I would agree on every count except for the Gu – that stuff can be tricky because A) it can make you cramp if you don’t take in enough liquid with it and B) once you start taking it you have to keep taking it cuz the crash could possibly be a mighty one. I know some people that take the ‘purist’ route on this that you mentioned but I’m not one of them. I more look at it from the take of safety and consistency – that type of cramping in the gut is dangerous. That said – I also say do what works for you, nobody is that much of an expert (esp me!).

I couldn’t run this year, nursing an injury, but I was a coach for somebody that was completing their first HALF after having a baby 10 months ago. I had the itch all day to be out there, I missed it dearly. I did trot with her to check in periodically and then was by her side from the Mill Ave bridge to the finish gates where I pulled off.

A great event and you captured it perfectly. Again, great job and glad you did the most important thing: you had fun with it.