Portland Rock and Roll Half Review

Good morning!  

Yesterday was Portland's 2nd Rock and Roll Half Marathon and also my 2nd Half Marathon, coincidence?!  I ran a really great race and am looking forward to even more Half Marathons in my future! 

I got there early and found a spot in a parking garage pretty quick.  As soon as I walked out of the parking structure there were 3 porta potties calling my name, that sound have been a good indication to the future of my bathroom issues.  90% of everything was all set up by the time I got to the waterfront and there was a lot of great signage directing everybody.  Katie got there just a few minutes after I did and we checked a couple things at the gear check.  Gear check was super simple because everything was organized by last name and it was really spread out.  I wasn't there when Katie picked up her bag but I can guess it went quick.  After we checked our bag it was time for another potty break and then I finally got to meet my Facebook friends Amanda and Jill!  We got a picture by the pro photographers but not with our own personal cameras, fail!  Amanda was our group leader last summer for our 60 Sweaty Days of Summer challenge and really helped me learn to love all things Chalean.  It is always fun to meet someone in person who you have connected with for so long over the internet.  We visited with Amanda and Jill and then realized we needed to get to our corrals.  I had changed my corral so I could at least start the race with Katie and I am glad I did.  We ran together for the first 2 miles and I knew if I didn't slow down and let her go ahead I would never keep the pace.  I let a few people ahead of me and started slowing down without telling her, LOL!  It is one thing to keep up with her during a 5k I am no where ready to try and keep up with her for a half marathon, one day though.  In case somebody was curious why...  

Remember now?

My race plan was to keep it around a 10 minute mile and get water at every other water station.  At mile 2 once Katie started getting ahead of me I realized I needed to pee (sorry) and I wouldn't be able to ignore it for the next 11 miles, UGH!  I passed the 5k mark and remembered there was a bank of porta potties coming up so I jumped off and went pretty quick.  After that the next few miles clicked off fairly quickly and I was just enjoying the run and felt comfortably hard in my pace. 

My splits for miles 1-10 

1 - 9:46 

2 - 9:46

3 - 9:54

4 - 9:41

5 - 9:45

6 - 10:20

7 - 10:20

8 - 10:44

9 - 10:22

10 - 10:07

I started feeling like I needed to pee AGAIN around mile 10 but I just ignored it because I was determined to not stop.  I was really hoping to beat my 1st half marathon time which I thought was 2:20 and some change.  The entire race that was the number in my head I was hoping to beat which is funny because my actual 1st half marathon time was 2:29:46, oops.  I am actually glad I didn't have the correct time because it pushed me harder.  I told myself earlier in the race that at mile 11 it was going to be time to really dig deep and push it and that is what I did.  

Miles 11-13.1   

11 - 10:10

12 - 9:57

13.1 - 9:45

Final Chip Time 

2:16:24, average pace 10:25

IF* I wouldn't have stopped to go to the bathroom around mile 3 I probably would have hit 1:15:24 but that is okay!  I seriously need to get the bathroom thing figured out though, more than likely just too much water.  I really liked this race and felt mostly prepared for all of the hills, minus the last climb right before mile 12, that one made me angry.  There was a good climb up Hawthorne for what seemed like forever but I just kept telling myself how much I love hills.  Funny how a little mental game can help you through some tough spots.  I only noticed the bands in the first part of the race because after that I was pretty focused and inside my own head.  There seemed to be a lot of turns and I know that can bother some racers but for me it was okay, didn't love them didn't hate them.  

The finishers chute was a little congested but that is to be expected.  They were handing out chocolate milk, Jamba Juice smoothies, Powerbars, bagels, bananas, the usual.  Of course there was water and we also got our medal which is one of my favorites so far!  

    

Katie had a really awesome race and got a sub-2 hour half marathon!  Her official chip time was 1:57:58!  
  

I am really proud of how far she has come in her running and fitness levels, she is always keeping me on my toes and working towards my goals!  

Plus let's face it, I could afford to take some photo taking tips from the girl.

You can go here if you ran Portland Rock and Roll yesterday to check out your results and pictures.

Who motivates you to want to keep working hard?  

How was your run/race this weekend?  

Do you take a rest day after a hard run or do you do your recovery run the next day? 

- I am taking today as a run rest day but will start my Push Phase of Chalean.  

Portland Rock and Roll Expo

Hi! 

I headed to the Portland Rock and Roll Expo yesterday afternoon and as promised it was pretty slow.  

It didn't take me more than a couple minutes to get my bib, change my corral and pick up my coupon swag bag.  

Katie went to the Convention Center downtown first and realized pretty quick she had the wrong spot.  She didn't get there till 20 minutes before the expo was closing but we were still able to check out some booths!

Brooks is one of the biggest sponsors of the Rock and Roll series and they had  a really cool "circus" area where you could play games and win prizes.  They were also offering free gait analysis which I thought was awesome.

I tried every flavor of Nuun they had out!  I really had to go pee when it was time to go.  I really liked the Kona Cola it reminded me of flat cola which I actually really like.  I also thought the Tri-Berry was a good flavor and coming in third was Lemon Tea.  It was pretty nice to be able to try so many different flavors.  

They were giving out full size Chobani, score!  I picked the Coconut Nut flavor, I'll try it tomorrow!

I also had a chance to meet Sarah Bowen-Shea from Another Mother Runner.  I was ridiculously nervous talking to her even though she was super friendly.  I probably heated up 20 degrees and started sweating profusely, not embarrassing at all.  She has twins and I have twins and my daughter's name is Sarah so we are basically BFF's now.  

OK have to finish getting ready for the I big event tomorrow!      

Lessons Learned from The Office

Good morning! 

Today is the start of the Portland Rock and Roll Expo and I am so excited!  A lot of the races I do are smaller hometown races (which I love!) so there isn't usually much of an expo.  This Expo should be pretty large and have some fun vendors and SAMPLES!  Katie told me she wants to run the half with me so we should try and get into the same corral.  I just think she wants to use me to make her race pics better, I am on to her!

Last night was the series finale of The Office and since I don't have a DVR I sat down and watched it LIVE last night.  Does anyone else still watch live TV or am I the only one left?  It was a 2 hour block of TV so I really only sat down to watch the final hour the first hour was flash backs.  I remember when The Office premiered and I was hooked, who doesn't love the Jim and Pam love story?!  I really like the way they did the final episode and some of the life lessons the characters shared with the audience.  

Darryl talked to the camera about how he would come to work all these years and couldn't wait to get out of there.  Now he is looking back he realizes that those were the good ol' days, he thinks why can't we realize we are in those days at the time?  Do you find yourself doing that too?  When he said that line it struck a chord with me, I know so many people who live in their past and feel that was the good ol'days.  I personally feel really grateful for the ability to recognize that THIS time right now is my good ol'days.  

I use to be a person who was always living in the past annoyed with how things were and wishing for the future. I never allowed myself to live in the present and appreciate all that was around me.  After I lost Jenny last year it was as if my entire world was turned on its axis.  Jenny was everything to me and my family and always will be, her presence is huge.  I never thought I would lose her because it never dawned on me that I could ever suffer that kind of loss.  Since she has been gone my life has been changed drastically because I now make every effort to live in the moment.  

I can honestly say that right now in this moment I am living my good ol'days.  I am going to look back at this time in my life with pure joy and happiness.  Being able to spend every day with my girls, get up and run in the morning and have my husband home every night is simple and wonderful.  I use to suffer from a lot of anxiety and worry because I was constantly fast forwarding to the future and its scary possibilities.  I couldn't fully feel grateful or fulfilled because of that constant worry about the future and I have finally just let it go.  Yes I still have to make plans and be organized and realistic but I also don't let it consume me anymore and I can step out of it.  I can't help but think Jenny has given me the gift of the present and it is the best gift I've ever been given.  

I have taken this approach with my running also.  I use to feel that if I didn't get fast (relative term) then I wasn't a "real" runner.  Why I felt that way I couldn't tell you because I don't feel that way about any of my running friends, so why was I holding myself to such a standard?  I couldn't enjoy my runs or my races because I wasn't really in them I was too consumed with the future of my running.  Well not anymore!  I am honestly just happy to get out there in the morning and have such a supportive network.  I am literally surrounded by people who love me and who I love right back twice as hard.  

At the Run for Boston last weekend one of the speakers told the crowd that we shouldn't wait for big moments to tell the people we care about how much we love them.  I hope I live in a way so that all of those who I love know how much I love them.  I've always worn my heart on my sleeve but I can get better at expressing just how important my loved ones are to me.  Take time every day to show gratitude to someone because it is those smalls acts that make a big difference in someone's life.  We are all a work in progress in so many areas but don't let it take away from the RIGHT NOW!  Enjoy this moment you are in.  

Pam's final words on The Office last night were simple but exact: 

There's a lot of beauty in ordinary things, isn't that the point?

Did you watch The Office?  

Have you ever ran a Rock and Roll race, any advice? 

What are you grateful for right now in this moment?!  

- Watching the girls build "a house" on my couch and hear them make plans for it   

    

   

  

Half Marathon Taper Love

Hi! 

It is taper week around here and normally I am not a fan but this time I sort of love the taper.  I ran 5 miles on Wednesday and today I did an easy 3 while the girls were in preschool.  I completely over dressed and couldn't figure out why the run felt so ridiculously difficult until I finished.  I rarely see a pace under 10 for my training runs so that explains it!

I considered not running at all today but my plan was to run 10 miles this week plus the Rock and Roll Half.  They (whoever they are) recommend running 60% less than your usual mileage on a taper week, I am not good at math so I just decided I would get in 10 miles at some point before Sunday.  I should seriously become a running coach I am so disciplined.

Advice from people who actually know something: 

http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/tapering-wrap-it-burst

http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/not-so-easy

  I have 2 miles planned for Saturday that I'll run in the morning and fingers crossed I'll be ready to go Sunday.  I also decided instead of my usual cross training with Chalean I'll do one cross training session with Jillian which I did yesterday.  Do you like how I talk about them like I actually take classes from them personally.  Next week I start the next 30 day phase with Chalean and I am really looking forward to the Push Phase.  Heavier weights, quicker results, boom!  I do miss my Barre classes but I can't justify paying money for strength training when I already shell out enough on running gear and race fees.      

A few other things to remember a few days before a race is to hydrate.  Your pee doesn't have to be clear or anything but drink up and stay hydrated, your body will thank you later.  

Cut back on a lot of high fiber foods a couple days before so you can avoid...you know...do I have to say it, lets just say avoid the porta potty during the race.  Start getting your stuff together a couple days before your race that way if you are missing or need to change something you have time.  Relax and don't stress, this won't be your only race there will be plenty of others so have a good time!  

Do you have any other tips you want to share with the class?  

Do you like taper week or is it a challenge for you? 

- I normally don't like it but this time it has been really stress free 

Can you believe next weekend is Memorial Day?!

2013 Portland Rock and Roll Half Marathon Preview

Good morning!  

I took the last 2 days off of running and cross training mostly from laziness but I'll claim it's because this is a taper week.  That is right the Rock and Roll Half Marathon is this Sunday, woop!  So far Sunday's weather is calling for overcast and a high of 62 which we all know is an awesome race day forecast.  I have never ran a Rock and Roll race before so I am excited to try it out.  I have picked up a few tips I'll share with you but I am a newbie to this particular race, plus this is only my 2nd Half Marathon.  

Katie & I before our 1st Half last June 

Packet-Pick Up 

Packet Pick-Up is Friday 5/17 from 12:00-6:00 AND Saturday 5/18 from 9:00-5:00 at the Portland Expo Center which is NOT downtown.  Click here for directions to the Expo Center and here for more information about packet pick-up.  I would plan on carpooling to the Expo Center because there is an $8 parking charge or you can take the Max and avoid parking and traffic all together.  Want some more unsolicited advice?  If you are a local I would go to the Expo on Friday if possible, Saturday will be a mad house!  Saturday is when all of the out of town racers will be there picking up their stuff so you'll probably run into a lot more lines and people.  Also before you head to the Expo you'll need to print off a confirmation sheet and bring it with you otherwise no packet and that is just sad.  Go HERE to get your confirmation sheet, they won't accept anything off of a mobile device.

Race Day

The Half Marathon starts at 8:00 AM and will be based on a corral/wave system.  Basically if you are super fast then you'll start at 8:00, I foresee my start time around noon, I kid.  I'll probably start around 8:05 or 8:10 so no biggie really.  Give yourself plenty of time to park, check your gear, use the bathroom a couple times and get into your corral with time to spare.  Rushing around feeling frantic isn't a great way to start off a fun race day so get up early!  You can change your corral you just have to do it at the Expo/Packet Pick-Up, maybe you'll see me in that line!  There will be pacers (YAY!) and they'll be placed based on corral so be sure you are in the correct corral if you are looking for a specific pace leader.  I counted the aid stations on the course map and if I can count right (which sadly isn't always the case) there are 8 water stations, I've heard rumors that there will be GU handed out at some of the aid stations.  I don't know how accurate that is or if GU is even your thing so I would plan on bringing your own fuel.

Saturday's Run for Boston was a huge boost to my running moral!  Not so much to my picture taking abilities, but to my mojo yes!  I am really looking forward to this race and am excited to run through Portland.  I haven't done a long race since the marathon back in early October so I am feeling pretty pumped.

Katie & I after the Portland Marathon 2012

Will you be at the Rock and Roll Half this weekend?  

What is your favorite part about a race expo? 

- I love having all of the running vendors in one spot, my wallet does not.

Uberthon's Run for Boston 5k

Hi! 

Saturday was such a full day and by the time we all got home we were exhausted.  We started the day with all of us heading into Portland for the Doggie Dash and ended the day at Champoeg Park for the Run for Boston.  Yesterday I had originally planned as a rest day but Friday wasn't in the cards for my long run so it was moved to Sunday.  I have found that the more flexible I am in my life the happier and less stressed I've become, funny how that works.  I had planned on 10 miles but cut it short about 3/4 of a mile because my feet hurt and I was just done.  Jess surprised me with a stop at the Portland Running Company on Saturday for a new pair of kicks, points!  I tried on 3 different pairs of Mizunos ranging from minimum control to full on foot don't move control.  I am always in the mindset of avoid injury anyway possible and to me that means a solid pair of shoes.  I decided on the Alchemy 12's and for me they have too much stability, does that even make sense?  

I felt like I was running with blocks on my feet and afterwards my feet hurt like I had been walking for days.  Normally after a run in a new pair of shoes my feet feel great so I am going to exchange them for this pair instead.  I have about 300 miles on my current shoes so I'll start switching back and forth and using my Wave Rider 16's for shorter runs.  

*The picture is sideways because I am technically challenged, sorry*

Saturday night was the Run for Boston I had really been looking forward to and it was a really great race for me, wanna know why?  Oh I just PR'd!  YAY!  I cannot really tell you why I wanted to make this race a race against my old PR but I just felt like I should at least try.  Probably because I knew I would have Katie running with me and she could pace me.  I knew she wouldn't let me slow down and would try and distract me by talking about double sided tape and eating bugs.  

She looks so perky here and I am apparently getting my fists of fury ready for a fight!  Please don't ask what is happening with my face, it was rare moment when I ignore a race photographer.

I guess I thought I would try to double high five the photographer?  Um...I dunno...

I honestly just wanted it to be over at about mile 1.5, but that is just a guess because there was not a mile marker to be found.  Maybe I have my thumbs up because I just feel so awesome, ya that is it.

Here is the thing, I don't run hard in races.  I think I am running hard but I ALWAYS finish with way too much left over in my tank.  This has been disappointing for me and I decided I was going to just see what I could do this time.  I finished with an official time of 28:31, 9:10 average pace and beat my old 5k PR of 30:12.  I feel really good about this PR and I am so grateful to Katie for getting me there.  When we saw the finish line clock she said "OK Dani go for it get under 30" and I said "OK, ya I can do that" then she said "Under 29! Under 29!" LOL!  So I really just pushed with all I had, that girl is always pushing me to do better :)  The conditions weren't really there for a PR either, it was hot and muggy and not a breeze to be found.  Thankfully they had 2 water stations for us runners which was so appreciated by all I am sure.  I am an almost 100% morning runner and this race started at 6:00 pm, so I really had no business gunning for a PR.  Needless to say but I am saying it anyway, I feel pretty stoked!  Thank you Katie, seriously if you hadn't paced me and kept me at an extremely uncomfortable wanting to hurt someone where the hell is the finish line pace I wouldn't have came close.      

Do you have someone in your life who pushes you to be better?  

- Katie pushes me a lot both in running and in other areas she probably doesn't even realize

What is your PR you are currently most proud of?  

What is coming up that you are super excited about?!  Doesn't have to be race related!  

- I am really looking forward to the Rock and Roll Half this weekend and my first run with my favorite teenage neighbor in a couple weeks :) 

OHS Doggie Dash 2013

Hi!  

This morning was another successful Doggie Dash at the Portland Waterfront!  

We met Katie and Maverick at the start line this morning before they took off for their 2.5 mile dash.  

My crew did the shorter 1.5 mile walk because Lucy Lu couldn't even be carried that far let alone walk/run 

I really should invest in a front pack for her.  In case you were wondering YES people do that for pugs.

Sarah and Katherine were total troopers and believe it or not actually had a good time. 

The sweetness between the two of them is just too much sometimes!  Love those girls <3 

This was my 2nd year doing the Doggie Dash and it is quickly becoming a tradition.  Maverick is the reason Katie started running and therefore me too.  Plus any excuse to get all of my favorite people together is something I'll never turn down!  OK off to pack snacks and change for race #2 of the day!  

Happy Mother's Day Weekend!