Hard to believe, but it's time to set goals for 2013. This year I have two goals I'm almost afraid to put in writing; they involve race times that I'm truly not sure if I can hit, but I know I need to go for it because I want it. The rest of the goals are important for my overall well-being as a runner and for pure enjoyment of the sport.
1. Run a sub-2 hour half marathon. Is this in reach yet? I'm not sure, but it's my ultimate goal and I have to work for it. Even if it doesn't happen in 2013, I think it'll happen in the future. To do this I need to cut 7 minutes from my half marathon PR, and I intend to hit track and speed workouts hard this year to make it happen.
2. PR in the 5K with a 26:xx. I haven't run a 5K in a couple of years, mostly because I don't like running to feel so painful. I'm an aerobic pace girl, what can I say? My 5K PR of 28:19 was set in February 2010, and I should at least be able to beat that one now fairly easily. However, hitting a 26:xx requires me to actually work on speed and push hard during the race, and that's the real meat of this goal. I must learn to get out of my comfort zone and give it my all. Dare I say, learn to RACE.
3. Run 1000 miles. I started keeping tabs on mileage more in 2012, and I will actually hit 1000 miles this year somewhat unexpectedly. So why not set this goal officially for 2013? I need to stay on track and stick to increasing mileage to make it happen again.
4. Run a trail half marathon. I've been loving trail running, and I want to expand my race events into trail this year. I'm kicking it off with the Crystal Springs trail half marathon next weekend! This race was an 11 mile when I signed up and wouldn't have met this goal, but they revised the course so now I'll hit this one early. I have no time goal on the trail race because I know it'll be more laid back and slower. The plan? Enjoy running for the awesomeness of nature.
5. Strength train 2x per week. Now that I started strength training regularly again during 2012, I need to stick with it. I plan to continue going to Barre class and BodyPump, and we also do some strength and core work during my weekly track workout class.
Happy New Year all, cheers to 2013!
31 December 2012
30 December 2012
Final Progress: 2012 Goals
Tomorrow is the last day of 2012, so it's time for the 'how did I do on goals' post. Overall, I did ok, but I didn't hit them all. Sometimes that happens for one reason or another, and I'm really ok with it. 2013 goals will be coming soon!
Running & Fitness
1. Complete a sprint triathlon: Nope. After a biking knee injury and just not enjoying myself on the road bike, I decided this one isn't for me (at least right now.) I won't be revisiting this goal in 2013 because my thoughts on triathlons have changed, and I'm good with that decision. More on this goal in my halfway to goals post.
2. Complete my second marathon: Done! And I even added a third, woot woot. My true Seattle RnR goal was to hit a sub-5 hour marathon, and when I didn't do it (5:11) I knew I had to go again in 2012. There were lots of doubts between those two marathons, but California International Marathon turned out to be my day and I blew my sub-5 goal out of the water with 4:43:59. Super glad I stuck with it.
3. Get back into strength training: Done! My strength training routine might not be as awesome as it was with my class in Ann Arbor, but I've done a great job of getting back to it this year. I'm using a combination of classes with the Integrate Performance Fitness group, my own workouts, and group fitness at work to make it happen. I discovered BodyPump and Barre class, and I intend to stick with those for now.
Food
1. Learn to eat bananas: Nope. I don't know what it is about bananas, but I seriously can't eat them alone. I had some in smoothies, can that count a little?
2. Find new healthy recipes: Done! Thanks mostly to Pinterest, I found quite a few new recipes and worked them into my cooking repertoire this year. So much fun!
Life
1. Pick up the phone (for friends and family): Sort of done. I did better sometimes, not so much at other times. I should still work on this one because it's so important. I'm not sure why I don't like talking on the phone, but it is what it is. But email me? Good to go.
Running & Fitness
1. Complete a sprint triathlon: Nope. After a biking knee injury and just not enjoying myself on the road bike, I decided this one isn't for me (at least right now.) I won't be revisiting this goal in 2013 because my thoughts on triathlons have changed, and I'm good with that decision. More on this goal in my halfway to goals post.
2. Complete my second marathon: Done! And I even added a third, woot woot. My true Seattle RnR goal was to hit a sub-5 hour marathon, and when I didn't do it (5:11) I knew I had to go again in 2012. There were lots of doubts between those two marathons, but California International Marathon turned out to be my day and I blew my sub-5 goal out of the water with 4:43:59. Super glad I stuck with it.
3. Get back into strength training: Done! My strength training routine might not be as awesome as it was with my class in Ann Arbor, but I've done a great job of getting back to it this year. I'm using a combination of classes with the Integrate Performance Fitness group, my own workouts, and group fitness at work to make it happen. I discovered BodyPump and Barre class, and I intend to stick with those for now.
Food
1. Learn to eat bananas: Nope. I don't know what it is about bananas, but I seriously can't eat them alone. I had some in smoothies, can that count a little?
2. Find new healthy recipes: Done! Thanks mostly to Pinterest, I found quite a few new recipes and worked them into my cooking repertoire this year. So much fun!
Life
1. Pick up the phone (for friends and family): Sort of done. I did better sometimes, not so much at other times. I should still work on this one because it's so important. I'm not sure why I don't like talking on the phone, but it is what it is. But email me? Good to go.
26 December 2012
Q&A: 2012 in Review
I found this 2012 recap idea on Meggie and Jocelyn's blogs, and I love it so much I feel the need to play copycat. Read, enjoy, and join in on your blog if you like!
1. Best Race Experience
This one is easy - California International Marathon. I had been so nervous about running another marathon, but then I had great 20 mile training run. Even though the weather was crappy, I somehow felt great the whole time. I didn't even know if that was possible for a marathon, but that's what I was looking for and I'm thrilled I had that experience. The race itself was well-organized, had fun swag, and had a great rolling hill course. Not too much up, not too much down, not too much flat. I love the change in terrain for the change in muscle use, and I feel I get less tired that way. I knew lots of people running this event, and I was excited to meet Oiselle Team ladies at the expo too. Overall a great race weekend experience!
2. Best Run
My best run was at the Clarksburg 20 miler, which I used as my longest training run for CIM. Technically it was a 'race' event, but because I used it as a supported long training run I'm considering it a run instead. This was by far my best long run in the history of long runs; I felt good the whole time, loved the scenery, and enjoyed lunch with friends after. This run gave me much needed confidence going into the marathon after I'd felt concerned and doubtful about it.
3. Best Piece of New Gear
I've found lots of fun new gear this year, but I'm going with the Oiselle Clearly Jacket as my best of 2012. This jacket blocks wind, is water resistant and breathable, and super comfy for running. It's easy to pull the arms up if you get warm, and they stay when you do. It saved me during my rainy marathon and I continue to depend on it for the Bay Area 'winter' rain. Bonus: it has many pockets.
4. Best Piece of Running Advice Received
Focus on proper breathing. I've been struggling with a side cramp situation since June, to the point of CAT Scans and MRIs when it stayed post-run, and it comes back off and on. The coach for a track group I started running with in October talked to me about this and helped me do exercises in breathing, and I swear it's helped. When I felt it during CIM (or anytime I feel it come on), I really focused on proper breathing and was able to keep it mild.
5. Most Inspirational Runner(s)
Honestly? My whole Twitter feed! I love reading about people running and motivating each other. To call out a couple of specific groups, I've been very motivated by Oiselle Team and the SF Marathon Ambassadors. I became part of these during 2012, and both groups are super supportive. I love how we keep each other going and have fun meeting up when we can.
6. If you could sum up your year of running in 3 words, what would they be?
Farther: I ran more miles this year than any other year, and I increased my weekly mileage as well.
Faster: Finally I joined a group for track workouts; I think it'll really pay off in 2013. Even just the 3 months I've done so far have helped my mindset and my ability to push a little harder during races.
Social: I found social running, and I love it! I didn't so much run with groups or friends before - I was always nervous about pace - and I'm glad I discovered how fun it can be. Special shout out here to Alisyn for inviting me to run with her and kicking this off.
1. Best Race Experience
This one is easy - California International Marathon. I had been so nervous about running another marathon, but then I had great 20 mile training run. Even though the weather was crappy, I somehow felt great the whole time. I didn't even know if that was possible for a marathon, but that's what I was looking for and I'm thrilled I had that experience. The race itself was well-organized, had fun swag, and had a great rolling hill course. Not too much up, not too much down, not too much flat. I love the change in terrain for the change in muscle use, and I feel I get less tired that way. I knew lots of people running this event, and I was excited to meet Oiselle Team ladies at the expo too. Overall a great race weekend experience!
Oiselle Meet Up
Happy race finishers!
2. Best Run
My best run was at the Clarksburg 20 miler, which I used as my longest training run for CIM. Technically it was a 'race' event, but because I used it as a supported long training run I'm considering it a run instead. This was by far my best long run in the history of long runs; I felt good the whole time, loved the scenery, and enjoyed lunch with friends after. This run gave me much needed confidence going into the marathon after I'd felt concerned and doubtful about it.
3. Best Piece of New Gear
I've found lots of fun new gear this year, but I'm going with the Oiselle Clearly Jacket as my best of 2012. This jacket blocks wind, is water resistant and breathable, and super comfy for running. It's easy to pull the arms up if you get warm, and they stay when you do. It saved me during my rainy marathon and I continue to depend on it for the Bay Area 'winter' rain. Bonus: it has many pockets.
Clearly Jacket post-CIM
4. Best Piece of Running Advice Received
Focus on proper breathing. I've been struggling with a side cramp situation since June, to the point of CAT Scans and MRIs when it stayed post-run, and it comes back off and on. The coach for a track group I started running with in October talked to me about this and helped me do exercises in breathing, and I swear it's helped. When I felt it during CIM (or anytime I feel it come on), I really focused on proper breathing and was able to keep it mild.
5. Most Inspirational Runner(s)
Honestly? My whole Twitter feed! I love reading about people running and motivating each other. To call out a couple of specific groups, I've been very motivated by Oiselle Team and the SF Marathon Ambassadors. I became part of these during 2012, and both groups are super supportive. I love how we keep each other going and have fun meeting up when we can.
Finally meeting Holly at Ragnar Napa.
Matching Meggie when she visited Mountain View.
A little Oiselle meet up in Palo Alto.
6. If you could sum up your year of running in 3 words, what would they be?
Farther: I ran more miles this year than any other year, and I increased my weekly mileage as well.
Faster: Finally I joined a group for track workouts; I think it'll really pay off in 2013. Even just the 3 months I've done so far have helped my mindset and my ability to push a little harder during races.
Social: I found social running, and I love it! I didn't so much run with groups or friends before - I was always nervous about pace - and I'm glad I discovered how fun it can be. Special shout out here to Alisyn for inviting me to run with her and kicking this off.
National Running Day with the Running Revolution group in Campbell, CA
Candid, but a fun photo anyway. SF Marathon Ambassadors trail run.
SF Christmas Relays team with Kevin, Matt, and Alisyn
24 December 2012
Merry Christmas
The blog has been a bit quiet since CIM due to lots of holiday prep and family coming to visit us. Instead of a wordy running post, here is a little Christmas cheer in photos.
Merry Christmas to you and your families!
My baking goodies.
My company holiday party on December 15.
Photo booth practice with props.
Finally, we have a Christmas tree!
Willow's first Christmas tree.
San Jose Christmas in the Park on Christmas Eve, with Kevin's mom.
Christmas Eve.
And of course, Christmas Eve isn't complete without a family photo.
Merry Christmas to you and your families!
19 December 2012
Oiselle Longsleeve Tee Giveaway Winner!
It's time for the big news...drumroll please.
I listed all of the entries one per line in a Google Spreadsheet, then generated a random sequence at random.org.
And the winner of my very first giveaway is Alexis from Diva on a Diet! She will soon be the proud owner of a cozy Oiselle longsleeve tee.
Alexis's 2012 accomplishment was running her first 5K in November. Congrats Alexis! I can't wait to see how much you love the new tee.
I had a fantastic time reading all of the 2012 accomplishments. From running a first 5K ever to raising tons for a charity race to completing first marathons and ultras - I was seriously inspired by you all. If you have a minute, check out the comments from the original giveaway post and you will be inspired too.
I listed all of the entries one per line in a Google Spreadsheet, then generated a random sequence at random.org.
And the winner of my very first giveaway is Alexis from Diva on a Diet! She will soon be the proud owner of a cozy Oiselle longsleeve tee.
Alexis's 2012 accomplishment was running her first 5K in November. Congrats Alexis! I can't wait to see how much you love the new tee.
I had a fantastic time reading all of the 2012 accomplishments. From running a first 5K ever to raising tons for a charity race to completing first marathons and ultras - I was seriously inspired by you all. If you have a minute, check out the comments from the original giveaway post and you will be inspired too.
16 December 2012
Merry Christmas Relays
The SF Christmas Relays were today, so Kevin and I headed up to Lake Merced for the morning. We were a couples team called 'Run n Ralph' with Alisyn and Matt, named after Ralphie from A Christmas Story. I didn't realize how many teams, especially very fast teams, run the event, and I enjoyed watching the fasties come through. It's always so motivational to watch and cheer.
Leaders out of the start.
We joined the event with the Running Addicts group in the Bay Area, a group I'm just starting to meet. It's a great group of runners, and I hope to be more involved with their events in the future. The Running Addicts set up two tents with a table for food, so we were well stocked. Everyone hung out at the tents while waiting for their turn to run.
Alisyn finishing leg 1.
I ran leg 3, and considering my long post-marathon break I did ok. Each person ran 4.5 miles and I paced it around 9:30; my last 10K pace was just slightly over 9:00. I expected this run to feel hard if I pushed pace at all (all of my runs since CIM have involved some walking) and it definitely felt hard today. I gave it what I had for the team! I know I'll get back to feeling good in the next few weeks, but I also realize taking it slow will be good for my body right now. I learned that lesson after the Seattle RnR Marathon.
Matt finished for our team with an awesome 6:00/mile average pace. We didn't win anything, but more importantly, we all had a fun day. We even received fun green Christmas-y tech shirts and finisher ribbons.
Matt finishing for our team.
Team Run n Ralph at the finish.
With Kevin, sporting my brand new SF Marathon Ambassador shirt and ProCompression socks.
With Alisyn.
Merry Christmas races to all!
13 December 2012
CIM Celebration Giveaway
In order to celebrate reaching my big marathon goal at CIM, I want to share the excitement with all of you. What does that mean? The first ever giveaway on Just Keep Running!
The lovely ladies at Oiselle have agreed to send one of my readers a cool-weather ready, super soft, long sleeve tee with thumbholes. They look a little something like this.
I love these tees for running, lounging, and even wearing to work. They are 50/50 polyester/cotton and fit like a dream (fitted, but not snug.) I'm completely addicted to thumbholes for the extra coziness and warmth. You can read more about these tees on the Oiselle website. After the giveaway, we'll work with the lucky winner to figure out size and style (availability will depend on size.)
Now for the important part - how do you win? Here are the three ways to enter, one entry for each that you'd like to do. One comment per person is fine, no need to enter three separate comments.
1. Leave a comment telling me about your biggest running accomplishment in 2012!
2. Like Oiselle on Facebook and tell me in the comments.
3. Follow Oiselle on Twitter and tell me in the comments.
Note: I'd love for you to check out the blog and to follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook, but that won't be necessary to enter.
You can enter the giveaway between today and midnight on Tuesday, December 18. I'll choose the winner on Wednesday, December 19, and then the tee will be on its way! Good luck!
The lovely ladies at Oiselle have agreed to send one of my readers a cool-weather ready, super soft, long sleeve tee with thumbholes. They look a little something like this.
I love these tees for running, lounging, and even wearing to work. They are 50/50 polyester/cotton and fit like a dream (fitted, but not snug.) I'm completely addicted to thumbholes for the extra coziness and warmth. You can read more about these tees on the Oiselle website. After the giveaway, we'll work with the lucky winner to figure out size and style (availability will depend on size.)
Now for the important part - how do you win? Here are the three ways to enter, one entry for each that you'd like to do. One comment per person is fine, no need to enter three separate comments.
1. Leave a comment telling me about your biggest running accomplishment in 2012!
2. Like Oiselle on Facebook and tell me in the comments.
3. Follow Oiselle on Twitter and tell me in the comments.
Note: I'd love for you to check out the blog and to follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook, but that won't be necessary to enter.
You can enter the giveaway between today and midnight on Tuesday, December 18. I'll choose the winner on Wednesday, December 19, and then the tee will be on its way! Good luck!
08 December 2012
Now What?
The marathon is over, leaving me with time to recover and time to think about upcoming races and even other hobbies. So what am I doing with myself you may ask? For one, I have not yet run since CIM and put myself on a forced break for at least 7 days. It's incredibly hard not to run for 7 days, and I have almost broken down more than once. I also know it's good for me and that my body needs some down time after a ton of fall races.
I have lots of plans to keep myself active with a little less weekly mileage for the next few weeks, a big plan being skiing. I love skiing and am currently sitting in a lovely condo at Keystone, relaxing after a long day on the slopes. It's early season so not a lot of the resort is open, but I'm thoroughly enjoying what I can. Kevin and I arrived yesterday with 2 friends and took a nice little walk down the road by our condo. As you can see, they don't have much snow especially at the bottom but they are snow making like crazy.
I have lots of plans to keep myself active with a little less weekly mileage for the next few weeks, a big plan being skiing. I love skiing and am currently sitting in a lovely condo at Keystone, relaxing after a long day on the slopes. It's early season so not a lot of the resort is open, but I'm thoroughly enjoying what I can. Kevin and I arrived yesterday with 2 friends and took a nice little walk down the road by our condo. As you can see, they don't have much snow especially at the bottom but they are snow making like crazy.
Mountain House Base Area
We did a couple of night skiing runs last night, then went out for the whole day today. It feels incredible to be back on my skis, especially since this pair was purchased near the end of last season and I have only had a few days on them so far.
Kevin enjoying the snow.
Lunch break!
Aside from skiing, which we'll do quite a bit of this winter, I'm planning to get back to the barre class I started going to a couple of months ago. I skimped the three weeks before the marathon because it really works the calves and my calves take a beating with running. I wanted them nice and fresh for the marathon. I'm also hoping to try more Body Pump classes; I have gone two times, but I feel like it was a lot on the quads and hamstrings when I was running and racing this fall. It should be a good option for the off racing months.
My next half marathon isn't until Oakland near the end of March, although I'm running an 11 mile trail event in January for fun. It's supposed to be a beautiful course, hard I'm sure, and it most definitely won't be a push for time. I love running on trails and can't wait to get back to that more often.
And now for some exciting news: I'm going to have my first ever blog giveaway soon! What better way to celebrate my marathon PR and the end of 2012? Stay tuned to see what it is...
05 December 2012
California International Marathon Race Report
Each of my past marathons has a theme that I remember well. In Chicago, it was 'I'm way too hot.' For Seattle RnR, 'my side hurts with every step.' And CIM? 'This is awesome! I'm having fun! Oh look, puddles!' It's the strangest thing because I know the weather was tough, it was raining hard, and it was very windy - but I don't really recall any of those things when I look back on running the race. I'm thrilled with my time of 4:43:59, a 27 minute PR over my last marathon, and I can honestly say I felt good the whole time. Kevin also had a PR with his 4:02:00 finish.
That said, the start line was another story. The weather forecast predicted rain and wind, and that we had. Kevin and I hopped on the bus from our hotel around 5 am and rode to the start line in Folsom. It was raining hard and felt so cold when we arrived and hopped out to use the porta potties. Luckily, the organizers let us stay on the bus until 15 minutes before the start so we weren't getting drenched. I made a second trip to the porta potty in even worse rain and wind, and when I got back to the bus I swore it was hailing. It felt like little pellets. By this point I was already very, very glad I had decided to wear my jacket. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to bail on the whole thing that morning.
At the start area I said good luck to Kevin and headed back to join the 4:40 pace group; I figured it would be more fun to handle the weather with a group then to go it alone. We introduced ourselves and started talking from the beginning of the race, and this is when things become a blur. I remember little things like dodging garbage bags on the ground and water in my eyes. I know a big palm tree branch fell on the road not too far from me and people were yelling. I remember splashing through lots of puddles, some way over my shoes. But most of all? I remember talking to the other 4:40 group runners, people cheering for us even in the rain, and carrying the pace sign for a while when our pacer needed the restroom. I wasn't cold (thanks Oiselle Clearly jacket!) and I wasn't miserable at all.
I stayed with the pace group until mile 20.5, where I said good bye and broke off for a bathroom break. I'm a little sad I didn't get to finish with the group, but your body needs what your body needs. They had a big line of porta potties and no line, so it was the perfect time to stop fighting it. The last few miles on my own were less exciting; my glutes were getting super tired and I slowed down a little bit, but I focused on staying ahead of the splits on my 4:45 pace tattoo. Without my 3-4 minute bathroom break, I think I could have stuck it out with the 4:40 pace group.
For the last two miles I just remember thinking 'I'm going to do this! I'm going to hit my goal!' and had a big smile on my face. There were more and more people spectating as we came into downtown and they gave me the last little push I needed. The next thing I knew, I'd turned the corner and the finish was right there. Victory!
I found Kevin right away waiting at the finish and then headed off to get food. They had pancakes, which in theory I thought would be great, but I couldn't stomach anything solid as usual after a long run. I went for water and chocolate milk instead. Sadly I didn't see any other friends at the finish or after as I hoped, but it was a good decision to go straight back to the hotel for a warm shower and rest.
I'm thrilled that I finally felt good for a marathon, that my body didn't and overheat or side cramp severely, and that the weather wasn't hot. Call me crazy but I would take this weather again anytime over the heat we had in Chicago.
My side cramp did rear it's ugly head a little later in the race, but I was able to keep it mild by focusing on breathing and telling myself not to panic. I swear it's worse when I get anxious. When it first started a lady in the 4:40 group gave me a mustard packet to eat, saying she knew experienced runners who always use it for extra electrolytes. It actually worked and the cramp completely subsided for a while; whether in my head or the mustard, I was a happy girl.
Now for more on the race itself.
The Expo. The expo was what I'd consider mid-size and held at the Sacramento Convention Center; I enjoyed the Christmas decorations at the expo. We didn't spend much time walking around after picking up our packets because the booths and offerings were pretty standard. I stopped by the SF Marathon booth to say hi to Ambassador Laura, and I met up with a few Oiselle team ladies. It's so much fun to meet everyone in person.
The Swag. This was the 30th Anniversary of CIM so they gave runners extra race swag with the 30th logo: tech shirt, nylon spike bag, gloves, and headbands/neck gaiters. The shirts fit very well plus you could choose long or short sleeve at registration, a nice touch. Last but not least, the medals are huge!
The Course. The CIM course is described as fast so it's easy to assume this course is flat. In reality, it has rolling hills basically the whole way. I prefer this kind of course because I like the change in muscle use, but it's a good thing to note if you decide to run CIM. The nice part is none of the hills are big or steep; I never had the 'I can't run up anymore' feeling during this race like I have with other courses. The uphill rolls end around mile 22 or 23, and after that it feels flat and even slightly downhill.
The Support. These volunteers and spectators deserve a huge round of applause for being out there in the rainy weather! I was surprised how many people were actually out watching the race and cheering, and it was fantastic. Volunteer support on the course was great, fluid stops were stocked with blue Powerade and water. They handed out Gu a couple of times later in the race, both caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions. Fluid stations seemed really close to one another especially near the end, which felt unusual but also welcome. The start and the course had plenty of porta potties, and I was excited for the long line of them just after mile 20 so I could run in without waiting in line. The finish line had tons of food too, an impressive amount of food really. I saw pancakes, chocolate milk, Clif bars, fruit, cookies, tomato soup, water, and I'm sure I missed something in that list.
The bus ride to the start was super easy and they picked up at a number of hotels including ours. We had bus service back to our hotel (Hilton Arden West) from the finish line area as well. Hint: staying a little farther out saved a ton of money on hotel cost and the bus service made it convenient.
Here's to wrapping up my 2012 race goals with a marathon success - cheers!
Done!
That said, the start line was another story. The weather forecast predicted rain and wind, and that we had. Kevin and I hopped on the bus from our hotel around 5 am and rode to the start line in Folsom. It was raining hard and felt so cold when we arrived and hopped out to use the porta potties. Luckily, the organizers let us stay on the bus until 15 minutes before the start so we weren't getting drenched. I made a second trip to the porta potty in even worse rain and wind, and when I got back to the bus I swore it was hailing. It felt like little pellets. By this point I was already very, very glad I had decided to wear my jacket. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to bail on the whole thing that morning.
At the start area I said good luck to Kevin and headed back to join the 4:40 pace group; I figured it would be more fun to handle the weather with a group then to go it alone. We introduced ourselves and started talking from the beginning of the race, and this is when things become a blur. I remember little things like dodging garbage bags on the ground and water in my eyes. I know a big palm tree branch fell on the road not too far from me and people were yelling. I remember splashing through lots of puddles, some way over my shoes. But most of all? I remember talking to the other 4:40 group runners, people cheering for us even in the rain, and carrying the pace sign for a while when our pacer needed the restroom. I wasn't cold (thanks Oiselle Clearly jacket!) and I wasn't miserable at all.
I stayed with the pace group until mile 20.5, where I said good bye and broke off for a bathroom break. I'm a little sad I didn't get to finish with the group, but your body needs what your body needs. They had a big line of porta potties and no line, so it was the perfect time to stop fighting it. The last few miles on my own were less exciting; my glutes were getting super tired and I slowed down a little bit, but I focused on staying ahead of the splits on my 4:45 pace tattoo. Without my 3-4 minute bathroom break, I think I could have stuck it out with the 4:40 pace group.
So helpful.
For the last two miles I just remember thinking 'I'm going to do this! I'm going to hit my goal!' and had a big smile on my face. There were more and more people spectating as we came into downtown and they gave me the last little push I needed. The next thing I knew, I'd turned the corner and the finish was right there. Victory!
I found Kevin right away waiting at the finish and then headed off to get food. They had pancakes, which in theory I thought would be great, but I couldn't stomach anything solid as usual after a long run. I went for water and chocolate milk instead. Sadly I didn't see any other friends at the finish or after as I hoped, but it was a good decision to go straight back to the hotel for a warm shower and rest.
Race outfit.
I'm thrilled that I finally felt good for a marathon, that my body didn't and overheat or side cramp severely, and that the weather wasn't hot. Call me crazy but I would take this weather again anytime over the heat we had in Chicago.
My side cramp did rear it's ugly head a little later in the race, but I was able to keep it mild by focusing on breathing and telling myself not to panic. I swear it's worse when I get anxious. When it first started a lady in the 4:40 group gave me a mustard packet to eat, saying she knew experienced runners who always use it for extra electrolytes. It actually worked and the cramp completely subsided for a while; whether in my head or the mustard, I was a happy girl.
Now for more on the race itself.
The Expo. The expo was what I'd consider mid-size and held at the Sacramento Convention Center; I enjoyed the Christmas decorations at the expo. We didn't spend much time walking around after picking up our packets because the booths and offerings were pretty standard. I stopped by the SF Marathon booth to say hi to Ambassador Laura, and I met up with a few Oiselle team ladies. It's so much fun to meet everyone in person.
Kevin's ready to run. Also, it was his birthday.
The Swag. This was the 30th Anniversary of CIM so they gave runners extra race swag with the 30th logo: tech shirt, nylon spike bag, gloves, and headbands/neck gaiters. The shirts fit very well plus you could choose long or short sleeve at registration, a nice touch. Last but not least, the medals are huge!
Lots of goodies.
The Course. The CIM course is described as fast so it's easy to assume this course is flat. In reality, it has rolling hills basically the whole way. I prefer this kind of course because I like the change in muscle use, but it's a good thing to note if you decide to run CIM. The nice part is none of the hills are big or steep; I never had the 'I can't run up anymore' feeling during this race like I have with other courses. The uphill rolls end around mile 22 or 23, and after that it feels flat and even slightly downhill.
The Support. These volunteers and spectators deserve a huge round of applause for being out there in the rainy weather! I was surprised how many people were actually out watching the race and cheering, and it was fantastic. Volunteer support on the course was great, fluid stops were stocked with blue Powerade and water. They handed out Gu a couple of times later in the race, both caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions. Fluid stations seemed really close to one another especially near the end, which felt unusual but also welcome. The start and the course had plenty of porta potties, and I was excited for the long line of them just after mile 20 so I could run in without waiting in line. The finish line had tons of food too, an impressive amount of food really. I saw pancakes, chocolate milk, Clif bars, fruit, cookies, tomato soup, water, and I'm sure I missed something in that list.
The bus ride to the start was super easy and they picked up at a number of hotels including ours. We had bus service back to our hotel (Hilton Arden West) from the finish line area as well. Hint: staying a little farther out saved a ton of money on hotel cost and the bus service made it convenient.
Here's to wrapping up my 2012 race goals with a marathon success - cheers!
Signature medal pose.
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