Showing posts with label half marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label half marathon. Show all posts

Friday, October 17, 2014

How To Test A Runner:

Host a half marathon (my favorite distance) in Newport (my favorite place) over Columbus Day weekend (my anniversary), add a running spouse (mrC) and and injury.

That's me, and this was my test.

mrC picks one half marathon to do with me each year and for 2014 it was the Newport Half Marathon. After hitting my highest monthly mileage in August, I have been dealing with one small injury after another. Just days before this race, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to finish 13.1 miles with him.

After taking an easy week of training, we eased down to Newport on Friday night. Saturday the weather was yucky, so we drove the course. We don't do this often, but since we run the Newport 10 Miler in the spring, we wanted to compare the courses.


On race morning, getting to the starting line required using a shuttle bus from an off-site parking lot and a lot of patience. 5000 runners plus spectators trying to make their way to the starting line at the same time in Newport means one thing: traffic. But is also means spectacular sunrise views.


The shuttles were quick transporting us the mile or so to the start. At the venue, we found dozens of port-a-potties, locker rentals,  gear check and Oiselle Flockmates! Even though it was a cold morning, we had plenty of time to stretch and eat the bananas we brought along. My last half marathon was a fueling failure, so in addition to having a PB and jelly rice cake, I've been forcing down bananas.

me and Rachel

Let the test begin: The biggest hill of the race is in the first half mile (the best place for it if you ask me). mrC and I ran up this hill in February when we ran the Newport Night Run 5K. At the top of the hill, the course flattened out for the next three miles as we made our way to Fort Adams where we began following the 10 Miler course. It was around this time that I knew my hip was going to be questionable.


Around mile 6 we turned onto Ocean Ave and started taking in the amazing views. The first aid station with energy gels had run out and I started stressing that my fuel plan to take gels every chance was about to fall apart.


Miles 7-10 are a series of rolling hills leading to the turn onto Bellevue Avenue where the course opens up to the mansions. Other than my achey hip, I was feeling good. The aid stations after mile 6.5 had energy gels, so my fueling plan was back on track. The temperature had warmed up enough for me to pull my arm warmers down and I was glad that I hadn't over-dressed.


This race is one of the few with a downhill finish and starting at about mile 11, I was focused on getting there. My hip was getting more painful with every step and I thought the downhill would bring me some relief. However, when we turned onto America's Cup Boulevard and started the decline, my hip started to feel worse.


Somehow, I made it across the finish line. After accepting my medal, I entered the medical tent to grab an ice pack for my hip and then went to the food tent to see what goodies they had for us.


We spent a little time on the beach, soaking up the October sun before walking over to the shuttles for a ride back to the parking area. Pain aside, I loved this race. Newport always delivers a great race-cation and I would definitely go back with mrC to do this one again.


Once we were back home in NH, I hung up my Newport Half Marathon medal and thought to myself, I passed the test.

It's almost a week later, and I'm still dealing with pain in my hip, which is actually my sartorius muscle. I won't be running again until I can do it pain-free.




Tuesday, September 30, 2014

ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon 2014

For the third time, I made my way to Cape Cod to run a half marathon. This event was so much fun the first time I did it, that even an injury couldn't keep me away last year. This year there were a lot of highs and lows getting to race day, but ZOOMA Cape Cod is worth it.

Here are some of the highlights of what make this a must-do-and-repeat race-cation event.


AT THE EXPO: Picking up a swag bag with a cute race tee and performance socks from Feetures! Talking to the mother runners spreading the Another Mother Runner love or ZOOMA co-founder Brae. Taking fun #ThisIsHowIZOOMA pre-race photos. Discussing jewelry with Scott from Scott James Jewelry, one of the race sponsors.

Added a new charm to my ambassador necklace!

AT THE MOCKTAIL PARTY: Enjoying lots of mingling with friends, the amazing sunset views over Old Silver Beach, and beverages from Honest Tea on the deck. Dinner with friends at Red's.


Ambassadors: Angela, Danielle, me, Nancy, Jessica, Dani, Nicole, and Jessica

AT THE RACE: Besides being a Saturday race, the fact that you can sleep steps from the starting line is easily one of the best features of this race. Early morning meet-ups are simple and there is just something fun about strolling to the starting line together.


Ambassadors: Jessica, Danielle, Dani, me, Nancy, Angela, Kelly, and Jessica

AT THE AFTER PARTY: Hanging out on the beach sipping Barefoot wine samples at 9:30 in the morning (loved the Sweet White), getting a free massage, using the Muscle Milk foam rollers, and taking a cold water soak is a great way to celebrate running 13.1 miles. I love the after-party celebration and think being at the Sea Crest makes up for the minimal views on the course!

Photo credit to Angela

AT THE RESORT: Whether you stay over after the race or not, the Sea Crest Hotel is a beautiful place to enjoy beach walks, dips in the ocean, or stretch your muscles with morning yoga on the beach.


Ironically, I didn't run any races in the summer because I do not do well in the warm weather. The weather on race day was unusually warm for late September and not something I was looking forward to. However, it did make my decision to wear my new Oiselle singlet easier.


Heading to the starting line, I was nervous: I hadn't run a race since June, my training mileage had been reduced significantly, and the lingering calf knot had me worried. I tried to keep up with the girls in the beginning, but they were just too speedy!

ABOUT THE COURSE: The course was as I expected. Views for the first 3 miles before heading through cozy neighborhoods to the Shining Sea Bike Trail. I loved the turn-around near mile 3 because I got to see all my speedy friends who were ahead of me and the bike trail offered relief from the bright sun. The second half of the course was a series of never ending rolling hills.

My legs cooperated for the most part (until the final 5K of hills), but I felt like crap: nauseous and light headed for most of the race. Luckily, mrC was out for a long run along the 10K course and joined me at my mile 5 on the trail. Instead of finishing his 8 mile run, he stayed with me to the finish.


If you haven't done a ZOOMA race yet, you need to. Seriously. They sell out. They're that good.



DISCLAIMER: As a ZOOMA Cape Cod Ambassador I received a complimentary race entry and product from sponsors. However, all opinions expressed in this post are my own.




Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Flying Pig Half Marathon

I'm a Flying Pig!


I finally ran the Flying Pig Half Marathon and I dragged my husband along with me! We arrived in Cincinnati on Friday evening and met up with family and friends for dinner. The weather was gorgeous  and the Flying Pig weekend festivities had already begun. 


After breakfast at a great downtown restaurant called First Watch, we spent Saturday morning at the Expo. They had an interesting zig-zag layout that steered you through all of the booths to get to the race shirt pick-up. At first we didn't mind this layout, but when we wanted to make our way back to something, it was difficult to move against the sea of people and took way too much time. After running with his water bottle for the last two years, I finally met Simple Hydration designer Brian and hung out at his booth for a bit.


The race had an early start of 6:30, but fortunately we were only a couple of blocks from the start line at the Millennium Hotel. We didn't have our normal pre-race breakfast, so we substituted bagels from the hotel cafe. I could only eat half because I was so excited to get going. The weather was predicted to be 50+ so I was comfortable selecting a Nike racerback and running skirt. I also chose my Flying Pig Sassy Bands and Mizuno Wave Creation 14s. After mixing up some Nuun (I forgot to pack the Cytomax) and packing some post-race clothes in my gear bag, we were on our way.

We walked the few blocks to the starting line and located the not-so-easy to find gear bag busses. By then the sun was beginning to rise over the city. We took a few minutes to stretch before entering our corral.


For nine weeks I had been preparing my husband to run his 3rd half marathon. We planned to take it easy in the beginning, manage the two+ mile uphill into Eden Park, and then cruise to the finish.


Running with my husband was easy. The first six miles over the river into Newport, across Covington, and back through Cincy's west side was manageable for us. The hard part for me was dealing with three port-a-potty stops. I guess he forgot to reduce his fluid intake!


We knew the tough part of the course would begin at about mile 7 as we started the 280 foot climb into Eden Park. When I saw the Elsinore Castle, I knew it was time to dig deep.


The good part about the climb was that it leveled off a little in places, like Mirror Lake. This was one of the picturesque views along the course.


The pain of the next part of the climb was lessened just a little by the appearance of Elvis near the Krohn Conservatory. We saw crazy, fun stuff like this all along the course.


After making our way out of the park and through some rolling hills, we started the cruise to the finish line. The downhill view of the city and descent helped increase our pace.


The last .20 of the course was a straight away lined with cheering spectators all the way to the finish. After crossing the finish line in 2:17:03 (PR for hubs!), we made our way through the finisher's corral where we received our medal and more food than I have ever seen at a race. It was awesome! Just minutes after exiting the corral, a light rain began. I was grateful that I packed some extra clothes in my gear check bag. Thanks to the Flying Pig tracker app, my mom was right there waiting for us. We walked around for a bit, got a quick massage, and then decided to head to the hotel to get dry.


I loved this race. It was challenging, but tons of fun. There were more bands/music on the course than the Rock-n-Roll events I have done. The cheer zones and fluid stations were filled with rowdy, happy people. The entire weekend was packed full of events going on downtown including the Expo, 5K, 10K, full marathon, relays, kids races, a family festival, and fireworks. Participants received awesome swag before and after the race: tech tee, poster, cooler, and finisher's certificate.


We had been warned about THE hill leading into Eden Park and more importantly the downhill that followed. Day three post-race my quads are finally starting to recover.


This race is only 15 years old, but attracts over 33, 000 runners to it's weekend events that sell-out. There were more than 100 people who participated in the full marathon for the 15th year in a row - The Streakers! I hope to run this half marathon again too!




Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Manchester City Half Marathon

On Sunday I ran the Manchester City Half Marathon. According to the local news, this year's race started with a record 2500 runners including some 600 displaced NYC Marathon runners! It was a beautiful day for a race with temperatures in the low 40s, bright sunny skies, and cool breezes.



After getting an extra hour of sleep, my favorite cheerleader (aka husband) drove me downtown to meet up with the girls. I found Daisy easily (thanks to her "prime parking spot" in a no parking area next to Veteran's Park, but Katherine was off getting a replacement bib for the one she left at home. We did manage to all meet up at the starting line.


You may remember from my previous blog posts or my comments on Daily Mile how this course had some serious hills. The first hill starts around mile 1 and continues until mile 2.5. There's a brief breather before the next climb at mile 3.5 which lasts through mile 5. Here runners are rewarded with a long downhill into Livingston Park before hitting the next group of climbs. At mile 6 the rolling begins (and seems to never end) and goes on and on through mile 10. Just when you think you might be able to cruise to the finish thanks to gravity and Hanover Street, runners hit a final tough climb between mile 11 and 12. For those runners with feeling left in their legs (not me) the final mile is a fast downhill that flattens out to the finish line.


13.1 - 2:08:24  
Clearly, I was dead tired. I didn't hear them announce me as Amy from Jamaica Plain and then correct it. I barely cracked a smile when Katherine and Ami cheered for me as I passed by. I didn't even have the energy to grab one of those awesome mylar heat sheets they were offering.



I did have enough spark to hang out with the girls and our families while savoring the moment. I took on a challenge running this half marathon with its monster hills that scare some runners away and I completed it. #7 done.

What I wore:




Let's Go Clown Around Sweaty Bands
Grey Nike Legend Training Tank
Red Nike Thermal Pullover
Black Nike Running Capris
Nike Dri-Fit No Show Compression Socks
Mizuno Wave Rider 8s
Red Aspaeris Compression Shorts (after)
Pink Zensah Compression Socks (after)


What's the toughest race you've ever done?

Have you entered my Sprigs Big Banjees giveaway yet? It ends Friday at 11:59 PM! Or start shopping now and use my discount code RunningEscapades20 for 10% off of orders up to $29.99 or 20% off orders over $30. It expires 11/30/12 at 11:59 PM EST.


Friday, September 28, 2012

Fitness Friday: ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon

Last weekend I ran the ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon in North Falmouth, MA. I had been looking forward to this race since June when I found out that I would serve as an Ambassador. I didn't get to attend the training kick-off in Boston, so I was excited to get to finally spend some time with the rest of the race crew.

On Friday, my husband picked me up after my last class so that we could beat the traffic to the Cape. We stopped for a quick lunch and arrived easily in North Falmouth just after 3:30. The Sea Crest Beach Resort, the host hotel and location for all of the weekend race events, was gorgeous. We took a walk around after checking in to get a peak at the pool, patio, beach access, restaurant, and courtyard.  



After touring the resort, we headed to ZOOMA Marketplace to pick up my race packet and check out the vendor booths. Similar to the Cox Rhode Races Half Marathon, this was a small expo, but the BIG difference was the interactions. Tricia, ZOOMA's social media director, immediately greeted me and helped me get checked in. Then I met Dimity of Another Mother Runner, and immediately loved her positive energy. While talking to Dimity I also met Heather, who has read my blog at least once (thanks Heather), and lives in the town next to me! 



After making a couple of purchases we made our way to sit in on the presentation by the team behind Another Mother Runner, but not before meeting Brae, one of the founders of the ZOOMA Women's Race Series. Sarah and Dimity shared tips on preparing for your race, how to get the best race photo, and recovery. Then Brae walked us through the course and pointed out some changes. Runners stood or sat comfortably on the floor during this cozy and intimate chat.



We made our way to dinner at Red's located right inside the resort after a quick room change because of a small problem (great customer service by the resort staff!). We started with the yummy Local and Imported Artisanal Cheeses spread. I ordered the delicious carb-loading Brick Oven Pizza and my husband chose the huge Big Red burger. The three season dining porch gave us great views of the approaching sunset over Old Silver Beach on Buzzards Bay and was perfectly comfy. 


The Mocktail Party sponsored by Hint Water was set up on the Sunset Pool Deck overlooking Old Silver Beach and we met up with the other Ambassadors on the big blue lounging chairs. I got to meet Felice, Michelle, and Bethany for the first time IRL and see Nancy who I met at the Boston Saucony Party back in April. We had a great time chatting about our families, running, and packing tips. We also had a chance to meet Brooke, the other founder of ZOOMA. 


Race morning arrived, but there was no stress since this race started literally steps from the resort entrance. Thanks to my husband for remembering to bring our toaster from home, I was able to have my normal pre-race breakfast of PB&J toast with a cup of coffee. On our way to the start, we ran into Felice in the elevator and then I spotted Sandra, another NH runner, who I have been trying to meet IRL but we've kept missing each other. Outside the organizers had music playing and were getting runners pumped up for the start.



Right on time, the race began. ZOOMA worked hard on the course design to have the start and finish right at the resort doors, which meant some normally not-so-runner-friendly maneuvers, but it was nice knowing these in advance and the reasons behind the choices. We turned left out of the resort for a quick 1.5 mile out and back. The nice thing about this is that we got to run past the resort and see our family and friends again. My husband took this video of me running by him:



My goal for this half was to finish in 2:10. My legs were still feeling the miles from last weekend and so was my sleep-deprived body. I read somewhere that it takes about 8 days to fully recover from RTB. Well, here I was on day 8 running a half marathon! 

I made a rest room stop at about mile 3 and felt pretty good until the hills came. My legs were just not in the mood for hills. I ran again with the Rock My Run playlists, and it helped a little to keep my mind off the climbs. I got a couple of bursts of energy from runner Joan, an Ohio girl from DC who ran with me for a couple of miles, and Nancy, who was working the ZOOMA Ambassador Aide Station around mile 10.5. 

When we turned the corner to head back up Quaker Road my gas tank was near empty. All week I'd been struggling with a lack of appetite and I think it caught up to me on this run. I took a walk break and caught this pretty picture of Buzzards Bay.



The rest of the race was a mixture of feeling like crap and being determined to finish with my head up. One final mental zapper was a short jaunt we had to take on a side street just after mile 12...but I knew that this was one of the course adjustments to allow for an awesome finish in front of the resort. As I neared the finish, I was giving all that I had left in me when I saw Dimity cheering. Then I heard the announcer say my name and saw my husband waiting. Somehow I pulled out a 2:08 finish according to my Nike+ GPS (my official ZOOMA race time said 2:10?).


I had some water, a banana, and some Muscle Milk and then we walked to the Sunset Courtyard to enjoy the ZOOMA After-Race Party & Expo. ZOOMA thought of everything: massages, chiropractic adjustments, foam rollers, instant results look-up, food, wine and live music by Mighty Groove.  


Photos from ZOOMA Facebook Page

It wasn't until we got home, that I recognized some of the notable differences this race offers. First the finisher's medal. It's not one that your going to hang on your display rack and forget about. This one is going to hang from your neck so you can show it off all day long!



Second the finisher's video on the ZOOMA results page. Most of us are lucky to even get a race photo of ourselves, let alone a finish line photo. ZOOMA goes above and beyond by making the video available the same day. (Here's a iPhone recording of mine)




This running adventure ranks on the top of my favorite's list. If you have the chance to run a ZOOMA event, do it. You will have a blast. The ZOOMA ladies will make sure of it!



Have you run a ZOOMA yet? What did you think?

Are you planning to run a ZOOMA event? Which one?






Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Rock 'n Roll Providence 2012

On August 19, 2012 I ran the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in Providence. My husband and I headed down to Providence early on Saturday so that we would have time to do as many of the things as I had planned for us. We learned last year that it is better to stay in a hotel close to the festivities so that you can park the car for the weekend. We arrived early, but were able to check into our room at the Providence Biltmore located just a block from the main attractions of the weekend. I love that this host hotel let us check in early, but wish they had a better plan for runners to have late check-out after the race. 



After dropping our bags, we walked to the mall for a quick bite to eat at the food court before we headed to the Health & Fitness Expo. I love how easy it is to get from Providence Place Mall to the Convention Center via the skywalk and avoid the wet weather. We spent about an hour checking in, picking up our race shirts and swag bags, and then wandering around to the vendors. 



As usual, the swag for this race was pretty nice. We received a race shirt and swag bag (to be used at gear check) filled with lots of goodies. By the time we left the expo, I felt like a trick-or-treater. By the way, thank you Sweaty Bands for being there!



Right before we left I was able to meet up with some friends from FitFluential. It was great to see Janine, Sam, and Dani



We had some fun at the Rock 'n Roll Experience Booth!



For dinner we walked to Providence's art and entertainment district for dinner at Sakis. This cute little grilled pizzeria bar is located across from Johnson & Wales University and was the perfect place for a cozy pre-race dinner of calzones. 



The weather cooperated for WaterFire so after dinner we moseyed to WaterPark Place Basin and grabbed a seat for the lighting ceremony. 



It was a beautiful evening for sitting by the water, listening to the music, and enjoying the bonfires.



Race Day: We started with a quick ritual breakfast of PB&J toast and then walked to the race. After leaving our bags at the gear check we made one last stop at the port-a-potties where lines were long and slow as they usually are at races. It seemed like there were fewer port-a-potties than last year though. We made it to our corral just prior to our wave start.



Start - Mile 3: With a plan to go slow and walk every two, we eased into these first miles climbing gradually through the charming historic streets of Providence. The bands were on display before we reached mile 1 setting the tone for a lively run. We were feeling so good we completely missed our mile 2 walk. 



Miles 4 - 7: Once we made it up the steepest hill of the race, the course flattened out nicely and we were greeted with tree lined streets and vocal spectators. We passed the relay exchange around mile 5.1 which looked to be a smooth transition area. Mile 7 ended with a very steep downhill straight to the water.



Miles 8 - 9: This part of the course was visually bordered by the Seekonk River, Blackstone Park, and Providence's East Side neighborhoods. The live entertainment continued as we easily made our way back toward downtown. At one point we ran underneath an incredibly large inflated Brooks rocker. 



Miles 10 - 13.1: The longest mile 10 ever had us enter the city for a pair of double-backs that truly tested the mental endurance. Perfectly positioned cheerleader teams revved up the energy level and spirited our tiring legs. The uphill finish was the final test of our physical endurance.



At the finish line we were handed our finisher's medals, photographed, and loaded down with lots of refueling goodies.



After reclaiming our bags from gear check, we found a spot on the lawn to stretch, rehydrate with some low fat chocolate milk, and relax while they handed out awards to the speedy people.




Under beautiful blue skies we loosened up our leg muscles with a stroll over to the stage to enjoy some of the post race concert by American pop-duo Karmin before walking back to the hotel.



Last year my husband and I trained for and ran the entire Inaugural Rock 'n Roll Providence Half Marathon together, from start to finish. This year his training was inconsistent because of his work schedule, so I was his pacer. His longest run before the race was only 8 miles! Despite his low mileage leading up to race day, my husband totally rocked his half marathon




Who inspires you?


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