San Diego Half Marathon Recap

My first experience with the San Diego Half Marathon series was in 2014, when I ran their 5K.  I hadn't been running for that long and I remember waiting in the starting corral thinking to myself, "I'm going to run the Half Marathon next year."  And I did.  I had so much fun in 2015 that I couldn't wait to come back in 2016.  

The expo/packet pick-up happens down by the Embarcadero in San Diego.  I love this part of the city and waited until Saturday to head down there.  (a storm hit San Diego on Friday and I wasn't going to go out in the rain if I didn't need to.)  I got down there about 15 minutes before the expo opened and got in line with all the other early birds-- once they let us into the expo, it was smooth sailing.  It seemed to be more organized this year than the past two years.  The expo itself isn't bad, but not anything that I really got excited about.  I did pick up a couple Momentum Jewelry bracelets, but didn't see anything else I just had to have.  

One race perk I took advantage of this year was the ticket for the USS Midway museum.  Even though I live in San Diego, I had never been there.  I enjoyed it and will definitely be back.  After my time at the USS Midway, I explored Sea Port Village for a bit, then headed home to get race ready.  With the time change and an early race start, I knew I need to be in bed early.

USS Midway fun!

Every race outfit needs ProCompression!

I headed downtown a little early-- I'm never quite sure what parking or the crowds will be like.  It was a breeze, so I stayed in my warm car until it was time to meet-up with some friends before the race.  Smitha and I had discussed it earlier in the week and we would be meeting-up to run together.  

After all the catching up and pictures, it was go time.  We tried to make our way back to our assigned corrals and got stuck a little closer to the start line than anticipated. Fortunately, it was a bit congested at the beginning of the race, so we were able to keep a steady pace until everyone started to disperse.  

I started out with Smitha, Tara and Jayme.  As we were running, I started to find a different grove and thought I might be able to find a PR in the race.  I was going to forge ahead of the group and Jayme decided she would come with me.  I love this course-- San Diego is a beautiful city and I never tire of seeing it on a run.  The water stations were adequately spaced apart and the crowd support was fun.  (I wasn't a big fan of the plastic cups at the aid stations, but I'm sure they had their reasons)  I was wearing a Sparkle Athletic skirt and I loved hearing "Go Team Sparkle" when I was out there running.  Jayme was my biggest supporter-- we had just met that morning before the race, but what better time to make a new friend than when you're running 13.1 miles.  She made sure I stayed on target, encouraged me when I needed it and shared stories to make the time go by faster. 

We were on a target pace to get my PR, so we had a plan.  Stay at our pace and be prepared to walk the hill if we needed to between miles 8-10.  This race is known for the hill on Washington and it did not disappoint.  But all went according to plan and once we were at the top of Washington, it was smooth sailing.

The last 2 miles or so are downhill, some parts more gradual than others.  I didn't want to fly down the hills because I know that can cause injury and could cause me to wear out before the finish line.  I was at a comfortable pace and then it happened-- I was stopped so that the trolley could go by.  Ugh!  We jokingly pleaded with the race staff to let me go so I could get my PR and his response was, "You can't out run the trolley."  I was definitely willing to try.  Haha.  (All kidding aside, a PR is never worth anyone's safety) 

Once we were on our way again, I could see the finish line ahead.  Running a race for me is often a mental sport, so I was trying not to think about my time.  But when I looked at my watch, I knew it was going to happened.  I pushed through the finish line and ended up with a 7 minute PR!!  I was beyond excited. 

With Jayme after we finished.

After the race, Jayme and I caught up with a few people we know.  After we were done, we decided to stop and have a drink.  It was much needed and very refreshing.  I was waiting for another friend to finish before I went to lunch.

7 minute PR-- I was a little excited!

When I have races that finish in the Gas Lamp area, I always reward myself with what I consider "the best burrito ever."  Lolitas by the Park has a "2 in 1 Burrito" (two rolled tacos inside a carne asada burrito) which is worth every 13.1 mile.  It was indeed delicious after this race.

Such pretty bling!

Have you ever run the San Diego Half Marathon?  How do you reward yourself after a race?

Until next time, happy running!

Jenn13.1

Subscription Boxes. Yay or Nay?

In today's world, you can have almost anything delivered to your door.  A popular item in recent years? Subscription boxes. From running goods, to fruits to clothing and jewelry, for a fee you can have items show up on a regular basis.  I had a subscription to a running product box last year--after about 6 months, I decided to cancel it.  I found I was not using the products more than I was using them.

For the holidays, my friend gifted me a subscription to Runnerbox.  It was a pleasant surprise and I decided to revisit my thoughts about subscription boxes.  

The first box I received had some yummy goodies-- I was excited and tried everything.  I found a few awesome products I love.  A few weren't my jam, but it was still fun to try something new.

Merry Christmas to me! The purely elizabeth cereal was delish!

A month later, I was was once again pleasantly surprised when I received a second box.  Once again, I was excited to try some new goodies.  Runnerbox definitely knows what runners like and includes some really good products.  

My second box of goodies!

These are delicious!

A full size bottle of vitamins? Yes, please. (I haven't tried them yet)

I still have one more box coming from my Christmas gift.  I am looking forward to seeing what things I get.  It has been fun to try new products.  I have been pleasantly surprised by a few of the things.  Clif beet flavored energy didn't appeal to me but it has become one of my new running favorites.  I was also apprehensive about the Munk Pack oatmeal (I'm weird about textures) but I really enjoyed it.  

But then comes my dilemma. 

Once I find a product I like, I stick with it.  I have the "if it's not broken, why fix it" mentality. That is one of the reasons I cancelled my subscription I previously had.  I was sticking with the products I love and not trying new things.  I might be missing out on some great items, but I also know I'm using what works for me.  I do think subscription boxes are a great way to try new items and I'm definitely glad that I've tried them.  When I was subscribing before, I was getting one every month.  For me, that was a little too frequently.  I've enjoyed getting a box every two months from Runnerbox and plan on continuing it after my gift "runs out."  

Have you ever tried a subscription box?  Did you like it?

Until next time, happy running!
Jenn13.1

LA Marathon Recap

It's been two weeks since I ran my first marathon and honestly, I've been avoiding this recap.  My experience wasn't what I wanted and I was extremely disappointed in myself.  I had to remove myself from the experience for a while before looking back.  

I went into the race with one goal-- to finish.  It was my first marathon and I truly did not know what to expect.  I had an unspoken time goal, but realized about 10 miles in, that wasn't going to happen.  First, what went wrong. 

Injury:  I have tendinitis in my foot and occasionally it flares up.  My foot decided during a run would be a good time for that to happen.  I was in excruciating pain and a few times, contemplated stopping.  But I trudged on.  At one point, I feel like I was trotting-- half running, half walking.  I did everything I could to find the most comfortable form of movement for my foot.  During the run, I was blaming myself for the pain.  I should have trained better, I should have worn different shoes and every other thing I could find to blame, I did.  

Bloody Nose: Who gets a bloody nose during a race? This girl!  I have no idea where it came from.  Around mile 19, I thought my nose was dripping.  Turns out it was, but it wasn't just snot. (TMI, I know, but it is what it is)  So I had to deal with that.  Fortunately, it didn't take that long to take care of it, but I did spend the rest of the race worrying that it would happen again before I finished.

Me: I became my own worst enemy during the race.  I was disappointed and I let it get in my head.  It slowed my down.  I let me beat me.  There were times when I was running and crying at the same time.  As one spectator asked me if I was okay, I simply replied, "I'm a hot mess, but I need to finish."  

And now, what went right.

The Course:  It was a fun course.  I loved exploring LA and seeing all the sights.  I stopped a few times for pictures. I will be returning in 2017.  

The People:  The crowd support and other runners were awesome.  From the We Run Social Crew holding it up at mile 18 to seeing my friend Stephanie at mile 22, a runner definitely feels the love.  I had other runners stop to make sure I was okay and the spectators provided the encouragement I needed.  The texts of support and love during the race were amazing. At mile 20, I sent a selfie to my cousin with a few choice words.  His response was exactly what I needed to keep going.  If it weren't for the people, I truly believe I would not have finished.

My mile 20 selfie.

Stephanie!

I Finished:  My time wasn't what I wanted.  There was blood, sweat and tears.  I struggled more than I ever have during a race.  But I finished.  I am a marathoner. 

I am beyond grateful for everyone who supported me during my marathon journey.  Going into it, I didn't know if I would be a "one and done" marathon runner or if I would want to do it again.  Turns out, as much as I hated the experience, I also loved it.  I'll be running my second marathon in June.  

Until next time, happy running!
Jenn13.1

Should I Run Naked? and Other Random Thoughts

After 2015's Los Angeles Marathon, I made the impulse decision to sign up for 2016's.  At the time, it felt like such a long time off and now it's only a week away!  As my first marathon quickly approaches, here are some of my random thoughts, in no particular order.

What was I thinking?
Who runs 26.2 miles for fun?!  Oh, wait, that's right.  A lot of people do.  And after next Sunday, I will be one of those people.  I'm excited and I can't wait to cross the finish line!

Should I run naked?

By naked, I mean without my GPS watch.  I'm one of those runners who lets my time/pace get into my head.  And not in a good way.  It's my first marathon, which means automatic PR.  I'm worried that if I wear my watch, I'll let it get in my head and it won't be as fun as an experience for me.  And as my first marathon, I want to enjoy every 26.2 miles of it!

I wish my mom could be there.

There's no doubt that when my mom passed away a year and a half ago, it turned my world upside down.  She was always my biggest supporter and biggest fan.  She loved hearing about my race adventures and loved seeing my medals.  She was always the first person I called after a race.  And this is one of the first milestones in my life she won't be there for.  So I'll run for her.  And I imagine at some point in the race, there will be tears.  I just want to make her proud of me.  

What should I wear?

I have my socks picked out. I have my skirt picked out.  But now the dilemma of which tank and sports bra to wear.  And what accessories to wear.  I like to be #runmatchy, so once all those things are decided, I'll be able to pick out my KTTape color.   And then I'll plan my back-up outfit, in case something doesn't workout on race day.  

I know some amazing people!

My journey to get to my first marathon has been supported by so many people.  It's been a humbling experience-- from those who have run with me, have shown their support through social media and all the random texts of encouragement.  It's been amazing.  I wouldn't be ready if it weren't for those people.  

What will I eat when I finish?

Who doesn't love post-race meals.  There are time when knowing I'm headed towards a good meal will help push me through the last couple of miles. For my runs in San Diego, my post-race meal is always a burrito.  So good! I'm hoping to find something equally as delicious in Los Angeles before the drive home.  

I'm ready.

I can't believe it's only a week away, but I'm ready to run my first marathon.  Let's do this LA!

Until next time, happy running!
Jenn131.1

Carlsbad Half Marathon

If you run in San Diego, you're aware of the "Triple Crown" race event-- you earn the Crown by running the Carlsbad Half/Full Marathon, La Jolla Half and America's Finest City Half Marathon.  Due to race schedule conflicts in 2015, I wasn't able to earn the Crown so I was excited when I realized I would be able to do it in 2016.  

The day started early-- I was meeting up with Erika and Smitha to run a few miles before the race (We were aiming for 20 miles that day) Erika was gracious enough to wake up early and run with us even though she wasn't running the event.  She also met us after the race to run back to her house.  

Smitha and Erika

ProCompression's Sock of the Month with Smitha and Linzie

Off to the start

But first, let's take a selfie.....

And we were off.  I went into the race thinking I might actually be able to PR.  Then something happened-- I'm not sure when it was, but I hit a wall.  And I hit it hard.  The race course was beautiful and the company was awesome, but I just didn't have it in me.  And I struggled.  But the fun was still had.  And look at those views!

One race down, two to go. 

After the race, I will admit that I was disappointed.  I had let myself down and I felt like I had let other people down.  Looking back, I know that idea is silly.  It took me several days to recover-- I honestly think I increased my training too much in a short period of time as I prepare for the LA Marathon.  It was a humbling lesson to learn.  I've taken a week to rest and recover-- though it's been hard not to run, I appreciate the run so much more now.  

Have you ever been disappointed after a race?  What did you do to recover from that?

Until next time, happy running.

Jenn13.1

Virtual Runs: Yay or Nay?

It seems that lately there are more and more virtual runs taking place, whether attached to a "live" race or through a virtual race company.  I've run a few and here are my thoughts:

I Ran Rock N Roll's First Virtual Run

What is a virtual race?
A virtual race is a race that takes place any time you want it to-- some have specific distances attached to them and some leave the distance up to the runner.  They can take place on a specific day or happen over a time period (usually a week or two).  After you've completed the run, you post your information on the run's website and you're done.

What do you get?
Like live runs, every virtual run is different.  Some send you a bib, a shirt and medal.  Some give you the option of what you want to get.  Some of the race bibs are downloadable, while others are sent via mail.  Virtual races usually have a theme and can be a fun way to get fun medals.  I'm a Harry Potter fan, so I love the Harry Potter themed virtual runs of the Hogwarts Running Club.  

Why do it?
Every runner has their own reason for running virtual races.  One of the reasons I like them is for the bling-- I won't lie, I like bling.  Virtual races also help with my training schedule-- when I'm signed up for races, I tend to train more.  So they are motivational for me.  I also like that you can participate in races when you don't live in the city the race is in.  For example, San Diego's Finish Chelsea's Run has a virtual option for their 5K.  (get more information here: Finish Chelsea's Run )  It can be a great way to give back and participate in events with your running friends, no matter where they are.  

What are the cons?
For me, the only con of a virtual race is that there aren't other runners running with you (unless you run them with a group of friends) and you don't get the satisfaction of running across a finish line. 

What are your thoughts?  Have you participated in a virtual run?

Until next time, Happy Running.
Jenn13.1

It's a New Year: 2016 Goals

As I look back on 2015, I try to remember what goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year and I know they all focused on numbers: run a 8 minute mile, lose 10 pounds, etc...  Although I was able to make a few of those goals, I discovered that having such concrete goals (especially in regards to running times) was more frustrating than helpful.  That frustration got in my head, which had a negative impact on some of my goals.  So for 2016, I've decided to do something a little different.  So here they are, in no particular order:

Meet More People
I was fortunate to meet some awesome people in 2015 through social media and I'm looking forward to meeting even more in 2016.  I even have a few "running selfies" that I'm hoping to get with people this year (for now, the people will remain nameless, but I will definitely be all about it when it happens!) 

Run Happy

In 2015, for most of my races, I was worried about the time.  "Get the PR," "run it under this time," etc.  So instead of having fun and enjoying the races as much as I could have, I paid more attention to my watch.  During the later half of the year, I abandoned some of my goals and just had fun with my races.  And you know what happened- I PRd my last half.  So instead of worrying about my time, I going to worry about having fun.  My next half marathon has a beautiful course along the ocean and I plan on enjoying every 13.1 mile of it!

Run a Marathon

Before the end of 2016, I will run a marathon.  I am currently signed up to run the LA Marathon in February-- due to some recent changes in my life, that may not be possible.  So if it doesn't happen in February, I will make it happen before the year is over.

Run a Trail Race

I love to run.  I love to hike.  I want to experience the best of both worlds!  I have friends who love trail running and it does look like a blast!  I will admit to being a little nervous about it-- I worry that I might trip on a rock or miss a step and end up on my face.  I realize that's a risk with any run, but the risks seem heightened on the trails.  In 2016, I'm not going to let those nerves stop me.  I'm fortunate enough to live in an area that has beautiful trails and I can't wait to experience them.

Those are my goals for now.  I'm sure I'll come up with more as the year progresses.  We're only 4 days in, so I have a little time :)

What are your goals for 2016?

Until next time, happy running!!
Jenn13.1