We came, we ran and we were crowned, sashes and all. It was a true Scoot a Doot invasion of Atlantic City!
I had an incredible time Sunday at the Atlantic City April Fools Half Marathon and even came away with an unexpected prize – a new PR.
I’d been flirting with the idea of running this race for ages, as Meri has run it for three straight years and repeatedly raved about her experiences. So when she suggested a Scoot girls’ weekend centered around the half, I quickly agreed, registered and ultimately booked a flight.
Race morning, we arrived at the host casino Revel, which is at the far north end of the Atlantic City boardwalk. We were able to zip through the casino bathrooms and drop our bags at gear check without even waiting in any lines.
The chicks and friends in a pre-race #SuperSelfie (Clockwise from midnight:Bec, Cam, Heather, Meri, me, Anne and Brooke)
As you may recall from last week’s Chick Chat, I had absolutely no race plan. But since the course was flat as a pancake, I decided to chase down that PR.
I went for it. And because I was a woman on a mission – I did it.
I lined up with Brooke as we decided to start off together. Once the race began, we both sprinted off, starting a wee bit too fast. We were excited, and a bit chilly, and we bolted. B and I had agreed to run our own races and to push it, so off I went.
That first mile was around an 8:30 min pace, which I knew I couldn’t sustain. So I pulled back to around 8:40-8:45, where I stayed for most of the race.
Much of those first three miles for me were focused on my surroundings and running along the boardwalk. I spotted the hotel where I’d stayed for a beach weekend back in the 90s and the spot where I went for a good friend’s bachelorette party a few years back.
And of course I spent many miles of the race thinking about the board game Monopoly. Park Place, Connecticut and Baltic avenues. Each road sign brought waves of childhood board game memories.
But I was overwhelmed with the need for a bathroom early in the race. So as I increased my speed, I also scanned the horizon for a well-placed bush or portajohn.
And there it was, just before the third mile marker. I ran down a ramp and off the boardwalk and hopped into a portajohn attached to a construction site. A quick in and out and I returned to the boards, sprinting to try to reclaim my lost place in the race.
I spotted Brooke as I ran and caught her. We chatted a bit and she told me that I looked strong and to keep going. Thanks for the vote of encouragement, B. It’s exactly what I needed to hear.
The first 4.5 miles of the out-and-back course were on the boardwalk. What a view! And yes, there was an occasional breeze.
We veered left and off the boards at Washington Avenue and spent the next few miles on Atlantic Avenue. Because of the nature of the course, runners heading south could watch the race leaders zip by as they headed back toward the finish.
I was closing in on mile six as my Oiselle teammate Hollie zipped by, dueling for the top women’s spot with another woman. I screamed out her name and yelled “Fly Birdie!” as we exchanged a mid-race high-five.
Hollie and me after the race. She placed second overall with a PR of 1:23:23
I passed the iconic historical landmark Lucy the Elephant as I ran south and soon reached the halfway mark and turnaround while still on that 8:45 pace. Once I started running north I spotted a slew of friendly faces, many of whom shouted out to me as I pushed through a nasty side-stitch that developed on the return leg.
I slowed a bit to 9-minute-miles for miles 9 through 12. I focused on my breathing and pacing with an awesome lady who told me she was running her first half and trying to keep pace with me. How fortunate!
I took off on mile 12, just near Caesar’s Palace. A drunk passerby said something about Botox or blow jobs, I really couldn’t tell which but it made me laugh and motivated me to move faster. I picked it up knowing that I was about to beat my best time, set last year in Rochester.
I nearly hurled after I crossed the finish line, a sign that I truly left it all on the course. (I didn’t, for the record.) My official time was 1:57:25, an 8:57 pace. I’m thrilled!
My shiny new medal on the Atlantic City boardwalk
I had a fabulous time at this race, which is a super-fast course. We really couldn’t have had better race weather. And I had a wonderful time with the Scoot chicks and friends for a long overdue massive girls’ weekend. I cannot wait until the next one.
Three bestie birds, all decked out in our matching feather trials hoodies.
Have you ever run a race on a boardwalk or along the beach? Where do you go on your girls’ weekends? What’s your beach of choice?
I had such a great time and it was great to meet you! Our side was epic! I am glad you had such a good time too and a great PR!
Thank you Hollie! I was so excited to see you speed by! Congratulations again on your second-place finish! What was your fave thing about this race?
Great job Vic! Looks like you girls had an awesome time on your girls weekend. Love reading along on your adventures!
Thank you Bonnie! We had a fantastic time and we all really had great races – Ms. Meri also PRed! Now I need to get my butt to Syracuse to run one with you!
Congrats to Mer! Yes, you should come to Syracuse! I PRed at Empire Half last year, it’s not the most scenic – just down Onondaga Lake Park and back, but it’s flat and fast.
I just looked it up- its the one in mid-October, right? I think I have a conflict this year, but I will keep it in mind for 2015!
Are you running the Flower City in Rochester in a few weeks?
Oh, how I wish I had a beach! Looks like you guys had a fabulous time! Great job on your PR, Vic!
You were surely missed Jen. It was said repeatedly! Thanks so much for the love and support. Are you coming out in 2015?
Awwww! That makes me feel good! Yes, I’m very seriously considering 2015. You all have such a good time that it’s hard to pass up!
Hooray! I plan on heading back next April
Yay! I would love to meet you!
Everyone knows magic happens down the shore!
haha, indeed they do! Jersey Shore, where the magic never fades
We don’t really have boardwalks here in California. We have piers, but they’re relatively short compared to places like Point Pleasant or Wildwood. I’ve never been to Atlantic City.
We have quite a few beach paths, though, for running and biking. It’s always a nice place to get a workout in.
I’d imagine it might be tricky to run a race on a pier! I love the west coast beach paths- great for exercising AND people-watching!
Rock star!! Sounds like a really wonderful race, and congrats on the PR 🙂
Thank you Lisa!
Congratulations on the PR!!! So exciting. Sounds like you ran a smart race and left it all out there. That’s gotta feel good! I’ve run the Brooklyn Half, which finishes on the Coney Island Boardwalk. So much fun!
Thank you Karla! I really did leave it all out there though I wish I could’ve pushed harder through a few late miles. Next time!!
I’ve heard such great things about the Brooklyn half! It’s on the bucket list. What’s next for you?
Diva Dash 5K in Minneapolis in May and then Heartbreak Hill Half in Boston in June! Going after my sub-2 too!
Awesome! I’ll be cheering from afar! I wanted to run the brand-spanking new Heartbreak Half this year but it just wasn’t in the cards. So instead I’m doing the RW half in PA in October. Ay chance you will be there as well.
I might, but I don’t have my fall work/racing schedule yet. Sept and Oct are my two busiest months. We’ll see!
Fair enough! 🙂 Definitely let me know if you end up going 🙂
Glad you had a great time with the girls! And congrats on an awesome PR. This is my second time running at the beach at AC and I really enjoy the run. I often run the boardwalk on VA Beach but I like how AC still has the wood boardwalk!
Thank you Meranda! It was a great run and girls’ weekend and I’m planning to run it next year. I just loved running on the boards – such a different experience!
So exciting!! Congrats and I love race weekends with friends, family an of course prs!!!! 🙂
Thanks so much Lisa! It was a great time! I’m planning to do it again in 2015 because “flat as a pancake!”
So super awesome, Vic! Way to grab that PR! I’m beyond bummed that I had to miss this race…especially because I missed out running with some of my favorite people! And, for the record, I might have to steal one of those hoodies form you guys. Or, perhaps just buy my own. Oiselle rules!
We missed seeing you too! It was a great run but you were smart not to further injure yourself. Next year! (and yes, I am obsessed with this Oiselle sweatshirt- absolutely one of my faves, which I am sure you noticed since its in so many of my instagram pics!) xo
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