Head Space

I have been spending the last week cleaning out my running head space.  I tell you See Jane did a number on me mentally and shook my running confidence big time! 

Do I even have any business running 1/2's, I didn't train hard enough, I'm not a real runner, who do I think I am qualifying for Half Fanatics and on and on.  For me running is 100% in my head.  Literally my brain signaling my body to move at a faster pace than a walk...figuratively the little voice in there that says just stop and walk, why am I doing this, I'm never going to run another race ever, so many others are so much faster, if I finish too slow people will talk about me...you get the idea.

It has been a process of letting go of negative thoughts and focusing on the elements I have control over.  My training physically and mentally, and my gear. 

Thank you once again to Dad for realizing I would want/need to make some changes and maybe need a few new things.  He made sure I had the $$ to get some needs and some wants. 

I will be running with this visor, even though I despise visors...

....it will be nice to keep the sun off my face and help give the illusion of coolness, and I won't need sunblock on my face so no sunblock running all over the place with all the sweat. 

I really despise running with anything in my hands, for even the shortest run, but I'm not willing to rely on the aid stations for hydration.  So I will be running with this water bottle...

Bigger zipper pocket fit's my ID, car key, and gel bites perfectly. 

I really love the mesh pocket on the backside of the strap because it fits chap stick perfectly.  I must always have my chap stick with me! 

 

I ran with the water bottle on the 8 mile run the other night and drank all 9 oz's.  I had to switch it back and forth a lot because it started irritating me, not physically just mentally, I started feeling fidgety with it.  I figure if it's bothering me too much I can dump it at mile 8 when we see Elya, or a few miles after than when we see Dad for the last time before the finish.  

 

I also ordered white compression socks.  When it's hot wear the lightest color possible, and there is a July clearance sale going on at http://www.procompression.com/.  Even though I have not made a decision about compression yet, I'm wearing compression all day during the week, and during all my runs hoping that I will build up compression benefits in case I decide it's too hot to wear them.  I may start out in them regardless and then take them off and switch to low socks since Elya will be at mile 8 with fresh socks and shoes.  Or I may just say screw it and go without knowing that I have some time to rehab the shin splints before the next 1/2.  Will totally be a morning of decision.

 

This was totally not a need, but sometimes fun things help get your mind right as well.  I needed something to make me feel excited about this next one, Michelle agreeing to run it with me and then finding matching tops did the trick.  Race day outfit...

 

We thought this top with our black matching skirts would be super cute.  Only problem for me is my black skirt doesn't fit just right any more and causes issues.  I didn't want to order the exact same skirt again, so went with this black and white striped one.  The tank is white, very light fabric, a bit of a roomy cut so it will be breezy and super, super sheer.  That doesn't bother me though, I have already proven I will run topless if need be, so sheer is a non issue now. 

 

I also found some awesome red confetti nail polish to match.  Anything that works for real or works in my head is worth it! 

 

I feel confident I have made all the changes I can in the short amount of time I had to make them and test them the best I could.  At the very least I already know if I can finish See Jane I can finish this one as well!  I have zero expectations or hopes other than to finish and have fun.  I don't want to be doubled over wondering if I'm going to make it or not.  I just want to have fun and feel the best I can while running a 1/2.   

 

It really helps knowing Dad will be along the route in two spots, and Elya will be at mile 8.  It breaks up the race into sections and give me things to look forward to!  Plus knowing we will have ice/hydration/food/fresh socks/anything else I can think of  along the way is a nice safety net. 

 

Did an early morning 3 mile run with Elya today and have 3 miles with the stroller group tomorrow and then I'm done until race day! 

 

Sky thinks I should just lay back and relax with her instead of all this running.  :) 

 



8 Hot Miles

Before I get to the 8 mile run I must share what Mark did for Sky while we were in E WA! 

Mark is a Craigslist pro!!!  He sells tons of stuff we don't need and buys stuff that we need or want for great prices!  And, sometimes he scores really awesome stuff for FREE!!!! 

Behold...Sky's custom play set...

 

...Mark was able to build the play deck over the retaining wall and shortened the swing part from 3 down to 2 so it took up a little less room.  There is a picnic table under the covered fort and Sky's sandbox fits under the slide perfectly. 

 

Did I mention it was FREE!!!  If you don't use Craigslist you should!  (Yes I know there have been some Craigslist related violence and even murders.  We are careful...no one comes to the house if at all possible.  It the item is too big and they have to come to our house rather than meet somewhere we are always armed and make sure we are both home.  If we have to go to their house instead of meeting again we are armed and ready to call 911.  We also are not selling high end items which cuts down on those that have ulterior motives.)

 

Clearly she loves it!!! 

 



 

 

Mark priced a similar play set with the same components at Lows at $1,000...our cost $10 for the bolts he needed to secure it.  Mark had all the needed wood and boards on hand to replace the ones that were rotted or not as sturdy.

 

Sky has been playing on it non-stop!  She loves the swing and spends most of her time asking to be pushed. 

 

Saturday late afternoon Michelle and I ran 8 miles, in the hottest part of the day.  After the issues I had at See Jane I felt like I need to run in the heat to try and work out my issues.  It worked, sort of.  We were going to run at 6, but Michelle was able to bump it up to 5 and even though I had just had something to eat I decided to go for it.  My stomach didn't appreciate that decision very much.  Let's just say that I probably ruined any runners chance of every using the minute mart bathroom on 27th ever again.  Don't bother asking! 

 

Aside from that it went well.  I felt so much better than at See Jane.  Granted it was only 8 miles, but by 8 miles at See Jane I was ready to DNF, so I'm glad I felt good at the end of 8 this time around. I wore a visor, drank about 9 oz of Nuun during the run and felt pretty good.  I wore my compression socks and felt too hot, but my shin splints flared up, so felt it was necessary.  Still not sure if I'm going with or without compression Sat.  That will be a race morning decision. 

 

I have some exciting new gear and Michelle and I decided to have some fun and go with matching outfits...I will share pics later in the week.  Oh, did I mention that Michelle decided to run this 1/2 as well?  I can't remember if I posted that on the blog or not.  So I will have company and am so excited and thankful that we are running another 1/2 together!  It's going to be a fun day!

 

 



The Hot Side Of The State

You know it's hot when the weather report says it's going to cool down to 90 on Saturday!  Holy Moly Cow (Sky saying) that is hot, hot, hot!

Sky and I took a very last minute trip to E WA last week.  For some reason as soon as I make it over the pass and drop down into cowboy country all I want is a pair of cowgirl boots, a cowgirl hat and country music.  I NEVER listen to country music at home, but I get bit by the county bug big time when in E WA!  I so came home and added 3 or 4 pairs of boots to my wish list and still listening to country music too! 

Anyway we went over so my Dad could work on my hip and knee.  It's not really my knee that hurts, it's more like the pain from my leg drips down into my knee making it seem like I have a knee issue, but I really don't.  He was nice enough (and his clients were nice enough) to clear his schedule Thursday so that we could spend the day with him and visit his chiropractor, who is a magician I think! 

I'm so thankful that my Dad has the talent, knowledge, and skill to help people feel better when they are hurting, and that he made a call to his chiropractor so they could talk about me over my back while I was being adjusted.  :)  Probably the best adjustment ever because the massage therapist and the chiropractor were in the same room at the same time talking back and forth about all my issues in very technical terms.  But, I got a great adjustment and a great massage, even though it hurt like crazy.

My leg still has a twinge of pain going on, but it's so much better than it was (actually woke up pain free this morning after running 8 miles last night!) and I can manage it with trigger pointing and foam rolling so much better now.  I just need to be a lot better about getting regular massages and adjustments.

It wasn't all about me though...Sky had a blast! 

We stopped in Ellensburg going over and coming home to visit Grandma Jackie and give Sky a break from the car.  Playing with Grandma's straw hat was a hit!

Movie time with Grandma Val, can you tell how much she likes movies?  In this case it was cartoons since I forgot her movies, but she was still excited.

Best part about car trips during nap time...she sleeps really well in the car. 

When we got to my Dad's this pool was waiting for Sky!  She ran right through the house and jumped in fully clothed! 

She got to ride the cart through the entire store!

Swing time with Grandma Jackie.  We wore her out hitting 3 different stores until I found the perfect straw cowgirl hat!  I really wanted one for our trip to Utah...perfect camping hair cover and blocks the sun from my face!

Our trip ended with Sky and Daddy cuddled up watching Cinderella.  She was so happy to see him when we got home!

 

A big thank you to Dad for a last minute rearranging of schedules to not only work on me, but spend the day with Sky and I.  Also a big thank you to Val for rearranging your crazy busy schedule so you could be home early to spend time with us, and hosting Grandpa's birthday dinner!  Thank you to Mom for letting us drop in on you coming and going, and for letting me wash my feet in your bathtub! 

 

Sky loves her grandparents and talks about all of you every day....I'm thankful she got to see the people she loves and spend some time with each of you!

 

 

 



 



 

NW Trek Pictures

Here is the link to the pictures from our trip to NW Trek last weekend: NW Trek

I especially love this one!!!

All 3 girls looking at the camera and smiling...must have been a full moon! 

Stroller Group run this morning, lunch with Mark before hitting the road, and then Sky and I are E WA bound.

Have a great rest of the week!  I will be posting pics on Instagram if you want to see what Sky and I are up to in E WA follow along HERE

BOOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I finally got to run in my new adidas Boost!!!  I LOVE them!!!  Totally head over heels in love with these shoes!!  Ok, ok I know it was only a 4 mile run, but I'm hooked.  I will hold of on doing my Boost feature post and saying too much about them until I have a few long runs in, but so far it's happy running for sure!!! 

Sky and I are taking a road trip tomorrow, sans computer so no posting until we are back home the end of the week.  Until then this is what Sky has been up to the last few days. 

 Stacking and sorting washers. 

 

So not the right way to slide.  :)

Happy Monday

No matter how hard I try to stick to a strength training plan/workout plan I just can't do it.  I can focus my energy on running or working out, but not both it seems.  At least not while trying to have a "normal" life at the same time. 

So, I'm trying out a daily workout challenge.  I don't know what each day will bring but they are usually quick enough that I can get it done in 10 minutes, which is about perfect. 

Today was 30 deep squats...less than 5 minutes and I'm done!!!  Love it.  I tossed in two 1 minute planks and 10 real push ups as well.  Man I hope tomorrow's challenge isn't push ups! 

Today was a big day for Sky.  I have been waiting for this day for 2 years...

 

She let me put a barrette in her hair and it made it all the way until nap time without her yanking it out!!!!  Maybe, just maybe she will let me start doing fun stuff with her hair!!

Standing still long enough for me to get the barrette in her hair wore her out.

 So over having her picture taken!

A snack with Reagan.

Weekend Fun

While I really toyed with the idea of getting a quick little (unauthorized) run in, I opted for a weekend of non-running fun instead. 

Friday night started with Mark scoring a free (yes I said FREE) play set for Sky!  I'm talking one of the nice wooden ones with swings, climbing wall, slide, fort, picnic table underneath the fort, and a seesaw horse swing thingy. 

While Mark was off taking the thing apart and loading it in his truck Sky and I enjoyed play time in the yard.  I actually feel bad because it took him 3 ish hours and two trips to get it and he did it all by himself.  But, we now have a really cool structure that Mark can modify to fit our yard perfectly!

Yes, that's Sky through the wine glass.

 

Saturday Sky was thrilled to have a sleep over with Grace and Kiera.  It's was Grace's pizza party night that we gave her for Christmas.  Yes, it took us until July to find a weekend that worked!  YIKES!!! 

 Mark, Sky, Giant Pooh Bear, and Kiera watching Peter Pan.

 

It took Sky a little bit to warm up to having others in her sand box.

 

I had fun opening my very first Birchbox!  For $10 a month you get a sample box of beauty products that you can customize to your preferences.  I toyed with the idea of subscribing to Birchbox for a while.  It came highly recommended from Jodi, but being on a single income having a frivolous monthly expense seemed not smart.  But, I figured I can come up with $10 a month to try some really nice beauty products, and I can always skip a month if need be.  It took about 4 weeks of waiting on a list to be invited to join and then about 3 weeks to get my first box.  I was so excited and have already used all but two things in my box!  You can check out Birchbox HERE 

 

 

 

Today we went to NW Trek with the Beckham's.  Sky had a blast running around and seeing Bison, Moos, Elk, Dear, Mountain Goats, Big Horn Sheep, Caribou, and Swans among other things. 

 

 

 

Look at that curly hair!!  So much fun to brush.  :(  Sky was not loving having her picture taken today below is her "No cheese" face which is what she says when she does not want her picture taken.

 



 

I'm stretching and trigger pointing the rest of the day, oh and probably drinking some wine too.  Starting tomorrow it's back to strength training and running.  1/2 #2 is going to be here before I know it!!!!





adidas and Oiselle

Here is why it is making me crazy not to run right now...

Those would be the new adidas Energy Boost!!!  And it's making me nuts to have them in my closet and not take them for a lovely little run. 

Why not just go for a quick little run?  Well because I just had what is easily the worst race of my life.  I felt like I may actually pass out cold before making it to the finish line.  I want to give my body time to recover, and mentally undo the blow my confidence as a runner took during that race.  I also consulted with a high mileage, back to back race runner, to get a training plan in place between race #1 and race #2.  I'm confident that if I stick to the plan I will be ready for 1/2 #2 in two weeks (yikes).  That plan calls for no running until Tuesday.  I have to wait until Tuesday....grrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't really need a new pair of running shoes, but volunteering with the store has it's benefits, particularly when the adidas rep is willing to get me into a pair of these shoes!  I am so very thankful for the opportunities that have come my way as a result of coordinating a run group for Fleet Feet Tacoma!  It's not all about the free swag either.  I love the staff and the stroller mom's, and the run club members.  All the advice, friendships, and support...I just love it!!! 

I'll be honest though the perks (and my #1 sponsor - Dad!) are what allow me to continue running/racing as much as I do on a single income.

I plan on doing a more in-depth Boost post after I have some miles on them, and am going to see if the rep will answer some questions as well.  But for now if you would like to know more about the absolute latest in running shoe technology, and why Boost is such a big deal check out THIS link and click on Boost.  You can also check out their other new Springblade technology as well. 

Another opportunity that I jumped on as a result of Fleet Feet is applying to be an Oiselle Ambassador.  Jenna, the store manage, is an ambassador and mentioned that Oiselle is taking new applications and I should turn one in.  I never, ever would have done this had she not suggested it.  The new team will be announced the end of the month. 

Why Oiselle you ask?  For one I love the clothing line.  It's cute, comfortable and works well when running, doing yoga, walking, really for life!  But, I also like what they stand for.  Supporting both elite and non elite female athletes, specifically runners.  Check out their team manifesto HERE 

I have found through the stroller group that I love being able to encourage others to take a risk and run when they think all they can do is walk.  I love making suggestions on gear or shoes or bras and see them feel and look confident and happy.  Not having been pregnant myself I can only imagine how hard it is to get your groove back post baby and I love that I get to play a small part in that. 

I feel like Oiselle does that an a much larger scale for all the ladies out there.  No matter what pace or distance we run we are all just trying to be the best we can be in life and in running, and Oiselle wants to be part of that.  It doesn't hurt they their cloths are so darn cute! 

You may remember I had an awesome customer service experience with Oiselle several months ago and that combined with their mission hooked me.  Even if I'm not picked as an ambassador I will continue to be a huge fan and will sport my Oiselle gear every chance I get.  I know they must get a ton of applications from much more runnerish ladies than I am, and much more connected as well.

Which brings me to Instagram.  That was one of the questions on the application...how connected are you?  I realized that if I want to spread the word about Oiselle the more I branch out the better.  I'm at a point in life that I'm trying to balance being connected enough without being connected too much.  Between the blog, FB, and Pinterest I'm about at the limit of what my non-mommy (i.e. nap time) time can support.  But, there are several photography and running blogs I follow that are big fans of Instagram, and a lot of my friends use is as well, so I thought why not.  Even if I'm not an ambassador I take pics every day with my phone.  Instagram lets me edit/filter them to make them look cool and artsy, plus it's a quick way to share them on a feed with those that follow me.     

Enough about me and my running...cute Sky pic of the day...

   
Potty training.  We are on the slow track here.  But, even though I know nothing will happen when she asks to sit on the potty we let her.  One of these days something is bound to happen to get this girl out of diapers! 

Any fun weekend plans?  Anyone running?   

P.S. - From the kitchen will return.  I was derailed there for a few weeks, but have a ton of new recipes lined up the next couple of weeks.  There is bound to be something yummy to share. 
     

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for gentle reminder to adjust my attitude. 

Last week when I took Sky to the Dr. for her third case of nurse maid elbow one of the suggestions the Dr. made was to use a leash with Sky.  It would keep us from having to hold her hand in parking lots etc. and from pulling on her arms when she goes one way and we go the other. 

My first thought was HE!! NO!  My second thought was I have been unfairly judgmental towards parents that do use a leash. 

I'll be honest I think leashes are for dogs not children.  We have a dog and if I want to walk something on a leash I'll take Bishop for a walk.  It's my job as a parent to pay attention and not let Sky run around like a wild child when it's not appropriate to do so.  Long before we had her we decided that baby leashes were not something we would use as parents.

Not only that I'll admit I don't like seeing other parents use them either, it just seems lazy to me.  But, as soon as Dr. S made the suggestion I realized I have been way judgmental about this for no good reason. 

Maybe some of those leash using parents were told the exact same thing by their Dr. for the same reason.  It's not hurting their kids, it's not a form of abuse, and better they be safe on a leash than running in front of cars.   

Really I need to focus on parenting Sky and not be judgmental about how others choose to parent their children.  Just another reminder to myself that parenting is hard enough without others looking on in judgment. 

Sky says....

...I don't know anything about leashes, but I do know about tickle time!  What you don't see pics of is the EPIC fit that happened when I was done with tickle time.  Bad, bad, bad.  Finally just put her in her crib and let her work it out for about an hour.  Oh the emotional swings of a 2 year old. 

No running today even though I want to really, really, really bad.  Grocery shopping and laundry instead.  :(  But, I will post pics tomorrow of why I want to go for a run so badly!

Oh, one last thing if you do choose to follow on intsagram HERE is the direct link to my profile, so you don't have to go through that strange followgram thing that I posted the link to yesterday.  This whole thing is new to me, so I'm still not sure what I'm doing.  Why I'm doing it you may be asking...more on that later, like tomorrow later! 

Sky Pics!

I know enough running talk already, but just a little bit more before I post some Sky pics. 

Ran with the Stroller Group this morning and felt pretty darn amazing!  My legs felt good, the knee hurt a little until I warmed up then it was all good.  Finish the last mile walking to accommodate everyone, and that was probably perfect so as not to overdue it.  So looking forward to getting a run in this weekend! 

Oh, speaking of pics you can now follow me on Instagram if you would like...you need an account though.  If you don't want to bother most pics posted there will likely end up on the blog or my fb page anyway.  Here is the link if you are interested:  http://followgram.me/jenyeatman

Ok, now for a few Sky pics...

 

Sharing with her bestie!

 

She LOVES when Bishop is paying attention to her, even if he wants her snack.

 

Mark's socks look cute on her even with the crazy hair.  Sometimes a girl just has to run around like a wild child! 

 

 

A Day In Seattle/See Jane Event Review

It's a long post, but trying to get all the race talk out at once so I don't bore the non-running readers.

Our Day In Seattle:
Race weekend started with us heading up to Seattle Saturday afternoon.  Our plan was to hit the expo, get keys and parking pass from the friends we were staying with, shop a little, and get manicures.  I hardly ever get to Seattle so to have half a day to enjoy the sun in the city was really nice.  Challenging not to walk too much the day before running a 1/2, but we had fun regardless.  

Big shout out to Ben and Alicia for letting us crash at their place.  Their apartment is a few blocks from the Seattle Center so we were able to walk there and take the monorail downtown to the expo and shopping.  Plus, the nail place we got our manicures was only a block away from the apartment.  It really was perfect! 

We hit the expo for all of about 5 minutes (more on that later) got our bags and bibs and then headed to Nordstrom and Lululemon to get ourselves something as a memento/reward for making it to race day.  I'm a big fan of getting something running related that will be useful or make running fun when it's a "big deal" race.  

We hit the pre-anniversary sale at Nordstrom to check out the Zella gear.  Very similar to Lululemon but a little less $$, not much less though.  Neither one of us found anything so headed to Lululemon and we both scored new running skirts! 

Purple pleats with ice blue color blocks around the waist.  Just like the one I wore race day but different colors.  I say if it works then get it in every color possible!

 

 

Michelle got the same skirt in black, and she ended up wearing it the next day for the race.  Since she already test ran mine we figured it was safe to go ahead and race in it. 

 

After shopping we headed back towards "home" for our manicures and dinner at the Rock.  I'm going to be honest it was so hard not ordering beer with that dinner.  After being alcohol free for a week I was really craving an ice cold beer on a hot day.  But we were good and stuck to our water with Nuun added to it. 

 

After that we went back to the apartment (Ben and Alicia funnily enough were at a wedding in Lakewood that evening) watched the Sounders game and enjoyed the view of the space needle at sunset from their living room window.  The couches were super comfortable as well, so we both slept pretty great! 

 

Event Review:

The Good 

 -Registration - I don't remember what opening day registration was, but I do remember thinking I got a steal of a deal.

 

-The course is for the most part really pretty.

 

-Swag bags were pretty ok.  Better than some not as good as others.  The tech shirt is nice because it's a tech shirt, but the color is pretty bad.  I like the bag itself along with the words of strength printed on it...

 

Our favorite is "Blisters heal.  Muscles recover.  Friendships last a lifetime."  Lots of great inspiration on the bag!

 

-Finishers medals are cool and I love that they are strung on shoe strings!

 

 

 -Champagne and chocolate at the finish line!  I'm not a fan of drinking right after crossing the finish line, not even a few hours after, but once I got my stomach settled the champagne was pretty great!  

 

-There were several sponsored runners from Oiselle, Power Bar, and a few others I don't remember, and that was fun to see.  I haven't run a race that had so many sponsored runners before.

 

-The See Jane Run gear at the expo and at the event was really nice.  Sine there isn't a store near us it was nice to shop it in person.  But, the sizes were limited and every time I found something I liked they didn't have it in a size that worked.  It seemed like they were clearing out old stock and getting rid of less popular sizes.

 

-The course volunteers were great.  There were actually very few, and not very noticeable, course markers, but they did a good job of stationing a volunteer at every point a runner could go astray.

 

-It was also nice that they had police on hand to manage the busy intersection crossings, not once did we have to slow down or stop because of cars.

 

The Bad

-The expo was very small, and not at all as cool as I had heard it would be.  You could stand in one spot and turn in a small circle and see all there was to see.  Hence the heading to Lululemon to get running gear!

 

-The porta potty lines got really long, but I don't think it's possible to have enough bathrooms for a ladies only (for the most part...think I saw three guys running) event. 

 

-There is very little parking that isn't located on the streets up some not so fun to walk up after having run a half hills.  But it was free so that was nice.

 

-The mile markers were off.  Mile marker 6 was at 5.54 and my GPS has the race at 12.89, not 13.1.  I read a few other posts from bloggers that ran and all their GPS watches showed it being short and that the mile markers were off.  Not only that, some of the markers were double marked for the 1/2 and the 5K.  One said 2 or 4 miles and honestly with them being as off as they were it was sort of hard to tell where you were at.  I trust my watch, but I trust race organizers more so was thrown off by that until I heard others around us talking about it. 

 

-The aid stations seemed oddly placed as well.  Another reason the 2 or 4 miles on the mile marker sign was confusing.  The first aid station was super early, under 2 miles, and the 2nd one was only a mile past that I think...that is not normal for a 1/2 marathon!  The issue was the first two were on the first out and back stretch (I think they intended people to hit the first aid station on the way back) but it was also part of the 5K course, so the 2 stations were servicing two different groups of runners.  Because it was out and back you had people running at it from both directions and it just got confusing and messy.  As for the rest of the stations they always seemed to be about .5 miles past when we needed them. 

 

-The route was pretty when you were right next to the lake, but a lot of it was open with no shade, and running through parking lots and over busy bridges.

 

-The out and back sections were narrow paths, and open to the public.  There were non registered runners with dogs, bikes galore and it was really hard to get around anyone.  Every time we needed to get around someone there would be an oncoming runner headed at us.  I feel like if they are going to make narrow stretches out and back then it needs to be closed to the public period.  Especially for an event that lends itself to groups of girl friends running together.  You get a group of 3 to 5 people shoulder to shoulder and that narrow out and back path was not a lot of fun to navigate.

 

-Wave enforcement, I know this is a hard one, but if the race course is going to be as narrow as it was then you can't have walkers starting in the 9-11 minute wave.  Not only that the 9-11 minute wave had enough people in it that it should have been broken up.  Way too many people onto the course at once and we had a fun time getting around the walkers that decided to start in that wave.  It's one thing to end up having to walk, but starting out walking from the start line...no way you should be in the 9-11 minute pace wave!  

 

-Running past the farmers market/festival thing on the last out and back was awful.  While I know the food is amazing the smell of it at the end of a race is just not good.  I got to me, and Michelle, who was having a strong day, said it got to her as well. 

 

-Start time...started at 8 and honestly I think a 7 am start would be better.  Especially for a summer race, and we would maybe be off the course before the market/festival started, so no food smells to run through.   

 

I don't know if I would do this one again.  While I loved our day in Seattle and Ben and Alicia made it super easy for us I don't like "traveling" for a race.  It throws my stomach off and I just don't get to do what I need to GI wise to be ready.  I for sure wouldn't do it back to back years.  It may be fun to do again if we skip a year or two, especially if the course doesn't change. 

 

Overall, even though it was a hard one for me, and I have a fair list of complaints, I had fun.  I enjoyed the girl power that See Jane promotes and I loved the "we are strong" atmosphere of the race.  This event will always hold a special place in my heart because it was Michelle's first half.  It is pretty flat and I think on a cooler day it would be much more enjoyable! 

 

Back to regularly scheduled posting tomorrow...that means Sky pics!     

 

  

 

 

See Jane Run Recap

I'll do an event review later, this is purely about race day and my/our experience.

Official time: 2:24:05...not 2:18 like I thought.  My watch tracks moving time and overall time.  Moving time was 2:18 which means I spent 6 ish minutes stopped in the outhouse and/or doubled over with hands on my knees trying not to throw up while wishing I could throw up and be done with it. 

And, that pretty much says it all about how it went down for me. 

Do you have any idea how irritated I am with myself for being the one to make Michelle miss the 2:20 goal by 4 f'ing minutes!  Like a truly good friend she stuck with me even though I know in my heart she was having a stronger run and could have finished under 2:20.  She stayed with me, talked me through the GI issues, the burning hot with the chills at the same time issues, and kept my feet moving. 

Before I get to the details overall I had fun.  Just want to be clear about that, I had fun running with my best friend.  Even though parts of it sucked, and I was the closest to DNF'ing (did not finish) I have ever been, I still had fun, and I'm looking forward to the next 1/2 in 3 weeks. 

Done and in the books. 

I was on the verge of tears the first two miles just being excited about if finally being race day, my knee not hurting, running with Michelle and it being her first 1/2.  The race started out great actually.  There was a long out and back, but because we had friends running as well it was fun to keep an eye out for them and give high fives and shout outs.  Once we passed all our peeps though it was not as fun.  I (and I'm sure every runner out there) hate knowing that every step out = a step back along the same path.  LAME!  The last out and back was by far the worst.  You run past the start/finish area, can hear all the fun and announcements, but have to go right on by and keep going for what seemed like forever before you turn around.  

That last out and back is where it really started hitting me.  My legs felt like lead, I was burning up hot and sweating like crazy, but every breeze and every patch of shade gave me the chills so bad that my legs were covered in goose bumps, and my GU was hitting me wrong.  I felt so bad that at the aid stations I couldn't tell if I needed electrolytes or water.  I would take Gatorade because while my legs weren't cramping they weren't moving like they should either, but it was making my stomach feel so raw.  

 

At some point after the 10 mile mark Michelle suggested I take my top off and just run in my sports bra.  While I didn't love the idea of running in my bra you get to a point that you are so tired, sore, ready to be done that you just don't give a shit.  So I took the tank top off and it did feel a little better.  It cut down on the chills not having a soaking wet tank against my skin, and the breeze dried the sweat on my body instead of making the tank feel cold.  She also suggested dumping water on my head to help cool myself off.  Even though I felt cold I was clearly overheated.  At the last two aid stations I took water to dump and Gatorade to drink.  

 

That got me through to 13, and as soon as Michelle saw the finish line she hit turbo boost and took off!  I was hanging on for dear life to keep up with her.  I wish I knew what the pace was for that .1 (for some reason my watch only has the race at 12.89, and I could do some math and figure it out, but it's beyond me at this point) because it has to be close to the fastest I have ever run! 

 

Almost at the finish line.

 

Good grief look at how white that stomach is!!!  And, really bad form on my part with the heel strike and my shoulders turning so much.  Clearly in the next few weeks I need to work on that during my training runs!  YIKES! 

 

I don't really remember hearing or seeing anyone along the finish shoot.  I just wanted to hang with Michelle and be done with it. 

 

After water, food, chocolate and champagne, and putting my top back on we are both feeling much better! 

 

It's hard to know what exactly contributed to my rough day.  I felt really strong going into this.  Our 12 mile training run was awesome, we ran the whole thing with no walking breaks, I felt like I still had 1.1 in my legs, and we kept a good pace.  I felt totally ready for this race. 

 

What I was not ready for was the heat.  I had no idea that my GU would not only taste terrible in the heat, but would be hard to swallow and hit my stomach like a brick.  I have trained with GU for over a year and never had any issues.  But, and this is a big but, this was my first run of any kind in heat.  Our long runs were all early morning, cool and our 12 miler we were rained on the entire time so our body temp was pretty perfect.  Clear blue sky and sunny hot weather is a new one for me and I didn't handle it well. 

 

I don't want to say it's all the heat, because I did miss two training runs, ate a little differently the night before the race, spent the night not in my own bed, walked around a little in Seattle the day before...and on and on.  There are a zillion little factors that can add up to a really hard day.

 

But, I don't feel like any of those little things are the "reason" why I almost didn't finish.  I'm focusing on the heat issue, especially since my next 1/2 is most likely going to be just as hot, if not more so. 

 

Changes I have already decided to make:

 

-I'm getting a hand-held water bottle and running with my own hydration.  Nuun works really well for my and my stomach so that is what I will be drinking for the next one. 

 

-I will not be using GU in the heat again.  The Power Bar gel bites have worked well in the past so will use those next time.  They should fit in the zipper pouch of the hand-haled water bottle I want as well. 

 

-Zella has an open back tank top that I may get.  There would be much less sweat soaked fabric stuck to my back.  Fleet Feet also has some really light/see through tanks in the store that may work.    

 

-I'm going to do all my runs the next few weeks in low cut socks, no compression.  I have some wicked blisters that perfectly correspond to the stitching of the compression socks I was wearing.  So, in order to cut down on how much I'm wearing and help with the blisters I will run in low socks and put the compression on after to try and help prevent my propensity for shin splints.  However, if I find my shins start to hurt even a little I will go back to compression.  I can handle blisters, I can't handle shin splints at all. 

 

-While I hate visors I may break down and get a visor.  Maybe shading my face from the sun a bit would help me feel less overheated. 

 

-Between Elya, Michelle and Dad and Val I have awesome support along the route for the next one.  I'm going to take advantage of every offer they have made to either run with me, or be stationed along the way with fresh socks, my 2nd pair of shoes, orange slices, or whatever else I may need.

 

I'm so thankful I was running with Michelle.  She gets all the credit for keeping me in this one.  She was calm, didn't get upset when I had to stop or needed to walk for a few.  Each time I doubled over she made sure I was ok to keep going and then talked me through getting my legs moving again.  I really don't think I would have tried to make it much past the 8 mile mark if not for her.  She pretty much ran for two the second half of the race.  I'm so thankful she stuck with me and that we got to finish her fist 1/2 together! 

 

We got a nice slow easy walk in this morning and we both felt better after.  My knee quite hurting after our walk as well.  Just had to get the blood flowing again I guess. 

 

Now for a few days of rest and then it's on to getting ready for the next one! 

 

Anyone have any hot weather running/fueling tips?   

 

Race review/highlights of our day in Seattle tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  



Post Race Report

I will do a much better post tomorrow with pictures and everything...right now I'm just too darn tired.

We finished, two minutes faster than the goal Michelle had in her head, and fast enough for me to have a new half PR. 

Crossed the finish line in 2:18 and I'm assuming change.  That was my gps watch time, still waiting for official times to be posted.

It was fun.  It was hot.  It was hard, really hard, but we did it. 

More tomorrow.

Almost Race Time!

I'm ready to run!  1/2 #2 on tap tomorrow morning.  Michelle and I are ready to get it done!

Lollipop

Today did not go as planned at all.  The morning was ok, got my errands done, in particular got the tires rotated and balanced...for free!  I think it helps to have Sky with me when she is on her best most adorable behavior.  They guys at Discount Tire were smitten and thus the free balance! 

They also gave her a lollipop which she enjoyed very much! 

 

 

The car is ready to take us to Seattle tomorrow.  Oil changed, free car wash, tires rotated and balanced, CD changer loaded.  Michelle and I are going to have a fun comfortable drive tomorrow!

It all went downhill after that though.  Thanks to a stellar mommy moment I ended up popping her elbow out for her third case of nurse maid elbow.  She lost her mind, and didn't recover very well even after it seemed to be back in place.

Nothing makes you feel like more of an a$$ than your baby looking at you with huge tears dripping of her cheeks and that look of how could you hurt me like that all while screaming and holding her arm.

To clear my name I wasn't being mean.  We were walking in the front gate and I was trying to keep her from stepping on the cracks Mark had filled in.  The spackle stuff was wet and messy and just didn't want her getting it on her shoes and tracking into the house.  She went one way, and I pulled the other, it wasn't even violent or fast action. 

Thankfully her Dr. had an opening which I broke every speed limit to make only to have Sky start using her arm just fine as soon as we hit the waiting room.  I went ahead and had Dr. S take a look and all is well. 

Apparently she is a kiddo that has elbows that pop out pretty easy.  So we are no longer going to be swinging her between us and we need to be careful when she is playing not to let her hang from bars etc and pop her own elbows out.  She should outgrow it by age 3. 

Now time for pre-sleep stretching and trigger pointing.  Really hoping that I will magically wake up race morning pain free.  :-/

Regardless of pain or knee status I am so excited for the Expo and race day.  1/2 #2 here I come! 

Anyone else running/racing this weekend?