Race-cations have been an annual tradition with my running friends since 2017. We started in Corning, NY and then traveled to Montreal, and Brooklyn, NY. We’ve also rented houses in New Hampshire (2x), Maine, Finger Lakes, Cape Cod, Lake Placid and this September, it will be in MA.

However, last year’s DC race-cation came about by accident. I was having a beer with a former co-worker and a runner that I recognized was seated at the next table.  She asked me what race I was training for and I replied: “NYC Marathon.”  She said that she wanted to get into the lottery for the NYC Half in March but if she didn’t she was considering the Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half.  I replied: “Let me know because I’d never run in DC.”

To make a long story short, she didn’t get in and texted me that she (Gail) and two other runners (Val & Ginny) were going to run the DC race and asked if I would want to join them.  I, of course, said: “Sure” without even thinking.

A few weeks later, I mentioned this race to a friend (while volunteering for STEM) and she (Sue) said that her brother and sister lived there and she liked to go.  The more, the merrier I thought. And a local running buddy, Jenn, who had moved to the DC area, said that she planned to run it, as well.

It worked out so well (except the flight on the way home) that we decided to do it again and we both agreed that we like to visit Asheville.

So I signed up for the Asheville Half Marathon for several reasons:

• A race-cation.
• My friend Sue would be racing with me  again this March.
• A New Race.
• A New City
• After the March 15 HM in NYC, I’d be trained already.
• Carpe Diem

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do run shorter distances several times during the work week. My weekday runs are often solo but lately I’ve convinced Jenny to join me.

Just one run this week:

And on the weekends, I try to do my Long Run. Usually most of my miles are with one or more of my running friends. For this race, however, I felt like I was just on recovery mode from my last half marathon 6 days before.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Well, a big difference in the weather compare to what I had been running in…

My friend Sue and I took an early flight to Asheville (through Charlotte) on Friday.  No drama or delays (A miracle!!) Sue’s online friend picked us up at the airport which was very nice.

We stopped for a delicious lunch at a brewery.

We got dropped off at the hotel and after we checked  in, we headed to the expo (which conveniently was in our hotel).

It was small and we just picked up our shirts…

and bibs and got some logistical info for the next day.

We hadn’t rented a car and our hotel was in a convenient for the race but nothing else.  Luckily we were able to Uber/Lyft everywhere all weekend.

Our first Uber trip was to explore the downtown… Loved all the varied shops, restaurants and architecture

and eventually have some dinner… before Ubering back to the hotel to get ready for the next day.

Race Day:

As usual, I didn’t sleep well but had my standard race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee in my hotel room.

It was chilly in the morning but according to the forecast it would warm up big time so I wore my usual race outfit and added some throw aways.

Our hotel had a shuttle to the start.  I think the first one was at 5:30 am but since the race didn’t start until 7:30, we opted for one around 6:45.

And it only took a short time to get there.

It wasn’t as cold as I thought so those throwaways didn’t stay on long..

We immediately spotted the start line..

We were in downtown area where we had been the day before…

There were about 2000 running the race (half marathon and marathon).  Small compared to my race of 31,0000 last week end in NYC. My biggest critique would be that there was only ONE line to the portapotties..

That being said, the line moved very quickly…

I decided not to throw away my clothes but to bag check them instead. And we headed to the start line…

Both the marathoners and the half marathoners started together. Sue and I started at the same time but made plans to meet after the race

Sorry to be a broken record about not having a time goal. But my goal for races these days is to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.)

So if I had to guestimate my time, it would have been between 2:35 and 2:45 but hey, it could be in 3 hours if my foot or back hurt or the hills killed me or I had to walk most of it.

My maps:

Yes, there were NO FLAT sections!!!

I usually recap my races mile by mile or 5k by 5k.

All I have to say was that the course was relentless hills.  Some just gradual. Some so steep that I had a hard time walking up them. At my pace, everyone else was walking up the hills as well. We all chatted and complained about the hills.

But I loved the course.  There were some out and backs so you could see the faster and slower runners. The scenery was so varied… we ran in town, in rural areas, viewed the mountains, river, mansions, Arts District, etc.

This is a fairly new course because a good part of the city was destroyed a few years ago during the hurricane.  Much has been rebuilt and this is the first year for the marathon (which apparently is flat and along the water in part). Still there is a lot of rebuilding to be done.

Thanks to Asheville Citizen Times for posting so many great photos of the course:

 

So how did the race go for me?

I made a conscious effort not to start out fast.

It was warm so I also planned to stop at every water stop and not forget to take a GU at mile 4, 8, and 12 (or there about).

I guess I am used to NYRR races where there is water at every 1-1.5 miles. There were FOUR water stops (maybe more after 13 miles):  Miles 4, 6.5, 9, 11.5 & 12.5.  I was very thirsty on this warm humid day by mile 4!!

I ran/walked every uphill and that was A LOT and I’m sure I got slower and walked more often as the race went on.

I tried to make up time on the down hills.  Why does there never seem to enough of them or as long as the up hills.

I started with the 2:30 pacer (I’m always optimistic at the start.) I quickly lost him.  I spotted another pacer without a sign.  She said that she was 2:30 but too slow today and thought she’d finish around 2:35.  I stayed near her for most of race and eventually lost her too.  The runners were very supportive and we kept each other going.

I did eat all 3 of my Gus at the appropriate times and stopped at all the water stops (but refrained from Gatorade and the snacks there.) Although it was warmer and more huid that I’m used to, I felt ok.

No pain for the most part.  My lower pain ached a little toward the end (but better than in NYC) and of course, my feet were a little sore. And I actually did not feel any after effect from running 13 mile 6 days before.  I think I felt stronger… (but those hills ate me up and spit me out!!)

It was new place and one that I wouldn’t ever visit again so I did not worry about pace and enjoyed the scenery.

Some official pics of me:

Post Race Activities:

As soon as I crossed the finish line, I grabbed my medal,

got a beer and waited for Sue.

I grabbed some snacks but didn’t eat anything since we would be going out to lunch. Then I grabbed my bag from bag check.  I was sweaty so I did put on my jacket.

We hung around until the awards ceremony.  There’s an advantage to being old.  I cam first in my age group and Sue came in 2nd.

The race finish was near the River Arts District so we walked there, had lunch, strolled the gallery (and shopped).

We headed back to the finish to catch the shuttle to our hotel.  The marathoners were still out on the course…

One good thing about taking it slow in a race is that nothing is sore and you still have plenty of energy for the rest of the day’s activities.

Afte a long hot shower, we ubered to the Botancical Gardens…

and eventually to downtown where we enjoyed a celebratory dinner…

Sue left early the next morning but I stuck around and did some more sightseeing via a trolley tour.

Additional Race Reflections:

It was so fun to be out there and soaking up the racing atmosphere. It was even more fun to run a race with friends.

Of course, initially I may have wanted a faster finish time…

I am competitive but I realized quickly that it was much more important enjoy this time with my friends and also not to be in pain.

And such a challenging course, I had no glorious expectations.

I felt fine during and after the race.

Positives:

Negatives:

• HILLS!!!!!!!!!!
• Not enough water stops for the half marathon
• Long line for the portapotties pre-race

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. yes. For all the reasons mentioned above.

Final Stats:

All in all, I was happy with my results. Yes, it was one of the slowest half marathons that I’ve ever done. My expectations have dropped significantly and I ain’t getting any younger.

Next Up:

Half Marathon #3 of 2026 and #78 lifetime. #6 for this one (but #4 on this course).

Happy Running! Have you run a 2026 big race yet? If so, how did go? Are you planning to run one? Any race-cations planned? Been to Asheville? Please share.

 

---

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

---

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs