The Broad Running Broad

A week ago tonight I was in my hotel bathroom doing my nails for the medal photo that would be coming the next morning.

The reason for my nails: the Cleveland Half Marathon.

Half Marathon #23.

Cleveland was the race that I once thought would be one ‘n done following the full I ran in 2019. Then I decided to go back and run the half in 2022. And 2023. And again this past Sunday.

So the weekend trip up to Cleveland has turned into my late spring, almost-summer tradition.

Just like the few years before, I got up and started my journey up north on Saturday morning a little before 10 am. My car had been having troubles with the ABS, traction control and tire pressure lights kicking on and off sporadically. My mechanic figured out the culprit was a cracked bearing that needed replaced, but advised that as long the lights weren’t kicking on and staying on I could probably drive without any issues.

The good news is that the car survived the trip up and back home. However, this past Tuesday my lights kicked on, stayed on and I’d had enough. The bearing has since been replaced and all is right in the world, but you all can probably imagine getting up there Saturday morning was not the normal pleasant ride with all the lights and noises (the ride home Sunday was slightly less noisy, but still stressful.)

I got to my hotel and got checked in around 12:30. The first stop after checking in is always the expo for my bib. Once I had that and had dropped my things back off at my room, it was time to do my second-favorite thing on race-cation weekends: wander the host city.

Just like every other time I’ve been to Cleveland, I took my time wandering through downtown towards the Flats East Bank neighborhood.

As is tradition, lunch was fish ‘n chips at The Lakehouse. I can never manage to get there early enough for a seat on the patio overlooking the river, but thankfully the bar has always had plenty of room for me. I’ve had fish ‘n chips plenty of places, but The Lakehouse is a class of its own to the point where I won’t go anywhere else for the cod or when I’m visiting The ‘Land.

I also decided to have dessert with lunch. Key Lime Pie 11/10.

Saturday afternoon and evening was spent walking around the North Coast Harbor and part of downtown before heading back to my room for the evening, as well as a shower.

Once the shower was done, family called and nails painted, it was time for bed. I had an early morning ahead of me.

The Cleveland Half Marathon

Final time – 2:34.

I went into this with a plan to hydrate with GU gels every five miles, to see if that would help me stay energized and avoid calf pain. The good news is that hydrating every five miles helped to avoid any calf flare ups. Wearing the crop I packed was my other good idea, since the weather forecast was calling for 60 degrees with 88% humidity when the race started. I decided I’d rather be a little chillier than feel constricted by too many layers, so the muffin top got some fresh air while I ran my way through Cleveland.

I felt strong running that first mile towards Playhouse Square and under the chandelier, making my way through Cleveland State’s campus. The downhill of 9th Street lead me towards North Coast Harbor during Mile 4 and back uphill for Mile 5 into Flats East Bank. This was the first break for GU.

I forgot about the grating on one of the bridges during Mile 6, which hurt my feet to run across, and the uphill into Mile 7. Mile 8 took me past the Christmas Story house and looped me through the neighborhoods just south of downtown. The sun had been out all morning, but around 9 am I was starting to feel it on my shoulders. At least this time I thought to put on sunscreen.

The last 5k was slower than I was hoping, but honestly not surprising since the sun and humidity had ramped up. Mile 11 leading to 12 took me across the Hope Memorial Bridge, which has since become my favorite part of the course.

How fitting that at one of the toughest parts of the course – emotionally and physically – the eight Guardians of Traffic stand over the Cuyahoga River reminding all who pass over the bridge of what it means to be resilient and strong, and in a way comforting the runners that the current challenge will soon be over.

I was hoping to run 2:30 and during the first half I thought I might have a solid chance. Crossing that finish line in 2:34 proved me wrong. But considering it was hotter than Hell towards the end and I had some pretty gnarly blisters that required more run-walk breaks, I’m okay with the end results.

The final thought

I titled tonight’s post “To Cleveland with love.” Admittedly, when I first started running eight years ago, I always figured Columbus would be my always-love. It still is my first, but Cleveland is a love of its own.

Cleveland brings me to life in a way no other city in May does. The water is the reminder that there’s on the other side of the unknown and turbulence is beauty and peace. The skyscrapers and the art deco buildings, such as the Arcade, serve as a reminder how a sturdy foundation and the innovation of human creation can last across time. When I’m there I feel like the sun is upon me, the possibilities are endless and all is okay in the world.

In short, I feel alive and optimistic for where I’m going.

And for making me feel that way, I love you, Cleveland.