The Biggest Loser Half Marathon Race Recap

Posted by : RunnerBecky Monday, April 8, 2013

I signed up for this race at the last minute... Monday!

I had a 40% off promo code thanks to Rod's Racers and tagged along with two other girls who were running the race. It was a great decision.

I wasn't able to make it to the Fitness Expo on Friday, but had my swag bag and race packet picked up for me.

I have been a fan of The Biggest Loser for several years now and am always just amazed at the determination and success of the contestants. As a someone who loves endurance races and all things fitness, I can only support and encourage to a certain point. These contestants have been in the weight loss trenches and can relate to those longing to make healthy choices first hand.

My day began with a 4:15AM wake up call. I had all my gear laid out and ready. I ate 2 pieces of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and was ready for the drive to Jackson.

We made a quick bathroom stop at McDonald's and caught the beautiful sunrise. Isn't God good?

The weather was perfect. It was a chilly start but after the start I warmed up quick. The race was fairly small: 397 in the half marathon and 462 in the 5K race.

I love the idea of The Biggest Loser run/walk because I feel like it was a very comfortable environment for new runners and those beginning their weight loss/fitness journey. The race world can be incredibly intimidating at times, sort of like going to a gym, but this race helped many people ease into their first race. I was very proud of everyone for a job well done!

This Season's at home WINNER Gina encouraged runners and walkers at the start. If you are a fan of the show you know about her incredible weight loss journey.

I snapped this picture with Gina before the race. After the race we made eye contact and chatted again. Gina ran the 5K event. She told me when she was on the ranch her first 5K she had to run ( I totally watched the episode) she finished in 45 minutes. Today she finished in 31. Way to go, Gina! She will be running the Biggest Loser half marathon event in Panama City, FL this December.

The Start/Finish Line

We decided to start with the 9:00 mile pacer and I laugh and I type this because she just TOOK OFF in front of me. I had my watch tracking time and my pace was 8:57 per mile. The pacer just left me so I wasn't sure if my time was off or if her adrenaline had just kicked in. Regardless, her 9:00 pace sign was out of sight by mile 5.

The race route was a lot of fun. I am still new to the Mississippi area and forget that there isn't much flat ground anywhere. I don't know where I got the idea of this being a flat race but boy was I wrong.

Besides lots of hills and steady inclines, the race route was great. I never got bored and thankfully never knew where I was :) The Biggest Loser event had plenty of water stations and lots of great volunteers to cheer on and encourage runners.

The first few miles flew by and I got passed by Season 10 winner Patrick House around mile 3. I stayed with him for about a mile but he ended up finishing about 6 minutes ahead of me.

Miles 7-10 are always the hardest to me mentally. I start getting worn out a bit and was trying to keep a 9 minute mile pace up and down these crazy hills. It was a challenge.

I remember passing by a bank sign that had 1 Peter 5:7 flashing on the marquee.

"Cast all of your anxieties on Him because He cares for you."

I thanked the Lord for such a much needed message during my race.

By mile 10 I could feel my Sport Beans kicking in and giving me an extra push to the finish line. There was the most intense hill about this time and I just kept my head down and pushed through. Oh man!

We ran passed the Capitol building and downtown which was so beautiful. The azaleas were in full bloom and I just kept looking around at everything... like for the mile 12 mile marker. It was no where to be found! I kept wondering if I had just slowed down because by my pace and watch time I should have already passed it.

My goal was to finish in under 2 hours so I was getting discouraged at 1:55. Would I finish in record time??

THANKFULLY, I recognized where we were and the FINISH LINE wasn't too far away. I kicked it into gear and crossed the finish line in 1:57:19.