Black Mountain 50K Recap

Last month I participate in a local event benefiting Veterans and part of the event was a prize for an entry to the Black Mountain 50K.  When the winner of the prize realized he couldn’t run the event, he generously gifted the entry to me. I had mixed feelings about it as I’m not a huge fan of Black Mountain, but I also love a good challenge so ultimately I was excited to run the event.

Unlike many race events, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to wear, so I created two flat runners. The race was on a Saturday morning so after getting my gear ready, I was off to bed for an early wake up and drive up to Black Mountain.  

Race day packet pick-up was easy.  Once I had my bib and felt ready, I headed over to the start line to say hi to some friends and visit before the race started.  After a few race announcements and the sweetest rendition of the National Anthem, we were off and running.  The race also had a 25K which started 30 minutes later so it was fun to be cheered by a large group of runners as we started.  

The first half mile or so was in a park as we made our way towards Black Mountain.  Then the uphill began. The beginning didn’t feel too bad and we were fortunate to have cloud cover.  Cloud cover that didn’t last and once the sun was out, you could definitely feel it.  I’m not sure what the actual air temperature was but it felt hot—I don’t think I’ve ever sweated so much in a race.  After that, I lost focus on the actual course.  I know that it was hard—it’s a technical trail, with single track section and some wider trails.  Even though they say “what goes up, must come down,” I felt like I was climbing for most of the race.

If you’ve read my other race recaps, you know that I’m a mental runner and this race was no different.  I knew that I wasn’t going to quit, but I knew it wasn’t going to be easy.  Right as I was feeling extremely discouraged, I encountered Maria and Lise. They were going at a similar pace and I was grateful for the company.  We met at around mile seven and stayed together through the rest of the race.  We had some good conversations about running and helped push each other through when it got hard.  Crossing the finish line with these two runners was the best feeling.

During the entire race, I kept thinking to myself that this would be a “one and done” race event for me.  But now that I’ve had time to think about it, I’ll definitely be back next year.  The race itself is well organized from the pre-race communications to race day instructions.  The aid stations were well placed and well stocked—who doesn’t love an Otter Pop at mile 27?! The volunteers were the best and took care of everything we needed. 

 The swag was pretty cool—we got a tank, a Buff, a sticker and our medal is from Elevation Culture.  The other runners out there were amazing, from cheering everyone on to helping runners when they fell.  As hard as the race was, I still had a great experience and I want to go back next year to have an even better experience.

Have you ever changed your mind about a race after you’ve had time to think about it?

Until next time, happy running.
Jenn13.1  

San Diego Half Marathon Recap

When people ask me what my favorite local race is, I never hesitate to say the San Diego Half Marathon.  So it’s no surprise that I was back to run it for my fourth year in a row.  Because I’ve run this race before and not much has changed about it, I’m going to talk about the things I love about it and a couple things I think can be improved. So what do I love about the San Diego Half Marathon?

#FlatJenn was ready

Legacy Perks

Unlike some races that consider you a legacy runner if you’ve run every year, the San Diego Half considers your legacy status based on consecutive years run.  And you get extra perks from year 3 and up.  Since this was my fourth year, I received a ¾ zip long sleeve tech shirt.  These legacy perks definitely encourage me to come back each year.

Source: www.sdhalfmarathon.com

Runner Perks

The legacy runners aren’t the only ones who get perks with this race.  Not only does every runner get a tech tee and medal, but this year we also got one ticket a San Diego Padres game and a ticket for the USS Midway Museum.  How awesome is that?!  This year’s medal was a little different than previous years and started a four year series of medals that complete the course map once you earn all four—I know I’ll be back! (each medal is pretty awesome on it’s own too!)  There are also several restaurants around the downtown area that offer $1 pint beers and deals on brunch for runners—it’s a win-win for everyone!

Source: www.sdhalfmarathon.com

Communication

From the time you register to race day, the communication is on point.  Every question is answered before you realized you have it.  I even received a text reminding me to change my clocks since the race always falls on the weekend of Day Light Savings time. 

The Course

The course for the San Diego Half takes us through some of my favorite places to run in San Diego and if I’m being honest, I don’t completely hate the hill at mile 9.  (And how awesome is November Project San Diego who runs runners up the hill, encouraging them and supporting them)  This year’s race brought back something that hasn’t happened since it’s first year and that was the finish inside Petco Park.  I love our local baseball stadium and it was fun to run into the park, shown on the big screen with supporters in the stands cheering for you.  After I finished, I hung out for a bit catching up with friends, taking fun pics and watching other runners finish.

Source: www.sdhalfmarathon.com

The Aide Stations and Volunteers

I have never run this race and thought afterwards, “I wish they had one or two more aide stations.”  Not only do they have enough aide stations, there are amazing volunteers handing out the electrolytes and water along with words of encouragement.  The best part of the stations—they have signs telling you when the next aide stations and restroom would be available, for example you next water stop might not be for two more miles.  In areas of the course that are a bit harder for spectators to get to, they have local high school cheer groups and bands for entertainment.  It feels like there is someone cheering you on for the entire 13.1 miles.  I also like that they have medical tents as well as Race Guards on the course—after the half I ran last year when I needed medical attention, I am now always grateful to see this.  I hope I never need them again, but I feel better knowing that they’re there. 

The People

Running a race where you live means you’ll usually see a few people you know.  But this race (as well as the Rock n Roll San Diego race in June) seems to bring out so many of my local runner friends.  I love being able to see so many of them in one day, whether they were out running the race, on the course spectating or just happen to be running in the area. 

  

Runners make the best friends.

 

With so much that I love about this race, it really is hard for me to come up with things I think need improving.  The only thing that really comes to mind is the expo—in my opinion, it’s a little small and a little chaotic to get to.  Although the location is nice, having to find parking in a touristy part of San Diego can sometimes be difficult.  The long, narrow space of the Broadway Pier makes some of the booths harder to access especially if it’s a busy time at the expo.  For these reasons, I usually grab my bib and shirt, bypassing the booths all together.  But really in the big picture, if the expo is the only thing I don’t love about a race, then it’s a good race. 

Fun photo spots inside Petco Park

Without a doubt, I will be back to run this race next year.  Do you have a race you love running every year?

Until next time, happy running.

Jenn13.1

Ray Miller 50K Recap

Late last year, I decided I wanted to try running an ultra race.  I ran a marathon in February 2016 and frankly, I didn’t enjoy the experience.  Once I started trail running, the idea of running a 50K (or longer distance) was much more appealing.  My original plan was to run Leona Divide in April but life happened and I had to postpone my first 50K, so I signed up for the Ray Miller 50K.

In October, I had a last minute opportunity to run the Lake Hodges 50K and I am so glad that I did.  During that race, I was able to learn some opportunities that I have with hydration and find out how my body would handle the 50K distance.  During that race, I also made plans with Jenn and Vanessa for Ray Miller.  They were both also signed up for it, along with Alexis, so we decided to carpool and room together.

Traffic Views

The race was on a Saturday (I love Saturday races!) so we headed up to Malibu on Friday afternoon.  The traffic wasn’t great but it wasn’t awful either.  (You never know what you’re going to get with traffic in the Los Angeles area)  The company was great and the views were amazing so the trip went by rather quickly.  After checking into the hotel and getting dinner, it was back to the hotel to get some sleep for the early wake up on Saturday morning. 

#FlatJenn and all her essentials

The Ray Miller 50/50/30 offered a 50 mile race, a 50K race and a 30K race.  We were all running the 50K which started at 6:30am.  We arrived around 5:30am to check-in, get our bibs and do all the last minute race stuff. 

Let's Do This!

Starting at the Ray Miller trailhead in Point Mugu State Park, the 50K promised a lot of hills with amazing views.  It did not disappoint.  I stayed with Jenn, Vanessa and Alexis for about the first ten miles of the race as we sang and entertained our way through the course.  At one point, I heard someone refer to us as “Team Rocket” because of our Orange Mud hydration packs.  As much as I was having with them, I knew eventually I would fall behind and start running my own race.  During the Lake Hodges race, I dealt with some bad leg cramping issues so I was focused on upping my hydration and listening to my body.  This course was also a lot more technical and challenging than any trail I’ve run before—I knew that listening to my body would become the most important thing.  

Elevation! (They call it "Hell Hill" for a reason!)

When I run longer distances, I try not to think about how many miles I have left.  Instead I try to think about how much longer to the next aide station.  This is the second Keira Henninger race that I’ve run and she runs a very organized, put together event.  Every aide station was fully stocked and the volunteers were amazing!  The course is very well marked, with either signs or ribbons leading the way.  I never once felt like I might be going the wrong way.

The pink ribbon meant I was going the right way

This course is one of the prettiest I have run—with views of the ocean or mountains, no matter where you looked, you were surrounded by beauty.  It was also challenging, with a lot of single track and brush to deal with.  The elevation was no joke and my legs are definitely feeling it the next day.   Although I did have some leg cramps, they were easily walked off and I know as I continue to run the longer distances, I can try to figure out what is causing that.  My overall time was not what I had hoped for, but I am happy with my race.  I felt strong; stronger than I did at the 50K I ran in October.  Looking back, there were parts that I hiked that I probably could have run but I know at the time, I gave it everything I had in me in the moment.  I listened to my body, I stopped to enjoy the views, made friends along the way, cursed my way up “Hell Hill,” and ran the race I had in me. 

In awe. So pretty!

 At the end of it, the Ray Miller 50K is one of those races that I said, “I liked that race.  I want to do it again.” Overall, I’d call that a win.  Sometimes the race is more than the time on your race—this was one of those races for me and I loved every second of it.

Running with friends is better!

 What has been one of your best races, regardless of time?

 

Until next time, happy running.

Jenn13.1

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Runners

It’s the most run-derful time of the year which means it’s time to start your holiday shopping.  I usually wait until the last minute, but this year I’ve vowed to start early.  To help me do that, I’ve made a gift guide for all the runners in my life (and a list of things I secretly want myself)

 

Hurts So Good

Recovery  is an important part of running.  If you’ve ever had the chance to try Rapid Reboot recovery boots, you know how amazing they can be.  The only downside? The cost.  But they are definitely worth it. 

Source: www.rapidreboot.com

 

Their Own Personal Cheerleader

I don’t mean the kind of cheerleader you’d find on the sidelines of Monday night football- I’m talking about the kind the can take anywhere they go.  If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll often see pictures of my Momentum Wrap bracelets—they’re the perfect pep talk during my runs.  These were on my list last year and made it again this year because of the new SPARK boxes—with four options to choose from, there’s something for everyone. 

Source: www.momentumjewelry.com

Stocking Stuffers Socks

It’s no secret that I love ProCompression socks and I #KeepItTight whenever I run.  This time of year, they have some great deals.  Not only do ProCompression socks offer the benefit of compression for running and recovery, they have the best colors and designs.  I’m also loving the “Lifestyle” line for everyday wear.  (And for Cyber Monday, they’re offering two pairs of marathon socks for $40.00 when you use the code BFCM)

Gifts That Give Back

Run Far Trucker Hats

I love a good trucker hat and Run Far trucker hats fall into that category.  Simple in design, they come in a good selection of colors and are quality hats.  The best part about them?  All the profits of items purchased from Run Far go to provide educational scholarships for children of fallen service members who have committed suicide.

Source: www.run-far.org

Gift Cards

How does a gift card give back? Simple.  Get one to your local running store—not only are you helping a small local business, you’re giving the runner in your life an experience that they won’t find in a big box store.  Local running stores will give them the personal shopping experience and knowledge they deserve. 

For the Runner Who Isn’t Running

Red Horse and Co.

I am a big fan of “arm candy” and earlier this year I discovered Red Horse and Co.  She makes beautiful bracelets and necklaces—her site has “pre-made” ones or you can special order the colors and sayings you want.  The bracelets are so comfortable—I forget that I’m wearing it when I have it on.  I love that I can bring running with me in my non-running life with these bracelets. 

 

Source: www.redhorseandco.esty.com

It’s The Thought That Counts

My favorite gifts are the gifts that come from the heart—it can be as simple as a note on a Post-It or simply finding time to do something I like to do.  Sometimes it’s easy to forget that runners do things other than run—as you think about the runner in your life, think about the other things they like to do. If you can't think of anything, offer to go for a run with them.  I promise any miles run with someone they care about will be better than any other gift.

 

What are you wishing for this year?

Until next time, happy running.

Jenn13.1

 

 

#Run4AllWomen California Recap

Earlier in the year, I started seeing posts on social media about #Run4AllWomen and I was intrigued.  One of #Run4AllWomen’s  guiding thoughts is “resist the status quo and work tirelessly to advance the conversation around women's issues.” As a woman and as someone who believes that women’s rights are human rights, this cause spoke to me.  When one of my Instafriends, Whitney, announced that she has been selected as an ambassador for #Run4AllWomen and that there would be a Southern California run, I knew I wanted to be involved.  

The Southern California event would take place on a Saturday, running from Encinitas to Chula Vista or forty miles.  The event was to benefit and raise awareness for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. Whitney and the her partner in the race planning and fellow #R4AW ambassador, Amy, had broken the 40 miles into legs so that runners (and walkers) of all levels could participate.  When registering for the event, I couldn’t decide how many legs I wanted to run.  After some internal debate, I decided to sign up for all the legs—I was going to attempt to run 40 miles.  

Prior to this event, I had never run a distance more than 26.2 miles.  A part of me was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to complete all 40 miles, so I told very few people.  I rationalized that if I didn’t tell people, it would be easier to accept if I didn’t make it.  Since very few people knew, that also meant that very few people knew I was in taper mode the week leading up to the event.  I was definitely cranky—I’m sorry for what I said during taper mode. (If you’ve ever tapered, you know what I’m talking about.)

This recap is going to be a little different than my usual race recaps—I had such an amazing experience and I’m still on my runner’s high, that I can’t quite contain my thoughts.  So I’m just going to talk about all the things I loved about this event.

The Organizers
Amy and Whitney did an amazing job organizing this event.  From planning a route that would be runner friendly and safe for us, to pre-event fundraising events and communication, they were on top of everything.  If you’ve ever planned an event, you know it can be stressful. Although I’m sure there were times they were stressed, they never let it show.  Their enemy was contagious and you couldn’t help but want to be involved.  

We ran 40 miles! Amy and Whitney are amazing!

The Event Volunteers
I can’t express in words how incredible all the volunteers were during this event.  Marc and Mike were with us for all 40 miles, following us in a van making sure we had water, fuel and anything else we could need at each leg stop.  Each leg stop also had other volunteers with signs, supplies and plenty of smiles & encouragement. During the first half of the event, a volunteer named Rachel followed along, holding up signs and honking as she drove by, checking on all the runners, making sure we were okay and didn’t need anything.  I wish I had the names of all the volunteers—there is something about a group of people who will give up their time on a Saturday to support a group of runners.  I am so grateful for everyone who came out to support us.

Mile 17 Aide Station

The Runners
Throughout the day, 50-60 runners made their was from Encinitas to Chula Vista.  Some ran a couple legs, some ran double digit miles and three of us ran all 40 miles.  During that time, we laughed, we cried, we loved and we supported each other, all running with a purpose.  Each milestone was celebrated.  A runner, Lisa, had never run more than 13 miles—she can out and ran 17.  How awesome is that?!  When Amy and I went past 26.2 miles (the furthest either of us had ever run) you can bet we stopped, high fived and celebrated.  When a runner looked like they were struggling, another runner would fall behind to check on them.  When a runner looked tired, another runner would give them a pep talk to keep them going.  I believe that runners are amongst the best types of people and this event just confirmed that for me.  

The first leg runners

The Finish Area
The love bubble and energy continued at the finish area.  There were more volunteers there cheering the runners in as they finished.  There was music and post run snacks.  (And the best ice cold Coke I’ve ever had thanks to Mick from Movin Shoes who also saved me at mile 20 by bringing me some salt) There was post-run yoga led by Mady who did an awesome job in helping us stretch and getting centered.  As tired as everyone was, you could feel the positivity.  

I had such an amazing experience during the #Run4AllWomen California event.  When I started my running journey, I never imagined that I would be participating in something like this.  I ran 40 miles—it’s the next day and I still can’t wrap my head around it.  It’s an amazing feeling to know that you are capable of something like that.  I know without a doubt that I wouldn’t have been able to do it without being surrounded by this amazing group of people (and my virtual race crew who sent me message throughout the day).  This experience reminded me why I fell in love with running and I will forever be grateful for it- my heart is full.  I can’t wait to see what they do next year.  

#R4AWCA

Have you participated in a run that’s changed your life?

Until next time, happy running.
Jenn13.1