Rock N Roll DC Race Report!

Pre- Race

We flew in to DC early friday morning, which left us plenty of time for sight-seeing. Kevin, S & S's boyfriend and I hit the sights one by one. Washington monument, Lincoln memorial, Korean & WW2 war memorials, the white house. We probably made 5-8 miles on foot with all the walking we did.

Cherry Blossoms in bloom at the Washington Monument!

Lincoln Memorial

White House!

After, we hit the metro to get to the Expo at the DC armory. It was a quicker ride than expected, and there was no line to get in the building as perviously told there would be. All in all, it was smooth sailing, as we headed in to pick up packets & meet up with T, who was running the marathon.

Major downside? My bag was lacking swag. Coupons only, where S had free samples in hers. Bonus? Race shirts came in women's sizing, but dark blue only in XL. Since we were in a hurry to get to a tour of the capitol, we had to rush through the expo. I grabbed some free LARABARs (YUM!), and talked quickly with the KT tape guy. Unfortunately the line was 30+ minutes, but he gave me a free sample, and told me I'd be able to figure it out with the videos on the website, especially since I'm a Physical Therapist.

Next, we headed to the Capitol Building for a tour. After a ridiculous security screening (they forced me to toss my plastic Nuun water bottle pictured above), we were in for a quick video and tour.

After our tour, we finally made it back to our room to relax before heading to dinner at Founding Farmers. I got a delicious dish of scallops and butternut squash risotto, then we headed back to the hotel to get ready and go to bed early.

I laid out my gear, filled my bottles, and got all my St Patty's Day gear together.

Time for bed!

Race Day

I woke up at 5:45am, feeling completely rested (I love those Marriott beds!). I started to get ready, then headed downstairs to the hotel's starbucks to grab 2 bananas. Back to the room to get ready. S was planning on coming to my room at 6:30 since she had the bread & I had the peanut butter, but I got a text from her at 6:20 saying she just woke up. I was already getting anxious about getting there on time. I passed the time by applying as many glitter shamrock tattoos as I could.

skirt: Lululemon, tank & arm warmers: Tough Chik

Finally S arrived. I shoved down my breakfast & we headed for the metro. I was aiming to meet up with the Tough Chiks at 7:15, so we had a half hour, which we thought would be plenty. Unfortunatley the Metro was crazy. Packed trains, broken doors, and large crowds of people slowed us up BIG TIME.

Our packed train

Trying to escape the Metro

We didn't make it to the race area until 8am. Did you know the race started at 8? I definitely missed that team photo, and practically our VIP porta potties, which we got to sneak into quick before they broke down the final one. The waves were already going off, so we stood by an opening waiting for our corral.

We finally got tired of waiting, and decided to jump in and start. I came up with a race plan to work on keeping my knee happy, and getting me to the finish without limping. I would start off without S, so I wasn't pressured to go out too fast. I would walk the hills that aggrevated my knee. I would walk through the water stops. I would have fun and go at whatever pace felt right. My goal time was anywhere between 2:30-3:00.

The first half of the race was a breeze it seemed. Not too many hills, I started thinking "This could be a PR race for next year."

mile 1 10:59

mile 2 10:42

mile 3 10:38

mile 4 11:35

mile 5 12:45

At mile 5, the hills started

mile 6 11:40

I met a couple Tough Chik Teammates Lindy & Katye. They were running the relay, so we spent a minute chatting before they headed off to finish their race. It was great to meet them, even for a quick minute.

I was expecting to see Kevin between mile 6 and 7, but he was nowhere in sight. I texted him during a walk break, and I must have passed him by. I was feeling good. Stopping to stretch as needed, walking when needed. The miles were clicking by fast for me, even though I was moving slow.

mile 7 12:57

mile 8 13:05

mile 9 12:32

mile 10 12:44

mile 11 12:51

mile 12 13:46

Right before the marathon split, I saw these girls I met on the metro. They were running the full marathon in a nude bodysuit with shamrocks sewn onto strategic spots if you know what I mean. They were still going strong!

I was starting to get tired. Which weirdly made me very happy. My knee has been hurting so much lately, that I've been limited by pain & haven't been able to get tired or sprint to a finish line.

mile 13 12:23

Uphill toward the finish, toward the end I picked it up to a fantastic sprint & finished strong, squeaking right in under 2:45.

After picking up some food, I headed to find S & Kevin, listen to a little music & enjoy the 70+ weather.

T finished the marathon in 3:31.. yikes!

The good

the scenery

frequent water stops & great volunteers

Race shirt

weather

The bad

the Metro

chaos waiting for food, very disorganized

Mile 9 waterstop... only 1 side of the street & narrow!

The medal... wish there was more of a DC feel to it!

I'll turn this the right way later

Overall Stats

Pace 12:35

5K 34:12

10K 1:13:08

10 mile 2:02:19

HALF MARATHON 2:44:54

overall 14074/16321

Division 2683/3027

Gender 8910/10725

Post race adventures to follow soon!

What's up next?

Don't worry, I promise I'll get to part 3 of the recap soon...

Thanks so much for all your support/encouragement on my race day report from Disney. It definitely was a difficult day, and part of what got me moving in the morning and moving throughout the race was you. Knowing that I had to report to all my readers if I chickened out or gave up is part of what gave me the strength to go on.

So Thank You.

What do I have my eyes set on next?

The Rock N Roll DC Half Marathon is less than 9 weeks away on St. Pattys Day.

But really, the thing most on my mind is Triathlon.

In fact, I've been debating a 70.3.

If not this year, then next. It seems like there are a million to choose from.

I think one near the end of summer/ fall would be good.

I'm looking for recommendations/advice.
(Just an additional sidenote, since a few of you may be new to following. I've done sprint distance triathlons the past 2 years, but now I feel ready for more. Originally my goal was just Olympic, but now I'm really tempted by 70.3)

Do you think I'm ready for this?

Any recommendations or ideas?

Would you run that marathon?

Tonight I spend 1 hour and 40 min on my trainer, with a huge chunk of time spent watching the Biggest Loser Marathon Episode.

I haven't watched this season at all, but I wanted to watch as for the first time, every contestant ran the marathon for a chance to have a guaranteed spot in the finale and some pretty awesome cash prizes. Straight from the start I thought they looked underprepared in their cotton tshirts, lack of sunglasses in the hot sunny desert, and no fuel or water on them. 

Now I understand a lot of it is for TV. I'm sure there's a van following each contestant ready to give them water or whatever else they needed. I absolutely could not believe the conditions and the landscape of the marathon. The most un-scenic view, 40mph winds with dirt & debris flying in their faces, uneven dirt roads, in the middle of the desert. At least in years past, they've run along the coast with beautiful views, had friends & family join them, and have much better weather conditions. I would never choose to run their marathon. AWFUL. I feel angry that Biggest Loser made these contestants who have barely exercised for 3 months complete a marathon is way less than ideal conditions. 

Did you watch the Biggest Loser Marathon?

What do you think about their racing conditions?

Last night I had crazy dreams as a result of reading everyone's Rock N Roll Vegas Race Reports. I had dreams that I was at a horribly organized race with a half marathon, full marathon, and a bike race all at once. I was riding the bike race, with only 55 other people, and was rushing at the last minute to get the right gear on, and then had to weave around runners as I rode my bike throughout the course. So weird! I tried to stay asleep long enough to see what happened, but I woke up near the beginning of the race. I wonder how it turned out?

Ever have crazy race dreams?

I missed TRX this morning to try and work on feeling better, and it worked! I feel great, and managed a 24 mile trainer ride after work while watching biggest loser. Tomorrow I have a 10 mile tempo run scheduled, and we're supposed to get some snow overnight. I'm aiming to head to bed early so I can be at the gym the minute it opens. I'm afraid I won't have time to get all 10 miles in before work, but I'll try to do what I can.

What do you do if you don't have time to get all your scheduled miles in?

Don't forget to enter my Tough Chik giveaway HERE, it ends 12/10!

John Mayer, here I come! (Your questions answered, part 2!)

A while back, I had you ask me questions, and I'm still working on the answers! Here's round 2!

Penny @ Pink Hat Runner asked...

What is your favorite distance to run?

I would have to say the half marathon. It takes discipline and hard work to train to get there, and I feel so accomplished when I'm finished! (the bling doesn't hurt either!)

Out of all the races you've done, which was your favorite so far?

I have 2 races for different reasons. First one is Disney Half Marathon 2010, where I managed to convince my brother & 2 friends to run with me, and another friend to run the marathon. We had a bunch of friends come along as spectators too & had a blast. The race itself was not so good because of the weather, but it was awesome to help my brother finish his first half. I also love that you wear your bling around Disney until you go home, makes you feel like a Rockstar!

Horrible pic I know!! But it was such a big moment for us!

My other favorite would be Rock N Roll New Orleans. The race course was flat & I hit a PR, running with one of my best friends for her first half marathon finish. The post party was fun & the city of New Orleans was a blast afterwards. I wore my medal around town here too haha

What is your favorite place to eat?

Great question! My absolute favorite is the Goten, a japanese Hibachi restaurant in Sunderland, MA. They have noodles instead of fried rice & always put on a great show. I have a bunch of other loves too... Eastside Grill in Northampton (gorgonzola garlic bread), Villa Napoletana in East Longmeadow, Max's Tavern in Springfield, The Federal in Agawam. YUM!

Wells @ My Story... Chapter 2 asked...

If you could have a final meal, what would it be?

wow, what a hard question! Pick just one?? I would say a favorite meal I get at EastSide Grill. Probably gorgonzola garlic bread to start, followed by the blackened scallops with mashed sweet potatoes or their delicious risotto. For dessert a Canoli or fabulous cupcake. Now I'm getting hungry!

How did you decide the name for your blog?

I was trying desperately to come up with a catchy phrase. I thought about why I was running... to get in better shape and overall health. I'm still not wild about the title, but it works for now!

If you could have 3 pieces of gym/workout equipment for your home, what would it be?

My number one would be the TRX, no questions asked. I LOOOOVE that thing, and have been seriously considering buying one, but I don't feel like I have a good place to put it. 

My number 2 would be a lap pool. I hate getting up early and fighting for a lane at the pool. It would be nice to train/swim laps whenever I wanted.

Lastly, I think I would go with Bosu ball. They're a ton of fun for getting some great core work in!

If you could have dinner with 3 famous people (alive or dead), who would you select to dine with?

I know most of you will probably laugh at my first one... Britney Spears. I am a huge fan and would love to gossip and girl talk with her. John Mayer, since I am in love with him. Jacoby Elsbury, since he is my Red Sox boyfriend!

John Mayer's gap ad <3

Do you prefer books or movies?

Tricky question. I love books, but now with limited time on my hands a movie is easier to get through. I am not a huge fan of books that turn into movies. I feel like so much of the story gets lost or the details changed (The Something Borrowed star was a chubby girl in the book, not some cute skinny girl!). For books I love John Grisham and Chick Lit, and movies I like girly movies, comedies and horror flicks.

Would you ever consider doing an international race? If so, what location(s) would be most appealing?

I would definitely consider an international race, but I would be nervous not speaking the language!! How would I understand the race directions, where to go, etc. I think I would only do it as part of a group going for that specific reason. To nix that whole language thing, I would definitely do the Caribbean, I was considering Puerto Rico for the Diva Half, since most people speak English there too.

Thanks for listening! Part 3 will follow eventually...

Missed part 1? Check it out HERE

Your Questions answered! part 1

A while back, I was tagged in the Q & A game, and begged you guys to ask me questions!

Stephanie!

Amanda @ Running in the right direction asked....

Favorite time of year?

Definitely summer! I love all things that go along with summer. Beach trips, vacation, corn on the cob, more outdoor exercise, triathlons, sun tans, grilling, and sunshine!

Beach trip + Vacation = even better!

How do you fuel for a run? Before, during, after?

short runs, I may have half a luna bar or some almonds, but usually nothing. For long runs, I typically have a piece of organic whole wheat toast with organic peanut butter & banana, and some water. During my longs I use Honey Stinger pomegranate chews & waffles. After my long runs we always hit Panera to refuel with a breakfast sandwich & sometimes I'll make myself a protein smoothie at home.

What's one of your favorite blogs? Why?

My favorite has to be Beth @ Shut Up and Run, because literally I am laughing out loud every time I read her posts. She takes the common stuff of training, and the silly things that happen to her & always turns them into a hilarious story to tell! Adam @ The Boring Runner comes a close second for hilarious blog reading.

Erin @ See Mom Run Far asked...

What is your dream race?

GREAT question! I hadn't really thought about this one before, my "dream race" initially was the Disney Marathon, the reason I started running, but that dream is becoming a reality. My next dream would be Florida 70.3, which actually goes through parts of Disney too! I'm a ways off from a 70.3, but a girl can dream, right?

Which would you rather have, super endurance or super speed?

I think I would have to say super endurance. It would be awesome to run a ton of miles, or be able to complete iron distance triathlons without a problem.

What foods are your biggest temptations?

Definitely sweets. Ice cream, peanut butter cups, chocolate, YUM! I don't allow myself to keep things like that in the house, because I know I would cave. Instead if I am really dying for a bowl of ice cream, 

we head to the shop down the street.

source

Tricia @ Endurance isn't only Physical asked...

Whats your favorite AND least favorite thing about blogging?

My favorite part has to be the support, and encouragement from all of my followers who push me to become a better runner/athlete then I ever though possible. I love to hear how I've inspired others, and learn about new products & gear. My least favorite is time time consumption. It takes time to write posts, read other blogs, work on giveaways, etc. Sometimes I wonder how other bloggers do it all!

Suzy @ Running on My Time asked...

What do you love about running? What do you not like?

I love how I feel when I'm finished, strong and accomplished. I love that its found me new friends and great experiences, and many more to come. I don't like the time it takes to finish a long run (zaps almost half my sunday), or waking up early to do it, but I'm a bad night time runner.

What is your favorite place to exercise?

Running through the streets of Longmeadow or Forest Park. 

What is your favorite Race?

My favorite race I've done has to be the Rock N Roll Mardi Gras (Race Report HERE), but the triathlon I completed today came pretty close! If I had some friends doing the race with me, it definitely would have won!

Me & Shelley @ Rock N Roll Mardi Gras!

That's all for now! Look for part 2 soon!

Rock N Roll Providence Race Report

Pre-Race

After a late night at the Sox game, we got a late start heading toward Providence. We made a quick shopping trip to the Wrentham outlets (helloooo vacation clothes!), we headed to Providence. We settled into the Marriott downtown, then Shelley, her mom and I head to the Expo!

We picked up our bibs, then headed for merchandise and vendors. Unfortunately after picking out some official race gear, we heard the expo was closing at 5. Whoops!! We thought it closed at 6, so we had to rush to finish and get through all the booths. It certainly didn't stop me from spending, yikes! I spent a ton!

Official race gear- Rock Providence Hoodie & Rock N Roll black tank, the NEW Moving comfort Rebound Racer, a new pink sweaty band, a live.love.run. bracelet from Gone for a Run, Race hat (not pictured here) from Gone for a Run, Running Skirts Mums Pinkalicious running skirt, Raw Threads Rock Star Half Marathon shirt (not pictured).

We were in such a rush, we didn't even have time to take silly pictures. I felt rushed through all the booths, which maybe was a good thing to keep me from buying more, or a bad thing to keep me from thinking rationally as my credit card racked it up. 

New outfit! <3

After the expo, we walked back to the hotel, making sure to scope out the race start setup. Corrals, bathrooms, stage, beer tent. We hit Fire & Ice for dinner. It reminded me of my college stir-fry station where you picked anything you want and had them grill it up in front of you. Bonus? I got to be picky, and my meal was a million times better than the Crazy Lobster in New Orleans.

Early to bed with the race gear all laid out. The forecast was rain, rain, rain for race day. I crossed my fingers that they rain would hold off until afternoon. Oh by the way, Shelley told me Saturday instead of 2:20, she wanted to try for 2:15. What??!! Unbelievable! "We only have to hit a 10:30 pace, let's try." What the hell, I agreed!

Running Skirts Pink Princess Skirt, Under Armour Tank, Pink CEP socks, Gone for a Run hat.

Race Day

After waking up, I peeked my head out the window to see rain. LOTS of rain. YUCK. I got dressed and had my pre-race bread with peanut butter & banana. I txt'd Shelley to make sure she was up and to hear about the rain. Filled my Nuun and water bottles, got my Honey Stinger chews & stashed a waffle in my pouch. Shelley and I went to the hotel lobby, and instantly I thought "DAMN, I forgot the trash bags!" Luckily the front desk had a couple extra.

We walked down to the race start, and waited, and waited. I wish we had stayed in a little longer at the hotel, but I always get nervous about not being to a race on time. We waited, and waited, hiding under a tree, until heading to our corrals.

wet, but ready to go!

The race got started a little late, but soon we were on our way, aiming for 10:30 miles, dreading the hills we knew were ahead of us, and focusing on our breathing, and keeping our energy up. We started with a decent hill, which was thankfully followed by a nice downhill. 

Mile 1 10:10

A little fast, but we were feeling good. Mile 2-5 were killer hills. We met a girl from Groton, CT who was aiming for a 2:15 as well, and asked if she could tag along. We talked about races and slogged up the hills, and killed the downhills to try to keep our paces up. We were feeling strong and calm. Our pace felt easy to us, crazy for how slowly we've been doing our long runs. At one really big hill we saw one of the wheelchair racers taking on the hill using his legs to push up the hill backwards, since he didn't have use of his arms. So amazing and inspiring.

mile 2 10:35

mile 3 10:20

mile 4 10:28

mile 5 10:41

The rain got heavier at times, but felt great to keep cool. Every now and then, we got a tease of a cool breeze which helped us feel refreshed to stay on track. At the water stop a little after mile 5, there was a sign that read "Next hill at 7.8 miles." That was heaven to hear! Especially with the downhills that followed. There were tons of HUGE puddles, and water logged streets. We had to be careful not to slip on the downhills. We stayed consistent and pretty much on target, feeling good the entire time.

mile 6 10:25

mile 7 10:26

mile 8 10:36

Problem was, that at mile 7.8, the hills were ROUGH.

mile 9 11:00

mile 10 10:41

Our pace slowed a little, they were starting to get to me. I was looking forward to seeing Kevin, my mom, sister & Shelley's mom at the 11 mile marker. They were no where to be found. I started losing steam at this point. Not seeing family threw me for a loop, I was counting on their positive energy! We finally caught them at mile 12.

mile 11 10:37

mile 12  10:41

Kevin caught one shot of me!

At that point, Shelley started sprinting to her mom and I couldn't keep up. I started to really feel it. My arms were sore, my quads were killing me, and my breathing felt rough. I tried to focus my breathing and stay in tune for a strong finish.

mile 13 10:28

An uphill finish, how cruel!! I had to stop for a minute until a guy yelled at me that alls I had was a 100 yard dash left, I picked it up, then glanced at my watch. YIKES! My 2:20 goal was almost passing, 2:19 on the Garmin, I sprinted as fast as I could, and just barely squeaked in!

Overall Stats

Pace 10:40

5K 32:22

10K 1:05:13

10 mile 1:46:17

12 mile 2:07:58

HALF MARATHON 2:19:44

overall 3454/5756

Division 483/803

Gender 1848/3579

OH YES! PR by over 5 minutes from Rock N Roll Mardi Gras!!

After crossing the finish, Shelley was waiting for me, she finished 42 seconds ahead of me. We got our soggy, post race pics taken, grabbed some food and went to find our families. I hit the med tent to get some ice for my knee which was a little sore, but overall I was feeling good.

I grabbed my free beer, and shortly after everyone but Kevin and I left because of the rain. I was soaked already, I didn't care! Kevin and I listened to a little Sugar Ray...

Then hit Panera for my post race breakfast. I wasn't hungry at all following the race, but an hour or so later, I was craving my Panera!

After that, we headed back to the hotel in the rain. The only downside was the weather for the post-party!

Overall it was a fun race! Very organized, LOTS of post race food, fabulous medal, and a PR on a challenging course doesn't hurt either! I'm feeling sore, but nothing like my previous half marathons. Could it be that I'm finally getting used to this distance?

Next half.... Divas Half Marathon in Long Island, NY!