La Jolla Half Marathon Recap

In January, I started my journey of the San Diego Triple Crown Half Marathon series with the Carlsbad Half Marathon.  La Jolla was the second race of the series-- I have heard mixed things about the course, but the common factor in everyone's opinion seemed to be how beautiful the course is, so I was excited to run this race.

I went to the expo Friday-- it opened at noon and I got there early.  My goal was to get in and out so that I could beat the Friday afternoon traffic.  I arrived a little early and waited with all the other early birds.  At noon, the doors opened and they directed us where to go for our bibs, then our shirts.  I looked around a bit, but the area was cramped and there weren't any booths that I just had to see. (And if I'm being honest, I'm saving up for the runDisney expo I'm going to in a few weeks)  

Expo fun!

In reading all the final race information, I was concerned about traffic race morning.  The drive is typically about 45 minutes for me, but they suggest adding an extra hour to that for the traffic, so I left my house at 5:00am.  I didn't encounter traffic and arrived at the starting area around 5:40am, so I had plenty of time for a power nap in my car.  

The race started on time, but I was a little disappointed that there was no sound system for the people who were not in the front waves.  I enjoy hearing the national anthem at the start of a race and I honestly don't know if was even played for this race.  I was in the middle of the pack and we couldn't hear the announcer until we were almost at the start line.  

Once the race started, I knew early one this wasn't going to be my day.  I can't pinpoint what was wrong, but I never found my grove.  And I struggled.  A lot.  About two miles in, I made the decision to turn off my watch and run "naked" the rest of the race.  If you've ever run in Del Mar and the La Jolla areas, you know the coastal views are breathtaking-- this made up for everything.

Enjoying the views!

This race is known for it's hills and it did not disappoint.  I honestly felt as though I was running uphill most of the race.  Event the "flat" portions seemed to be on slanted residential streets where it's hard to find a flat ground to run.  The journey through the Torrey Pines National Preserve was beautiful, even if I struggled up most of the hill.  And just when you think you're done, there's a hill at mile 12!  I loved the downhill finish and I think this might be the first time running a half that I was super excited to be done running.

Check out that elevation chart!

A couple positives for this race besides the views were having Race Guards (I always feel better when I see them on a race course) on the course and the volunteers-- the group at the mile 10 water station were especially motivating.  I am also grateful for the post race shuttles back to the parking area.

This may be a "one and done" race for me.  It's a beautiful course in areas that I run frequently, but the mental race was a tough one.  I'll see how I feel about it next year. 

2 done, 1 to go!

What races have been a "one and done" for you?

Until next time, happy running!
Jenn13.1

Miles and Pace: Review and Giveaway!

A couple months ago, I was "introduced" to a local company, Miles & Pace.  They make three of my favorite "Ts"- t-shirts, tanks and trucker hats.  After getting in touch with them, I was sent two products to review.  

Source: www.milesandpace.com

The first thing I noticed about Miles & Pace is their vibe, which they describe on their website as "a laid back active lifestyle brand that marries our love for branding, graphic design and running... it's inspirational, it's fun, it's family." I love supporting local businesses, especially ones who stand behind their products. 

I was excited when mail day came.  Both items were individually wrapped and the box included a thank you card and a few Miles & Pace stickers. (I love running related stickers!) I love the color of the hat and the tank top is super soft.  I am definitely impressed with the quality.  

The tank comes in several colors-- I love the purple! And how fun is that logo, Sunday Runday?! The fabric is runner friendly and it's not see through, which is a big win in running tanks.  It has a slim fit and if you're in between sizes you may want to consider sizing up.  I definitely plan on adding a few of these to my running wardrobe.  They also recently released a finishers tank for casual wear that I can't wait to get! 

I  am in love with the trucker hat!  I am not someone who normally runs in a hat, but it is super comfortable.  The color is fun and it's well made-- it doesn't feel like the logo is going to come off.  It's become my go to hat for errands and everyday wear.  Now my only dilemma is what color I want to get next! 

Source: www.milesandpace.com

I am fortunate to live in Southern California, where tanks and hats are a staple part of my summer wardrobe. (and by summer, I mean year round....) I am loving Miles & Pace and I want to share that love with you.  I am giving away a purple "Sunday Runday" in size small. Just enter below.

Source: www.milesandpace.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What's your favorite Sunday Runday look?

Until next time, happy running!
Jenn13.1


Disclaimer: I received the tank and hat for review purposes.  All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any other way.  The giveaway is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or sites. 

Carlsbad 5000 Recap

I received an e-mail a few months ago about the Carlsbad 5000 and thought to myself at the time, "I should run that." It's a Rock N Roll event and I know those are always fun! Then I forgot about it, put off registering but the week before, after learning several of my friends were running it and a serious case of FOMO, I signed up.  The Carlsbad 5000 also offers a All Day 20K option, but since I had waited to register, it was sold out.  I will be adding the 20K to my race schedule next year.

The Carlsbad 5000 has race day packet pickup, which I love.  I love running up in Carlsbad, but it is a little but of a drive for me, so this saves me from making the drive twice.  I headed up there early and found parking right away.  I met up with Smitha and we headed over to get our bibs.

But first, let's talk a selfie.

There are 4 waves to the Carlsbad 5000-- the first one starts at 7:00am and the rest are staggered by time. My wave wasn't starting until 8:45am, so we had some time to spare.  Smitha and I met up with friends, took pictures and all the pre-race fun was had.  As the time neared, we headed over to the corral for our start.  They had the National Anthem before every wave, which I thought was nice.  I didn't have a plan going into this race-- it's called "the world's fastest 5K" so I secretly hoped I might PR, but I just went into it with the plan to run.  

ProCompression Ambassadors Keeping it Tight

When it started, I made my way through the crowd, starting off a little faster than I intended to, which would come back at me during the third mile.  Carlsbad is a pretty city and this race didn't disappoint, especially during the miles with the beach views.  I was surprised by the crowd support for this event-- it's a 5K, but there were more crowd support than usual at 5Ks.  (although they may have also been there for the All Day 20K event)  The 5K seemed to go pretty quickly-- it's an out and back circle type of course and before I could figure out where I was on the course, I was entering the finishing line.  When I checked my Garmin, I had finished in 28 minutes, which I thought was a race PR for me, so I was excited!  (I checked later and discovered I missed my race PR by 20 seconds, which means I'm be aiming to PR my next 5K) I met up with the crew again and we headed over to the finish line festivities to get our race shirts and other post-race shenanigans. 

I generally don't partake in the post-race beer garden, but when local restaurant Pizza Port has a special race brew, you know I had to try it.  (They had an IPA and Mexican lager-- both were good, but I definitely preferred the IPA)  After hanging out for a bit, we all decided it was to head our separate ways and go home.  Overall, it was definitely a fun morning.  Running is always more fun when you get to see friends and run on beautiful courses.  And the medal!  

I would be remiss in my recap if I didn't give huge shoutouts to the rockstars that are Smitha, Linzie and Carlee.  Smitha volunteered overnight for SoCal Ragnar and Linzie & Carlee both ran it!  How awesome are they?!?!  I am so inspired by all three of them!

What's your favorite post-race activity?

Until next time, happy running!
Jenn13.1

10 Things on a Tuesday

While some people celebrate Taco Tuesday, I like to celebrate all the things.  Here are 10 things I'm loving this week.


Working Out I love to run, but sometimes you need that extra push.  I get my extra push during sessions with a personal trainer.  Jenn at Sole Health and Wellness is awesome!  We meet at a park near the beach and I love that as my gym-- it's beautiful.  She pushes me to do better and I love the improvement I'm seeing in my runs. 

  Medals Who doesn't love bling?!  It's not the only reason I run, but it can be a great ending to a race.  Check out this awesome medal from my recent 5K, the Carlsbad 5000.  (the free beer was a nice perk too!)

Burritos I sometimes tease that I run so that I can eat.  Burritos are amongst my favorite post race foods and I'm lucky to live somewhere that has them everywhere.  If you've ever in San Diego, you need to try the Mexican food!

New Skirts I recently discovered Spandits skirts and I'm in love.  I just received this cute one and I can't wait to take it on a run!

  Dancing With the Stars Deaf actor/model Nyle DiMarco is showing America that Deaf people can do anything, including dance!  As someone who signs and teaches ASL, I am loving Dancing With the Stars this season.  I can't wait to see him take home the mirrorball!

Nuun Hydration has always been an opportunity with me and I've been trying to up my hydration game.  Nuun is helping with that-- with great flavors, Nuun is great before, during and after runs.  Even on my non-run days, I add Nuun All Day to my water.  

Giveaways

I've entered a few giveaways and have won a couple fun prizes.  One of my favorite ways to check out giveaways is to visit RunningWithSDMom on Wednesdays for her weekly post of all the giveaways.


Healthy Treats

Yes, I just talked about burritos, which are not the healthiest of foods. (at least not the ones I eat!)  But I also love healthy treats.  Last week after a hike, I treated myself to a freshly squeezed juice (orange, carrot and apple cider vinegar) and a cottage cheese bowl-- cottage cheese with fresh strawberries, bananas, agave, granola and cinnamon.  It was the perfect post-hike treat!

Inspirational Quotes

I love when the people I follow on social media post inspirational quotes.  There is so much negativity in this world, that I love to see the positive vibes, especially when it's people supporting other people.  This is one of my favorites.

Runch

I usually run in the early hours or in the evening-- the past few weeks, I've been joining friends for runch (running on your lunch break).  It's the perfect midday perk that I need.  Especially with views like this!

What things are you celebrating this week?


Until next time, happy running!
Jenn13.1

Friday Favorites and a Giveaway!

Life has been busy the past two weeks-- my Spring Break flew by and before I knew it, April is here.  I'm looking forward to a great month! (and of course, watching the Boston Marathon)  

Today's post is about some of my favorite things lately.

Running With Friends

Most of my runs are done solo, but it's so much more fun with friends.  I've been lucking enough to run a few times the past couple of weeks with friends.

Beach Days

Living in San Diego, sometimes I take the beach for granted.  I forget how relaxing and peaceful it can be.  I definitely need to go to the beach more often.

Photo Out-Takes

If you've tried to get an action shot when you're running, you know that sometimes you get some fun pictures that aren't great action shots.  My go-to prop is using a rock to prop up my phone and my self timer. 

Race Day Packet Pick-Up

I have a race this weekend and I love that I can get my packet on race morning.  The course is in a beautiful city, but it's about a 45 minute drive for me, so I'm glad that I don't need to make the drive twice this weekend.

ProCompression Lifestyle Socks

Sometimes I don't want to wear my compression socks.  Did you know that ProCompression makes socks that aren't compression, as part of their "Lifestyle" line.  They're the perfect length and super comfy.  

I love the lifestyle socks so much that when I realized I have a duplicate pair, I decided I wanted to share them with you.  I'm giving away a pair of ProCompression's Lifestyle socks with the blue and yellow stripes in size L/XL.*  Just enter in the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What are some of your Friday favorites?  

Until next time, happy running!
Jenn13.1

*Disclaimer: This giveaway is not sponsored by any company.