We ran the 2019 Happy Half this past Saturday. It was a great run and we’ll definitely consider it again for next year.
While I wasn’t quite ready due to a couple injuries since December, there’s nothing like running with a friend to make the miles fly by and that elephant of an uphill finish be taken in bites… err… steps.
Can I share the day?
The folks at Holiday Valley always know how to take great care of their guests. Parking was easy… well, they’re prepped for crowds. We opted to stay over at the Inn at Holiday Inn so drove up to check out parking and pickup packets then back down to the corner to check in.
Packet pickup was easy peasy. Because… Holiday Valley… there was a bag drop, sale of swag and no porta-potties. Nice, very nice.
We were able to check in, do some pre-race prep then stretch out legs on a short uphill walk to the start.
The route had a few hills, I was actually surprised that it was mainly flat. We ran along Route 219 for early and late miles on the out and back route. The wide shoulder and clear markings made me comfortable with relegation to the side.
Have I said yet that it was a beautiful spring day. The temp was mid-40’s to mid-50’s, sunny with maybe a touch of wind. Picture perfect. A cold rainy day or blistering hot day would have been a challenge, we were mainly running in the open… Except for the couple miles to and from the turn-around where the beautiful tree lined country road let us cool down a bit and take in the beauty of the day.
The finish was… just fun… what else would you expect from the Happy Half? Yup… bubbles. Totally took your mind off that silly hill and whatever pain you were working through and put a big smile on the finish.
After we were medalled and watered, there was food and hydration while cheering on the finishers and… ohh… my first clap & cheer for a beer mile.
Not many runs are considerate of the standard run t-short difference between men & women. When we returned home and went through our swag bags, Porter was wondering why our shirts were different shades of gray. A little investigated showed these soft cotton beauties where men’s & women’s… I love the consideration.
They took great care of us, had a fun route and great swag. The venue is beautiful whether nature or man-made.
A picture perfect day! My regret is that the camera spent most of the day on my arm, sorry ’bout that.