I did the See Jane Run Half Marathon today.
 |
| The silliest pic I think I have ever done. I was laughing cuz I was a dork hopping to the finish. |
I was Sweating Pink for sure! (Tank-Adidas, Shoes-Brooks Pure Cadence, Skirt-Team Sparkle, Socks-Swiftwick, Gels-Accel)
I didn’t do it hungover. I mixed it up and drank vodka instead of gin on the day before. I used gels I have never used before. I wore a new shirt I never wore before. Ate at a different pizza place then normal. And I still PR’ed. 2:33:52. That is my best time so far. I guess that it helps that the weather was perfect for running. 50’s starting out. And that the greenbelt course is flat-unlike the 3 other halves I have slogged through. I also didn’t take my phone, but if you look back a few posts, well, that was the course. The greenbelt. Just with more women.
The day started out groggy. I got to pound a cup of coffee, have a nibble of bread with PB Crave and tried to drink some Accel Hydro. I got maybe 3oz of it down. My stomach was not awake enough to consume anything other then coffee at 6:30am. And I needed at least an hour more of sleep. So basically, me not eating before a race is ok with my gut and energy levels.
Got down to the park about 15 minutes before the start. I didn’t warm up before hand. I usually don’t warm up too much. I mean, I have 13 miles to warm up on.
The start was a smidge after 8. No biggie there. My ipod was on from the start.
My right ankle felt like it needed popped in the 1st mile. The annoyance eventually went away. My gut wanted a portapotty in the 1st mile. But I pushed that thought aside because I had a half marathon PR that I needed/wanted to make. But no pressure. I always slog by feel. I was having a side stitch annoy me off and on until mile 6.
The greenbelt was, not really crowded, but we were less spread apart the first half. I guess 10K’s are comfortable for most. Halves are more a challenge.
There were a couple of girls I was on the same pace with at different parts of the course. It felt for the most part that once I passed someone, they stayed passed. With the exception of 4 that I can think of right now. This was actually the first race that I could get my own “roadkills.” I feel pretty proud of myself. And that really has me motivated to get faster/lighter to be able to pass more people at future races.
Water and gatorade was available at every 2 miles. Gu was at 6 & 10? I took my Accel gels at mile 4 (strawberry kiwi) and at 8 (chocolate-caffeinated) That 2nd gel made me a little slower because I know caffeinated gels or chews (with the exception of Honey Stinger) rumbles my gut. So I was a minute slower. I also walked all the water stops.
This was one race that I was able to just go with the flow on. I knew the course. It’s my hood. I was able to just zone out on my music, shut off my overactive brain, and not concern myself with pace/finishing time, potholes, getting lost on course, too hot or cold weather, and not think about how my quads were hurting. I tried my best to match my cadence with the beat of my music and to stay ahead of the footsteps of the ladies on my tail.
Sometimes, you may not want to know what I have on my ipod if you are easily offended. I had a mix of songs from Justin Timberlake (Sexy Back), Peaches (Take You On), LMFAO (Shots-at 8am. Sure.), Pitbull (Krazy), the James Bond theme song, and this one below which was freakin’ perfect for an all-women race. It got repeated for at least a mile. You have to have a sense of humor and not be easily offended to listen and or watch.
I was pretty tired at the end. I wanted to walk more then the water stops starting after 8. But after mile 10, I was thinking that I could get a 2:30 finish. I did try to push myself a smidge faster at 11 and 12. But always, I slog by feel and I think I have to trust myself enough to push myself even harder. I am strong. I am not going to break.
The volunteers were sweet. Some, not all that excited to be out there, but as always, I thanked everyone that I could. When I came through, there appeared to be plenty of water & gels available.
Finish line. Well, did you see my finish? Yeah. I don’t know why I did what I did. But, really, I AM a dork. Here is the 2 start videos the BF took – Start, and just after the start.
I got my bling (is it smaller then last years?), bottle of water which got pounded, some Luna bars (Honey Peanut was available! Yes!) a cup of pretzels, PB, half a plain bagel (one flavor looked like it had bacon in it. Disappointed it was cranberry) half a banana, my glass with 2 chocolates (mint and a gold dusted chocolate. Nom!) and my bubbly.
Not the gourmet food spread at some other races, plentiful.
I grab a 50oz bottle of Talking Rain water. I was thirsty. Had to get my hydration on.
I said Hi to Whooha Gear and went home, put my legs up and took an hour nap.
I want to thank See Jane Run for giving me the opportunity to run this race. It was fun, I PR’ed and I had a good time. Thank you to Pacific Health Labs for fueling my passion.