Disclaimer: I received a complimentary entry to The Urban Bourbon Half Marathon to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
This year I wanted to be my year. After years of wanting to be a runner, and lots of training, I started to finally run without pain two years ago, so I decided to sign up for my first half.
Why this race specifically? Well my husband ran it last year and he said he had an amazing time. This race was scheduled for October 8th which it was perfect for a runcation to celebrate my birthday.
The Urban Bourbon Half takes place in Louisville, Kentucky which is known to be the home for the world’s great bourbon. And the race is know for having the best after party.
Made it to Louisville, woohoo! We decided to go sightseeing, walked around the beautiful downtown, visited some fun stores, we enjoyed the beautiful weather.
We made it to @urbanbourbonhalf expo at the Louisville Slugger Field, it was super fun and well organized. I got to finally meet these fellow #BibRavePro ladies in person that were running the half as well. Had some bourbon that they had for tasting and picked up my bib and a super nice long sleeve shirt.
That night I went to bed thinking
I can do this, I can do this…
Morning of the race I felt confident, we stayed downtown so start line was a short walk. It was cold, 40°, but I had plenty of layers to keep me warm. Race started at 8 sharp and loved running towards the sunrise, it was beautiful and the warmth of the sun coming out is what I needed.
The course was beautiful, we crossed the impressive bridge that connects Kentucky and Indiana, ran around Jeffersonville for a mile or two and came back to Louisville to enter the beautiful trail. Surrounded by beautiful trees and creeks. Then we continued the course by the river and towards the finish line.
Just a little over 2 years ago I wasn’t even running a mile. I seriously can not tell you how incredible this is for me. When I saw the finish line I was ecstatic. I thought "I actually did it and I’m a half marathoner now". Impossible is NOTHING!
I was fighting back tears when I crossed the finish line. But quickly got distracted by the Panera bagels, I was very hungry and the cinnamon bagel was what I needed.
My results:
13.11 miles
2:16
10:27/mi
Place: 112th of 294 (41-50)
Let me tell you I have not been to many races but I can tell you that the after race bash of the Urban Bourbon Half is the best! With live music, delicious soup to keep you going and all the bourbon tasting, it was absolutely fantastic. I ate, I danced and I celebrated like I should have. I did go for the race but stayed for all the bourbon.
I thought people that ran half marathons were a different species (including my husband) and I admired their endurance, commitment and perseverance, and I wanted to be one of them soooo bad. Look at me now!!
What’s next 🤸🏻♂️ Let’s go!
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