululemon).
Instead of drinking coffee before the race, I opted for a Starbucks Refresher (since coffee has, er, laxative effects on some people) to get my caffeine kick. We arrived and parked around 5:45 so that I would have plenty of time to locate my corral and stretch.
The weather in the morning was cool (around 65-68 degrees) and slightly muggy, although it got warmer later in the morning.
The course route was changed from last year and there were several hills added to the course. Including one hill that was practically vertical.
The course support is amazing for this race. Lots of aid/water stations (almost every 1.5-2 miles) and MISTING STATIONS. Basically the best part of the course. Medics were also readily available should any runner need one.
Like most of the 1/2's I've run recently, I was all good until about Mile 7. Miles 7-10 are always tough for me, physically and mentally. That's when I start to get uncomfortable and focus on how my legs hurt and my feet hurt and it's hot out and I'm tired.
Once I hit Mile 10, I figure all I have left is a 5K!
I crossed the finish line with a time of 2:10:39.
That is a very forced smile sporting both of my medals (I got 2 of them for completing the M2Challenge.)
Selfie with the race husband.
The M2 Challenge (in its second year) is open to runners who complete both the Summerfest Rock 'n Sole Run and the Madison Mini Marathon. After the Madison Mini, you get a third medal. And let's be honest, runners are medal junkies.
Blister Count: 2
Overall, I love this race and will definitely be running it again next year!
Check out my review and others' reviews of this race on BibRave!