I Love Rock n Roll (Raleigh)

Before this weekend, I thought Rock n Roll was overrated. I hadn't done one, but there was no way that a race series that puts on races in as many cities as they do can do a great job at all of them.

Oh boy, was I wrong.

Friday (Expo)

I took a half day from work and set out to drive to Raleigh. I somehow timed it to where I would arrive right when the expo was opening. I braced myself for bad traffic and crowds (I hate city driving) but was pleasantly surprised with a super easy drive. After handing over $7 to park in the Convention Center garage (ouch), I went inside.

Other than the extreme level of organization they had at number pickup and shirt distribution. I have to say at this point I wasn't impressed. I had an expo of Marine Corps Marathon proportions in mind, especially since it was in a convention center. There were a few vendors, but a good portion of them were either local things, things I had no interest in (organic home delivered food?) or just plan random (the rice booth). I did enter to win a few free race entries (so far I haven't won any of them). I had planned to kill an hour before my friend Meredith got off work, so I aimlessly wandered around picking up a few free things.

Saturday (5K)

We were instructed to park near the Convention Center, and walk or shuttle the 1ish miles to the start. I found a cheaper place to park this time (thank goodness) and set out to walk. I made it a block before finding the shuttles and since I couldn't feel my fingers, I hopped in one.

I'm so glad I did because not only was it warm in there, the start line was further away than I thought and I'm pretty sure I would have gotten lost. Our bus driver actually missed a turn at one point and I thought we were going to be late but we made it.

There were over 2,000 people at the start line, which I think makes it the biggest 5K I have ever done. I somehow got seeded into Corral 2, which was good since I was not feeling standing around for very long in the cold.

We took off (up a hill) and began the twisty turny course through Dorothea Dix Park. There was a band at mile marker 1 and 2, and spectators on a good amount of the course. Nothing particularly jumped out at me as special about this race, other than the energy. I still hadn't fallen for Rock n Roll yet.

I have no idea what my time was, because it turns out I completely didn't understand the timing system. The bibs had a weird red piece on them when I got them, but I though it had something to do with bag check, so I didn't bring it with me. My friend Allison (thankfully before the half) let me know that it was my timing chip and I should have put it on my shoe (I felt so dumb).

The medal for the 5K is gorgeous and heavy! I could probably knock someone out with it!

Sunday (Half)

Because of street closings, in order to guarantee parking we had to arrive by 5:30 (for a 7am start!). I woke up all excited, drove to my parking spot, and then I waited in my car. Had the weather been normal I might have walked around and explored a little, but it was 30 degrees outside and I was perfectly happy staying in my car. However, after about 30 minutes I started to get really sleepy, so I started to play games on my phone to keep myself awake. Around 6:15, I started to feel really nauseous for no apparent reason. By the time I walked to the start at 6:45, the feeling hadn't gone away. I changed my goals to be

1. Don't throw up
2. Finish
3. PR (this was the dream goal at this point, but my main goal originally)

After lining up in my corral (10), I waited patiently to start. The start line was definitely the most fun start I've ever witnessed. There's loud rock and roll music (duh) playing, an excited announcer, and so many people! 

The first mile of the race was a little rough, but after it was over, I immediately started to feel better. I had no watch, the clock was completely off from my pace since I had started so far back, so I had no clue how I was running. 

There was something about the entirety of the race- the crowd support, the on course entertainment, the rolling hills- that made me fall in love with running again. I ran at a pace that felt great, not pushing too hard but not stopping when going up any hills either. It was my definition of a perfect race. 

Somehow, by a miracle, I managed to meet all 3 of my goals, finishing in 2:11:27, a full minute PR. If I had pushed myself a little harder, I could have probably done it by even more. But I accomplished something even better- having the most fun race of my life. 

Running with no pressure every now and then is totally worth it. And although there is no particular one thing I can tell you that makes a Rock n Roll race special, it definitely was and I can't wait to do another. 

One of my favorite post race things is that you earn badges based on your accomplishments!

So, would I do another Rock n Roll race again? Absolutely!

In fact, I immediately signed up to run again at Virginia Beach in September (earning myself a Double Beat medal!).

I'm calling it now that a PR won't happen here due to the heat!

13.1 in the Pouring Rain- The Drenchburg Half

Okay, so it's not really called that. It's a loving term that those of us give Lynchburg because it rains a lot here. (It started on Friday and is expected to end around Tuesday night. It is raining as I write this.) Somehow, in a year and a half of running, I have avoided running any races in the rain in Lynchburg (I ran a 5K in the OBX in the rain once).

However, that all changed Saturday.

When I woke up to get ready and let the dog out, it was just barely drizzling. I thought to myself "Oh, running in this won't be so bad, it's better than the 90 degree weather we could have had!" So I donned my race gear: coordinating tank top, tutu, compression sleeves, and shoes, and I headed to the start line.

As soon as I started walking to the start it started pouring. We all huddled under the tent that was protecting the results computer and made small talk. I met some new friends. Small talk helped to calm my nerves.

We all stared out at the rain dreading the moment we had to go stand in it. That came all too fast, and soon we were lined up miserably as we got soaked. Then, we started.

If you have never run a half marathon in the rain, let me give you a recap of my thoughts during the 13.1 miles:

Miles 1-3 were good. The course was flat, and at the first turnaround we got to run through some mud. Once I was thoroughly soaked it felt amazing.

Miles 4-8 were really hilly. There was a lot of walking up hills and by mile 6 I could feel blisters growing on my feet. Running in the rain is not advised for long distances. The fun had started to wear off by this point and I was having a mental battle with myself. I just wanted to stop and go home.

Miles 9 and 10 were back down the giant hill. They were nice and easy and more scenic than what I had been looking at. However, at mile 10 my stomach decided it wanted to rebel and I felt horrible. I started walking.

Miles 11 and 12 were the lowest point of any race I have done. I felt so sick I just walked them. If I tried to run I immediately had to stop. My legs were screaming, my shoulders hurt, and it was a struggle to just put one foot in front of the other. I was pretty much alone on the trail too, which is good because I'm pretty sure I started talking to myself. I didn't say very nice things.

Miles 12.6-13.1 something clicked and I felt better. I managed a slow run to the finish and got my medal.

This was by far the toughest race I have ever done, mainly because of the mental struggle. I hadn't trained very well, the weather was depressing, and the course was tough. But I managed to finish and I can call myself a 3 time half marathoner!

Overall, here's how I felt about the race:

Course: Not my favorite. The hills were expected, but it looped back too much for me. Half of the course was around a building and not scenic at all. We had to loop through that section twice and it was mind-numbingly boring in the rain. The part of the course that was on Blackwater Creek Trail was pretty much just trees, which was also super boring. I'm assuming there are usually spectators, but the rain drove them away. 

Pre/post race: Packet pickup was pretty chill, and the packet itself was just a shirt and bib. There was an Adidas rep at pickup letting us try on the new Boost (which I have decided is going to be my next shoe, they're amazing!). Post race there was a wide variety of food which I really liked.

Finisher Medal: Originally it was stated that only the first 175 finishers would get a medal. That kind of stressed me out because I am not a fast person and over 300 people had signed up by the time we got an email with race info. However, I'm assuming they realized that was unfair because that sentence was taken off the event page and we all got a medal! Which I love, by the way. It displays my hometown on the map, and it's pretty gorgeous in person.

Race Shirt: This is probably my favorite shirt of all the race shirt I have. It's super soft, women's cut, and not an unsightly neon color that's only good for running in. I'm not going to lie, I wore the shirt for two days afterwards because it was so comfy. (All I did was lie around the house recovering).

Overall, I enjoyed the race. The rain wasn't ideal, but I would much rather be a little uncomfortable than have to worry about dehydration and sunburn. The course wasn't my favorite but it was more because it was boring and repetitive than hard. I'm going to plan to do this race again next year, and hopefully decrease my time a little!

Shamrock Half: The Day I Channeled Forrest Gump and Set a PR

All dressed up and ready to run

At 6:15 in the morning on March 16, Virginia Beach was freezing. I was standing at the starting line of the Shamrock Half thinking to myself, "Why did I sign up for this? I don't want to be here. I hate the cold. This is never going to end," and so forth and so on.

At 7, the corrals started running. I was in 8, so I was standing there literally shivering for a good 15 minutes before we made it to the start gate. I was still having a pity party and freezing when they started the countdown.

"5...4...3...2...1!" I started running. And I didn't stop for the next 13.1 miles.

I always have to take walk breaks. Of course, that's in Lynchburg where you can't go more than half a mile without encountering some form of incline. I ran the first mile in a little over 10 minutes. I looked at my watch and thought, "There's no way I can keep this up for 12 more. I'm going to have to walk sometime."

Half and Dolphin Challenge medals

Mile 2 brought gloves for my freezing hands. Whoever tossed away a thick blue pair of mittens, thank you. I threw them back later so they'll make it to charity.

Mile 3 made me start to think, "Okay legs, you holding out down there? Cause the lungs are fine, this flat ground is nice and easy.

At mile 4 there was water and a party of cheering spectators. I couldn't stop with all of them watching.

Then I hit mile 5, still running, still at about an 11 minute pace. "I could do this. I don't know how, but I can do this."

(I will say I did walk the length of every water stop. Otherwise I would have gotten all the water down my shirt and none in my mouth.)

At mile 6, we went into some woods, but still on the road. There were signs with corny jokes on them that I thought were hilarious. What's purple and green and next to Ireland? Grape Britain! (Okay, that's not so funny now. It was much funnier after an hour of running.)

One excited face

At the GU stop, I grabbed one from the kid passing them out. I ate it. I kept running.

Mile 7 had a Saint Bernard with a sign that said "I like Runnners. You taste salty." He was my favorite spectator. I still kept running.

I lost feeling in my right hand at mile 8. It wouldn't move. I don't know if it was my arm band, or the cold, or both. I switched the arm band to my left arm and passed the next mile trying to get my fingers to move normally.

Mile 9 had Oreos, and I will forever swear that the Oreo the man gave me was magical. I love Oreos, but that one was the best Oreo I have ever had in my life.

Feeling like Michael Phelps

Mile 10 I was feeling beat. I remembered the magic Oreo, touched a sign that promised to give me super powers, and vowed to run the last 3.

Mile 11 was where it really got hard. I passed the 11 mile marker right as my watch hit 2 hours and knew I was going to PR if I kept it up. I stopped for a quick stretch to loosen up my quads. And I kept running.

Close up of the medals

Mile 12 was emotional. During training, I wanted a PR so badly, but I had very little luck training. In my mind, I wasn't getting faster, I was getting worse. Some runs had ended in tears. The tears that threatened to come this time were tears of pride. I could never have imagined running 12 straight miles a year ago. I didn't even dare to dream of getting a PR until last night after running the 8K. The emotions powered me through the last mile.

Mile 13 was a mile of cheers. People were lined up elbow to elbow cheering both for people they know and the ones they didn't. They were reading our bibs and every time someone chanted, "Come on Leah, you're almost there!" I got more and more excited. I saw the finish line and the statue of King Neptune. And I ran.

The last .1 brought celebration. My watch time was 2:23 (the official time was slightly longer. I'm believing my watch since I started it at the exact second I crossed the start). My first half was run in 2:43. I had PR'ed by 20 minutes.

I was handed my finisher medals and savored the moment. I don't know when I turned in to Forrest Gump, or how such a miserable morning turned in to such a great race, but it did.

Shamrock, I may never do you again, but thank you for the amazing experience.

Shamrock Weekend: Expo Day

We are here! After a long day of driving and traffic we have made it to the hotel in Virginia Beach. I have picked up my shirts and bibs and am relaxing watching Gossip Girl.

Aren't they pretty?

I was really impressed with how the Packet Pickup went. The numbers were divided up so that each stand only covered only a few numbers so there were only 3 people in front of me in the 8K and half lines. The shirts were at separate tables, and there was no rate for those. The shirts are really awesome. The 8K is a cotton long sleeve, and the Half is a tech shirt. I had forgotten that they came in XS when I registered, so I was so happy to have a shirt that doesn't swallow me!

I wandered around the Expo for about an hour. I didn't think to take any pictures (shame on me). I saw the medals at a framing table. The Half medal is HUGE, along with the Dolphin Challenge. I can't wait to get them!

I bought 2 Bondi Bands (because they are my absolute favorite and the best place to get them is at a race expo). I also got to sample some fun things like Waffle Crisp at the Post Cereal truck, and Nuun Hydration. The Nuun was delicious, and I almost bought some, but I really don't want to get into the whole flavored water thing. I'm happy with my plain, boring water.

I also entered to win a free race entry for several races I have been looking at, and I made my final decision to do Flying Pirate next Spring. There was a ton of great merchandise I wanted to buy, but I kept my wallet shut. Planning a wedding trumps over any running gear I think I need right now.

For the city of Virginia Beach itself, I have to say I'm not the biggest fan. Everything is kind of right on top of each other, and its a little grungy. However, I may be a little biased since my heart belongs in the Outer Banks.

Even if the city has failed to impress me, I'm still SUPER excited for the 8K tomorrow! The forecast is nice (better than it has looked all week, actually) and the race seems super organized and energetic. Stay tuned, because I'll be sure to report back with my experience tomorrow!

Spring Break Road to Shamrock

The big week is here! This weekend is the Dolphin Challenge and I'm both excited and nervous!

The last couple of weeks I have been feeling off. I would come back from a run more frustrated than when I left, and one run even ended in a hormonal rage of tears (that was not my most proud moment). However, that has changed this week.

Since it is Spring Break and I don't have class, I have been able to get up and go run in the morning. Of course Daylight Savings and warmer weather have helped with that, too.

Yesterday, I had the best run in probably the last month. I only went 3 miles, since I'm trying not to overdo it this week, but I set a new PR for my fastest mile. I seriously had a runner's high all day after that! It was just the confidence boost I needed to know I'll be okay this weekend.

Yesterday left my calves really sore, but I'm okay with that. I did another 4 today with a little more walking than I would have liked due to the sore calves. 

I also started packing for Shamrock. I basically pulled everything green out of my running wardrobe (and my Monsters Inc tank) and threw it in a bag to take.

I do have 2 days of green to prepare for! 

I'm excited for Shamrock for a lot of reasons. One of them is the elevation profile. Here in Lynchburg most of our races have an elevation profile like this:

Virginia Ten Miler Elevation Profile

However, Virginia Beach has races like this:

Shamrock 8K Elevation Profile

I'm not even sure I'm going to know how to handle that! One thing is for sure, I should be able to run more than I would if it was here!

I'm getting really excited and can't wait to blog about my experience this weekend!

Feature Friday: Shamrock Spotlight

Yesterday, I was featured over at BeachyRunner as one of the Shamrock Spotlights, a series they are doing highlighting some of the runners participating in the Shamrock Half & Full next weekend.

Click here to read my story!

Shamrock Hype

Shamrock Half weekend is approaching quickly, where I'm taking part in the Dolphin Challenge: 8K on Saturday and Half Marathon on Sunday.

It may sound a little crazy, but who wouldn't do it for these beauties?

And of course there are shirts...

Shirts for the Half and Full. No word on what the 8K shirts look like.

And where most races give you a hat at the finishing line with your medals, Shamrock gives you A BEACH TOWEL!

I have my green outfit all picked out, and in 2 weeks I'll be at packet pickup! I have one more long run planned for today or tomorrow (depending on how I feel after class. We had a rough trail run yesterday. And the weather, tomorrow is supposed to be much nicer).  Things are getting real!