Just received a Welcome package from the Boston Marathon with my Runner Passport and I am beyond excited! This is my last long training weekend before the final taper before the marathon!!!
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| SO SUPER EXCITED!!!! |
Friday, March 27, 2015
Boston is Coming!
... so is Game of Thrones and I am super excited about both!!! April is going to be an exciting month!
Just received a Welcome package from the Boston Marathon with my Runner Passport and I am beyond excited! This is my last long training weekend before the final taper before the marathon!!!
Just received a Welcome package from the Boston Marathon with my Runner Passport and I am beyond excited! This is my last long training weekend before the final taper before the marathon!!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Running Outfit
I've joked around about my running outfits a lot in the past months but in all honesty, I truly believe that it is important! Just like my nails, I want to look fierce to be fierce! I want to feel confident in my clothes which will resonate in my race results.
Its not just the look, its the whole outfit. Not only does the outfit need to be cute, it has to be extremely functional. For instance, I bought a couple adorable sports bras from Victoria's Secret and I used to love them. used to... That was before I started chaffing and scabbing around the bra band area. When enough was enough, I headed to the internet to do research on non-chaffing, high-impact supportive bras. I found a beautiful pair at Nike.com and I had to try it out. I purchased one at the Nike store a couple blocks from my home and ran the Oakland Half Marathon with it. I quickly fell in love with the Nike Pro Rival! It was all that I could ask for. I am hopeful that it keeps proving itself for the better.
But now I've got to think about my running shorts. I have tried out so many different shorts and I continue to go to the same pair for races. While I don't think they are the cutest set that I have purchased, they are definitely going to keep me going the entire duration of a race. One of the worst things to experience during a race is chaffing! Even if there's no chaffing or burn, if a pair of shorts needs to be constantly pulled down or adjusted, I just can't waste my time!
So, I like my shorts that I have been wearing but they aren't cute and I feel like my whole attire for my last race was just not put together well. Nothing was bright and nothing stood out! It was basic. And I hate being just basic!
Since Lululemon stopped making the style of running shorts that I adore, I decided to try out some Nike 5" Epic Run Lux shorts. I tried on the Epic Runs in the store and ended up ordering a pink pair (since they didn't carry the color that I wanted). I am nervous about this change. I am worried that this may have been another place where I have thrown my money out the window. But in 2 days, my shorts will arrive in the mail and I will have a go at a long run with them. I am hopeful! Crossing fingers for a nice fit, no chaffing and absolutely no riding up.
Once I get my shorts all settled, I'll finally get to throw some combinations together to figure out my Boston Marathon kit.
... but if it snows or the weather is dreary... I don't know what I am going to do! Aaaaaahhhhh!!!
Its not just the look, its the whole outfit. Not only does the outfit need to be cute, it has to be extremely functional. For instance, I bought a couple adorable sports bras from Victoria's Secret and I used to love them. used to... That was before I started chaffing and scabbing around the bra band area. When enough was enough, I headed to the internet to do research on non-chaffing, high-impact supportive bras. I found a beautiful pair at Nike.com and I had to try it out. I purchased one at the Nike store a couple blocks from my home and ran the Oakland Half Marathon with it. I quickly fell in love with the Nike Pro Rival! It was all that I could ask for. I am hopeful that it keeps proving itself for the better.
But now I've got to think about my running shorts. I have tried out so many different shorts and I continue to go to the same pair for races. While I don't think they are the cutest set that I have purchased, they are definitely going to keep me going the entire duration of a race. One of the worst things to experience during a race is chaffing! Even if there's no chaffing or burn, if a pair of shorts needs to be constantly pulled down or adjusted, I just can't waste my time!
So, I like my shorts that I have been wearing but they aren't cute and I feel like my whole attire for my last race was just not put together well. Nothing was bright and nothing stood out! It was basic. And I hate being just basic!
Since Lululemon stopped making the style of running shorts that I adore, I decided to try out some Nike 5" Epic Run Lux shorts. I tried on the Epic Runs in the store and ended up ordering a pink pair (since they didn't carry the color that I wanted). I am nervous about this change. I am worried that this may have been another place where I have thrown my money out the window. But in 2 days, my shorts will arrive in the mail and I will have a go at a long run with them. I am hopeful! Crossing fingers for a nice fit, no chaffing and absolutely no riding up.
Once I get my shorts all settled, I'll finally get to throw some combinations together to figure out my Boston Marathon kit.
... but if it snows or the weather is dreary... I don't know what I am going to do! Aaaaaahhhhh!!!
Oakland Half Marathon Race Report
While the Oakland Half Marathon was supposed to be a practice race to tune up for the Boston Marathon, my heart was still set on trying to improve my times from the SF Kaiser Marathon that was a little over a month ago. Its actually really exciting to work hard during a race to see how much you can push your body!
The morning started off great! I had an amazing 9 hours of sleep! Unlike the marathon, my race start wasn't until 9:15am. My husband and I leisurely got ready for our race, had a nice oatmeal breakfast and were out the door with plenty of time to spare. We decided early on not to drive to the start knowing that traffic and road closures may be a hassle with the marathon already running. And being in San Francisco, we were just a short BART ride to Oakland. I highly recommend this option if you have the choice since both directions were very quick and easy! The bart didn't actually open their gates until 7:57am but that still left us plenty of time to travel.
Tips once you get to the start:
Do all of your pre-race stuff early. The lines for the bathrooms were nonexistent when we got there but once we were done, there were so many people lining up to do their business! Same goes for bag check. We dropped off our stuff so easily but once we were done, the lines were massive! So plan ahead to come early and not waste time before getting ready - cause theres no reason to wait if you really don't have to.
The Start:
While at the expo, the pace team was greeting the racers and offered pace bands. They had 1:30s and 1:35s! I excitedly asked if they would have pacers for those times and one woman mentioned yes. So I started the race with the expectation of being able to follow and keep up with someone holding a pace sign. Unfortunately, on race day, there was no one for that time goal :( I was going to have to attempt this on my own. I was a little bummed but it is what it is.
The race began and the weather was fantastic. Not too cold and not too warm. I heard during the marathon, there were times of rain but we never experienced it during the half.
The first few miles of the race squiggled us through the downtown area. The great thing about this race was that they put up signs at the Start line with pace times and you plotted yourself in the pace you were going for. This really helped with the crowd issue that many races struggle with. I never had to worry about racer congestion on the streets as there was plenty of room throughout.
The first 6 miles, I was comfortably running 6:20s, 6:30s and 6:40s. I felt good but my mind was getting to me. I knew that I could run this pace for 6 miles but could I really keep that pace up for 13 miles? I was worried that I would blow up and not be able to complete the race. So, I decided to slow down and take the last 7 miles at a calmer pace. I really don't know how much I can push my body yet so this is all trial and error for me. So, each time that I run a race, I learn more and more what I can do with my legs. Its exciting yet scary! But with a course like the Oakland Half Marathon, you really can test it out!
It was funny running through the first and second mile. I had to jump over some shattered glass on the ground! But instead of getting frustrated, I felt like this was kind of appropriate being that we were running through Oakland. Cause sometimes Oakland can be hood like that... and I am okay with it!
The course was pretty flat throughout - until you get to the last three miles which travels along Lake Merrit. After not seeing hills for miles and miles, approaching one was daunting. But in actuality, to see the hill after the race, they are tiny itty bitty bumps that you would never consider a hill. But during a half marathon, anything of slight elevation can cause sadness. There were just about 2 or 3 little hills around the lake, small enough that before you can even contemplate if you should run or walk up them, you would already have gotten to the top! The only hill I would suggest you take note of is the last hill right before the finish line. You see can see the finish but that hill is the one thing keeping you from it. I didn't let the crowd push me too much - they are fantastic but I sure didn't want to blow up before finishing! Once I got to the crest, I started my sprint and sprinted as much as my legs could give for those last 200 meters.
Overall, this was a fun race where you can see just how fast you can run! I PR'd with a time of 1:34 and I am incredibly happy with that! I was super surprised to find that I got 2nd in the Women's 30-34 age group and 9th overall female for the race! I was glowing for hours!
I love that at each of these races, I get a chance to learn more and more about my body and what I am capable of. I am really looking forward to my next race and hope I can dig a little deeper and improve myself just a bit more!
The morning started off great! I had an amazing 9 hours of sleep! Unlike the marathon, my race start wasn't until 9:15am. My husband and I leisurely got ready for our race, had a nice oatmeal breakfast and were out the door with plenty of time to spare. We decided early on not to drive to the start knowing that traffic and road closures may be a hassle with the marathon already running. And being in San Francisco, we were just a short BART ride to Oakland. I highly recommend this option if you have the choice since both directions were very quick and easy! The bart didn't actually open their gates until 7:57am but that still left us plenty of time to travel.
Tips once you get to the start:
Do all of your pre-race stuff early. The lines for the bathrooms were nonexistent when we got there but once we were done, there were so many people lining up to do their business! Same goes for bag check. We dropped off our stuff so easily but once we were done, the lines were massive! So plan ahead to come early and not waste time before getting ready - cause theres no reason to wait if you really don't have to.
The Start:
While at the expo, the pace team was greeting the racers and offered pace bands. They had 1:30s and 1:35s! I excitedly asked if they would have pacers for those times and one woman mentioned yes. So I started the race with the expectation of being able to follow and keep up with someone holding a pace sign. Unfortunately, on race day, there was no one for that time goal :( I was going to have to attempt this on my own. I was a little bummed but it is what it is.
The race began and the weather was fantastic. Not too cold and not too warm. I heard during the marathon, there were times of rain but we never experienced it during the half.
The first few miles of the race squiggled us through the downtown area. The great thing about this race was that they put up signs at the Start line with pace times and you plotted yourself in the pace you were going for. This really helped with the crowd issue that many races struggle with. I never had to worry about racer congestion on the streets as there was plenty of room throughout.
The first 6 miles, I was comfortably running 6:20s, 6:30s and 6:40s. I felt good but my mind was getting to me. I knew that I could run this pace for 6 miles but could I really keep that pace up for 13 miles? I was worried that I would blow up and not be able to complete the race. So, I decided to slow down and take the last 7 miles at a calmer pace. I really don't know how much I can push my body yet so this is all trial and error for me. So, each time that I run a race, I learn more and more what I can do with my legs. Its exciting yet scary! But with a course like the Oakland Half Marathon, you really can test it out!
It was funny running through the first and second mile. I had to jump over some shattered glass on the ground! But instead of getting frustrated, I felt like this was kind of appropriate being that we were running through Oakland. Cause sometimes Oakland can be hood like that... and I am okay with it!
The course was pretty flat throughout - until you get to the last three miles which travels along Lake Merrit. After not seeing hills for miles and miles, approaching one was daunting. But in actuality, to see the hill after the race, they are tiny itty bitty bumps that you would never consider a hill. But during a half marathon, anything of slight elevation can cause sadness. There were just about 2 or 3 little hills around the lake, small enough that before you can even contemplate if you should run or walk up them, you would already have gotten to the top! The only hill I would suggest you take note of is the last hill right before the finish line. You see can see the finish but that hill is the one thing keeping you from it. I didn't let the crowd push me too much - they are fantastic but I sure didn't want to blow up before finishing! Once I got to the crest, I started my sprint and sprinted as much as my legs could give for those last 200 meters.
Overall, this was a fun race where you can see just how fast you can run! I PR'd with a time of 1:34 and I am incredibly happy with that! I was super surprised to find that I got 2nd in the Women's 30-34 age group and 9th overall female for the race! I was glowing for hours!
About to run up the first hill of the course - Lake Merrit (don't mind my form! :)
I love that at each of these races, I get a chance to learn more and more about my body and what I am capable of. I am really looking forward to my next race and hope I can dig a little deeper and improve myself just a bit more!
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Oakland Half Marathon Fierce Nails
To go with the green theme of the Oakland Running Series, here are my race nails for tomorrow mornings race!
Oakland is just a BART trip away :) Here's to my last training race before the Boston Marathon!
Friday, March 20, 2015
Palm Springs Training Camp 2015
After figuring out my work schedule, I finally got the chance to attend Pacwest Athletics' training camp this year! I was so nervous about the intensity of training for a full 4 days! This was our chance to basically eat, sleep and train all weekend. I was nervous but oh so excited!
Thursday
Long morning swim at the beautiful Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
I had not been swimming much prior to this training camp, so this was a major kick in the butt. It was a good week if I got 1 swim in... but with this camp, there were no excuses! But it also made me realize that swimming with a group is actually really fun! I can't tell you exactly what has been preventing me from going but I am just glad to be back at it!
Friday
Friday morning, we got the chance to swim in the 50m pool at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center and it was pretty awesome! I'm terrible at flip turns, so the less flip turns the better! Swimming in a 50 meter pool really makes you focus on endurance and not the reliance of taking a quick break at the ends of the pool (as I like to do!)
After the video analysis and conference, I was able to swim with a better idea of how my swim form technique should be! Sorry dad, guess your swim instruction to me as a kid was wrong :( It's okay, I still love you!
Thursday
Long morning swim at the beautiful Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
I had not been swimming much prior to this training camp, so this was a major kick in the butt. It was a good week if I got 1 swim in... but with this camp, there were no excuses! But it also made me realize that swimming with a group is actually really fun! I can't tell you exactly what has been preventing me from going but I am just glad to be back at it!
We even got to get a video analysis of our swim and it has been incredibly helpful! I never had formal instruction on my swim stroke and had absolutely no idea what good form should be. Meeting with Jason Campbell has been so mind opening and extremely helpful as I continue to swim. I am constantly thinking about one major piece of my stroke that I should be improving. Its extremely motivating!
After swim, we went off on our first ride of the weekend. I fun (yet windy). I was pretty excited to be out of the pool and onto my bike as I was finally in my element. As a teacher, its actually pretty funny how I work hard on my strengths and put procrastinate on the areas of my weakness - since I see it in my students all of the time! Now, I completely understand! But it wont be an excuse for them but rather a reasoning for me to get into the pool!
Friday
Friday morning, we got the chance to swim in the 50m pool at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center and it was pretty awesome! I'm terrible at flip turns, so the less flip turns the better! Swimming in a 50 meter pool really makes you focus on endurance and not the reliance of taking a quick break at the ends of the pool (as I like to do!)
After the video analysis and conference, I was able to swim with a better idea of how my swim form technique should be! Sorry dad, guess your swim instruction to me as a kid was wrong :( It's okay, I still love you!
With my friend, V! We are all smiles! - this was before we realized what was ahead type of course was ahead of us!
The trek up this climb was awesome! I love climbing hills! I was more worried about the downhill after we got to the summit!
The BEAUTIFUL view that we earned after all of the work! It was such an amazing ride! But this was barely the start of our 60 mile ride!
The Pacwest Crew!
Riding through the sand storm aftermath - Dirt all over the face! I thought I had gotten really dark and realized that, nope, just dirt all over my body! That bath tub was full of sand after I got done with it!
Saturday
Sunday (Race/ My "D" Race? - Practice Race? hehe)
While the weekend was rough and full of intense training, I absolutely loved it! I trained hard and had fun with friends! I think one of the best parts was the dance parties for 2 that I had with my hotel roommate, V! My training weekend experience would not have been the same without you!
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