After not getting into Orlando until late last night, which meant a late bedtime, 5 am came awfully early this morning! We woke up so early to get to Lake Eola with enough time to park, pick up our packets, and hit the bathrooms before running the OUC Half Marathon! We did all of these things, yep ALL of them, with plenty of time to spare.
Next to no bathroom lines 
We met up with our friends Chris and Allison at the start – Chris just started running last year, and lost over 40 lbs in the process! Allison is a seasoned veteran, toeing the line to her 4th half marathon this morning.
It was a much smaller race than I remember from past years – maybe its because I have been running so many larger races lately (thanks alot NYC and Boston for totally spoiling me). It was super simple to get into the starting chute, and only had to elbow a few people to get into a good spot 
Marcus and I had an pact that we were going to run together the whole time, which worked out so well! He is ramping up for our marathon training, and having just ran a half marathon 2 weeks ago, a relaxed pace was much appreciated!
Sorry for the blurry pic! We must have been going so fast
The weather was perfect – it only got into the low 70′s after we had already finished. There were plenty of water stops along the course, so there was never an issue about not getting enough water. The course was nothing to write home about – a lot of bumpy brick roads and busy streets. I don’t have as much of an issue with the brick (it lines the streets where I live), but the busy streets were a bummer. There was a lot of exhaust in the air, which wasn’t the best. The neighborhoods that we ran through in the second half of the race were beautiful. It made the time fly by to the finish! There were plenty of volunteers lining the course, and at the finish area, helping the finishers get refueled.
Mmmm Oranges!
There was not too much in terms of post race amenities, but hey – the race fee was a very affordable $50. I’ll take it.
The race site was amazing!
And the company was even better!
For my third time running the OUC Half Marathon, this was definitely my favorite experience! The long sleeve tech tee was a great addition since last time (yes, its been a while since I last ran it) and the medal didn’t disappoint! I kinda have a thing for my running partner too
Post race included a quick trip to the Panera Bread right on Lake Eola. Gimme some coffee!
And then we headed to a (not so quick) breakfast at the Breakfast Club in downtown Orlando. Two big thumbs up, despite the poor service.
I’m thinking this afternoon calls for a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice run (Orlando peeps, you know what I’m talking about) and then we are off to see the UCF Knights basketball kick some Hartford booty!
Anyone race this morning?! How did it go?
Soo…are you saying Marcus is slow since you two ran a “relaxed pace” today to stick together?
Now now, lets not make up a meaning to this…
Yes, that’s exactly what that means.
Lies, all lies!