After my half marathon earlier this year, I decided I needed to run another race in the fall that would *hopefully* be much cooler. I chose the Murfreesboro Middle Half in Murfreesboro, TN as my goal race! This race is a local favorite among Middle Tennessee runners for its cool weather and flat course. It’s a small race capping off at 1,500 runners. I trained during the heat of the summer and missed quite a few workouts along the way. I didn’t have high hopes for reaching my 2-hour goal. Read on for all the details of my 2022 Murfreesboro Middle Half Race Recap!
Expo
The race expo was a small set-up at the Chamber of Commerce the day before the race. I was able to send my husband there to get my bib for me, which was so nice! He also picked up a few “vintage” race shirts from previous years. I needed long sleeve running tops, so this was fantastic! He said everything was easy to find and the folks were all very kind.
Race Morning
We were up early and out the door right on time, which is impressive for our little family! Once we got to downtown Murfreesboro many streets were blocked off so I hopped out of the car and followed all the runners to the start line. It was a pretty decent walk to the start, so I got a good mile of warm-up jogging/walking. Once I got to the Central Magnet School (where the race started) there was a HUGE line for the port-a-potties. I definitely HAD to go, though I wasn’t super nervous about starting the race on time. In hindsight, I probably should have been more nervous, but I knew there was no way I was running without using the bathroom. Luckily, they waited for the potty line to calm down before starting the race, which was about 15 minutes after 7 am.
Miles 1-6
The start of the race was glorious. The temperature was a nice 45 degrees Fahrenheit as we all ran through downtown Murfreesboro. We even ran onto Oakland’s Mansion grounds, which was beautiful! It did occur to me that they were mighty trusting of runners not cheating and skipping that out-and-back section of the race. It was a small race though, so most people were just having a good time and were probably trustworthy. We ran back past the start and through some more cute neighborhoods. My goal pace was 2-hours, so I decided early on to stick near the 2-hour pacer.
The beginning of the race had a few out-and-back sections where you could see the runners that started before you, run past. I LOVED this about the race since everyone was cheering each other on and being generally supportive. I also saw the fast front runners go by, which was such a thrill!
Miles 6-10
My plan was to have a gel at mile 6 to keep ahead of any cramping. This worked out ok, though it was tough stopping for water to wash it down since I was following the 2-hour pacer very closely. I have never followed a pacer this intently, so it was a bit of a different experience. When I stop for water I usually stop running for a beat to drink or fill my bottle up, so when I did this I would have to BOOK IT to try and catch up to the pacer! It was fine, just a bit tough doing those little surges!
Miles 6 and 7 were a bit brutal as we ran on the side of the highway and on some rather boring and large roads. This is when the mantras and settling into my pace really helped! Also being with the pacer and the group around him helped to keep me motivated. Mile 8 went through Middle Tennessee State University which was fun! We did a little loop in and out of campus and went back to the streets of Murfreesboro.
Miles 10-13.1
Physically I was feeling fantastic until around mile 10. Then I decided to try another gel as I was starting to get some side cramps. The last three miles of a half are usually the hardest, and that was definitely true for this race! I always tell myself I am going to run FAST the last mile… and then it turns into the last half mile…. then I decide to just do my best once I see the finish line. Which is exactly what I did this time.
In the last mile of the race, I got a massive side cramp and had to hold it while I held onto my pace for dear life. Once I saw my kiddo and husband near the finish line, I gave it my all! Someone yelled at me to “beat the pacer” (who was a little bit ahead of me at the end) so I kicked it into gear and left it all at the finish! I beat the pacer and ended up with a 1 hour 58-minute finish! I was so pleased to have reached my goal time! =)
Post Race & Swag
After the race, my husband and baby came over to congratulate me, and I thanked the pacer for helping me achieve my goal. I love races because they bring so many people together and they are just a beacon of what the human spirit can achieve. It’s hard not to feel inspired at a race finish line! I got my medal and water and headed to the post-race party/food. I felt good, better than I’ve ever felt at the end of a race! I hugged my baby, took some photos, and shared my egg and biscuit sandwich with him (which he LOVED). We left the race with me feeling pretty darn great.
We also got a sweatshirt for our race swag. I love that they did something a little different and I will certainly be wearing it this fall and winter!
Overall Thoughts
The Murfreesboro Middle Half was an excellent, well-organized race! Unfortunately, this was the final year for the race as the directors have decided to shutter it moving forward. I am sad to see this race go; it was one I would 100% recommend to new runners or anyone wanting a personal best! While I am sad it was the final race I am so glad I got to participate. The crowd support on the route was great, especially considering it was such a small race. The whole race was organized fantastically with lots of positivity and warm smiles all around!
It was a wonderful day for racing in Tennessee, and I am over the moon with my race time looking somewhat normal compared to my pre-baby times. Coming back to racing after having a baby is TOUGH, and I don’t expect to be the same runner as I was before. BUT, I am getting stronger and this race proved to me that I can still achieve my running goals! I am grateful for running, racing, and my drive to be the best runner I can be! Next up, first postpartum Marathon! =)
Want to read about my last half marathon? Check out my Nashville Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon Race Recap!
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