I ran the Craft Classic Half Marathon in 2016 but due to my schedule last year I was not able to run it. When I ran it last, I was semi-injured so I had a bit of redemption with this one. Between that and it was time to start amping up my miles anyways, Craft Classic seemed like a good fit for my schedule.
We got to Grant Park "dark and early". Parking is fairly limited there especially with most of the parking closed due to construction, so we were advised to arrive early. With closest MARTA (public transportation) station about 1.5 miles away and little to no street parking, the few parking spots available fore several hundred runners would fill up fast.
The half marathon started at 7:30 followed by the 5K at 8:15. After hanging in the car, eating breakfast, and hitting up the porto, I headed over towards the start line with Jen.
I won't lie, I was mad. I kept replaying that section of course in my mind to try to figure out where the turn was and why there was no one or a sign/cones directing us. I tried to let it go, but I couldn't shake it. I took that frustration to power through. I crossed the finish line about 15 minutes faster than my goal for the day. For it being a training run essentially and my longest run in two months, I was pretty proud of myself.
The best part? There was a buffet of sweet and salty snacks! Forget the beer, give me sweet and salty snacks and I am happier than a kid in a candy shop. It really doesn't take much to make me happy.
If I run this one again in 2019 will just really depend on my schedule and what kind of miles I am needing that weekend.