Hot Chocolate 15K (Race Recap)

Denver, CO
Sunday, October 5
First 15K, instant PR!
Weather - chilly before the start, then pretty perfect

Saturday

Supposedly NO race day pick-up for the Hot Chocolate Race (which is a lie), so we headed over to the National Western Complex to pay $5 to pick up our gear. We were received a 3/4 zip jacket instead of the usual race shirt, and a neat feature was being able to try on the jacket while you were there so you could exchange if it didn't fit. They were a bit more fitted than expected, but I still kept my original size. I didn't buy anything, but there was a lot of merchandise and a few additional vendors (the norm - Sweaty Bands, Skirt Sports and Gypsy Runner).

Sunday

The 15k started at 7:50 and they suggested being in your corral by 6:30 (Can you hear me laughing from way over here?) We dropped off the kids and picked up my dad around 6:15. About a 20-25 minute drive to my work parking garage, where we would only be about 5 blocks to the start area. We arrived just as the 5k was starting (7:00), and in the amount of time it took us to use the bathrooms (no line) and watch my dad try to pin his bib on, the fastest runners had already completed the race. We dawdled around until about 5 minutes before the race started, quick bag drop, and got into our corrals.

Capital building on one side of the street

Civic Center Building on the other

L was in the fastest corral, I was in the one behind her, and my dad was two behind me. I started around 7:53. I have had a bizarre string of "fast" and short runs the last few days and was interested to see how the day would go.

First off, there were only 4 aid stations, and I had decided to use my new Orange Mud handheld (use code BECKASPEEPS to save 10% if you are dying to have one as well!) in lieu of a belt. It turned out to be AWESOME, and all my fluid was grape Nuun. I started in the very back of my corral and tried to take it easy the first mile. When the mile beeped, I was surprised to see it just over 10 minute pace, I had thought it felt slower.

My heart rate never felt elevated and I never had the fire calves, but my lower legs and feet did go numb for about half the race. I walked a bit longer through the first aid station hoping to loosen it up. And THEN, for the first time in probably four years, I had to stop and tie my shoe?!?  I kept my arm sleeves on for the first few miles, gloves stayed on until mile 3 or 4.

Between those two bouts of walking, I felt great until about mile 4, which is when I started to get kind of hot and tired. I was wearing the Newton Fate, which I wore during my last marathon, and they just did NOT seem as comfortable as they did on the dirt. So that was a bummer.

I had thought the course would be similar to that of Denver RnR, but it wasn't. I didn't take any pictures of the course because nothing was interesting. Except my favorite Team Beef guys:

On an out and back section (I was just under 6 miles), I saw both L and Heather. They looked like they were cruising! I saw Ross ahead of me and it took until the last aid station around mile 7.5 for me to catch him.

I don't even remember the last part of the course. Since the race finishes less than a half mile from my office, everything was familiar and I started pushing for the finish with about a half mile to go. I ended feeling pretty good.

There was live tracking, so L knew exactly when I was finished and texted me where they were so I could find them.

No idea what is in my pocket. Gloves?

Pretty sure I have food chocolate in my mouth 

We chatted for a bit with Heather and Dan before heading to the finish area to wait for my Dad, who ended up finishing right as we walked over.

My Dad looks stunned :D

Cool medal, delicious chocolate. A bit pricey, but I would probably do again.

Official Time - 1:37:34
Overall Place - 1653/3110
Gender Place - 11628/2407
Division Place - 229/483
Official 5K - 32:54
Official 10K - 1:05:55
Garmin Time - 1:37:36
Garmin Distance - 9.39 miles
Garmin Pace - 10:24
Mile 1 - 10:04
Mile 2 - 10:42
Mile 3 - 10:29
Mile 4 - 10:14
Mile 5 - 10:56
Mile 6 - 10:26
Mile 7 - 10:32
Mile 8 - 10:28
Mile 9 - 10:12
Mile 9.39 - 9:06 (!)

Thoughts:

• I really don't like to pay to go to an expo. $5 isn't that bad I GUESS, but I hate not having any other option.
• This was CRAZY organized. Really, very easy to navigate, everything clearly marked. Zero complaints about organization.
• PLENTY of bathrooms at the start and on the course.
• "Treats" at every aid station, although I actually did not partake in that.
• Cool finisher mug with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue.
• Nice jacket, I may actually wear in the winter for running, if I venture outside.
• Not a super great course, but mostly flat and pretty fast (if you happen to be a fast runner).
• Overall, I would recommend this race.

Runapalooza Half Marathon (Race Recap)

Saturday, August 23
Arvada, CO
Half Marathon #114
Colorado Half #50
Weather - SUNNY, warm

One of the last races put on by All-Out-Multisport that I haven't run yet was the Runapalooza. Located about ten minutes from my house, it was a no brainer. Even though the race started at 7, we didn't need to drop off the kids until about 6:15. We arrived with more than a half hour to spare, but the parking lots were already pretty full. I think this was one of the first races this series has sold out, so it was more crowded than usual.

We were able to use the bathrooms inside the rec center, so that was nice. We headed outside with about 8 minutes to spare, knowing that the race director is so chatty that we would likely start late anyway. PS - it was SUNNY AND BRIGHT at the start.

I lined up mid to back of the back. I had a really rough week of running and I knew my legs were going to feel tired and heavy. I made it through the first mile without too much trouble, and then it was pretty much all over from there.

The entire race is run on the Ralston Creek trail - where I ran Spring Fever and the Ralston Creek half. It is not really a terrible path, it is just fairly exposed in most areas. I was pretty surprised that the shaded areas (first couple miles) didn't feel too horrible. I just was not in the mood to run. I took multiple walk breaks every mile.

This might be the best race sign I have ever seen:

There is a long mile and a half incline up around the reservoir. I had a man come up to me when the switchbacks started and tell me that he was so glad he caught me because every time he came close I would start running again. I took off and didn't see him again the rest of the race.

For me, there isn't much point in running up this hill. I am just not in the shape I used to be and it trashes my legs. So I did a lot of walking on the inclines. I had one mile that was almost 13 minutes. Womp womp. It was nice that I actually passed some people on the climb. The views were nice, if only it wouldn't have been so sunny.

Around mile 5.5 or 6 is when the course finally goes downhill before leveling out toward the end. I really do a great job of running downhill, and I passed probably 25-30 people on the backside of the hill. I still did a decent amount of run/walk intervals when it flattened out. I just did not have anything in me during this one.

Bib #677
Official Time - 2:23:22
Official Pace - 10:57
Overall Place - 146/208
Gender Place - 83/131
Division Place - 30/38
Garmin Time - 2:23:23
Garmin Distance 13.13 miles
Garmin Pace - 10:55
Mile 1 - 10:34
Mile 2 - 11:49
Mile 3 - 11:38
Mile 4 - 11:51
Mile 5 - 12:53
Mile 6 - 10:26
Mile 7 - 10:39
Mile 8 - 9:58
Mile 9 - 10:43
Mile 10 - 10:16
Mile 11 - 10:28
Mile 12 - 10:31
Mile 13 - 10:15
Mile 13.1 - 10:34

I saw Heather at the finish - she rocked the 10k and won 3rd in her AG.

We stuck around for the awards since All-Out gives out a TON of raffle prices. L and I both won free custom cones from Cold Stone.

Thoughts:

• All-Out puts on a great race. The course is always well-marked and the aid stations are always well-stocked with friendly volunteers. The trash is always a reasonable distance from the table so you don't have to stand there to drink (or litter).
• All her races allow for a "drop station" at the first aid station if you decide to drop gear. It all gets taken back to the start by the time people are finishing.
• The race shirts are always really nice and gender specific. This one I won't wear though because it is white and it is too see through for me. (Sorry, no pic - just imagine the poster above as the logo on the front on a thin white shirt).
• The medals have gotten much better. She gives medals for all distances, and each one is distance specific.
• Finish line has great food - breakfast burritos. My only complaint is no beer. Why not? Beer is the best :D
• The raffles are fantastic - she gives out a TON of prizes, from gift certificates to local restaurants, gift cards to massage envy and random things like water bottles. I think we have won something every race.
• Her races are very competitively prices - I think you can get in during "regular" registration for under $60.
• With all that said... I really hate the course that this was on. It's a gradual to steepish uphill for the first 5.5 to 6 miles and pretty exposed. It is not AS bad during the cooler months, but this was not a lot of fun in the hot sun.
• 7 is still pretty late to start. I will keep petitioning for a 6:30 start! It's light by then!
• I probably won't run this again, mainly because there are so many other races to do. Maybe if I have nothing on my calendar next year...

Keep It Tight (You Rock My Socks Off!!)

I am a sucker for running products and apparel. Whatever the latest and greatest brand or product is, I am in line to try it out. I'm pretty terrible about remembering to actually do reviews of the products that I have tried.

Bored at work yesterday, I was reading some of my older blog entries and came across one (from August, 2010), where I tried compression socks for the first time. I have been a huge fan of funky knee socks since my teenage years. And compression socks made that totally acceptable, EVEN FOR RUNNING.

Personally, I think they are adorable, especially when paired with a cute running skirt.

My go-to brand for socks is of course Pro Compression. What do I love about them?

• MADE IN THE USA. It is SO rare to find something made in the United States anymore, and I love supporting products that are made here.
• Funky colors! I have socks in every color of the rainbow, as well as a few of their "limited edition" socks like the "Retro" sock that was just released this month. AREN'T THESE AMAZING?

• They actually have socks that fit my feet!! Unlike most brands, there is a "third" size! I wear a 6.5-7 in shoes, so it is a bummer to wear a ladies sock that is meant for sizes 6-10. That inevitably means that the heel isn't going to sit right and there will be to much fabric. The XS is perfect for me!
• Most of the time I wear the knee socks, but once in a while I like a low sock so I can try to even out my runner tan line. I love that they make a compression ANKLE sock (and still in the funky colors!)
• They run specials EVERY month. They choose a "sock of the month" and offer for 40% off, with FREE SHIPPING. That makes their socks very competitively priced at just $30! The code this month is JULY and is actually good on their entire product line!

 Join me in the sock revolution!!!

The yellow socks were the perfect addition to my Donald costume!

Slacker Half Marathon (Race Recap)

Georgetown, CO
Saturday, June 22
Half Marathon #86
Colorado Half #26
Weather - Sunny and warm

Back in February, I added the Slacker half marathon to my schedule. I had received a Zozi offer (think Groupon) and it cost only $25! L had run this race before, while I was racing in Russia two years ago. A few things I didn't consider when I signed up for this.

• How sore I was going to be after running Bighorn 50k the week before. I did NOTHING for three days, and then ran a slow and painful 3.5ish miles on Wednesday.
• STILL having IT band issues.
• L saying that even though it is deemed as a "slacker" downhill race, it is NOT and that she was the most sore she'd ever been after running it. Great.

Alarm was set for 4:38 am, although I woke up before that and couldn't get back to sleep. Annoying. I took the time to tape  my knee again (hoping for miracles again), as well as my ankle. Remember when I said I had rolled my ankle during Bighorn? I didn't realize how sore it was until I tried to run on Wednesday. Ouchie.

We left the house at 5:15 and drove to meet Hope so she could ride up with us. Pick up at Lake Georgetown was easy and the view was beautiful.

We cycled through the bathroom lines before getting on the bus that would take us up the road to the starting area at the Loveland ski area.

I was really happy that I had remembered to wear a throwaway sweater, it was in the 40's at the start. Poor Hope was freezing because she hadn't brought one. We had about an hour until the race started, so all we did was cycle through the bathroom lines over and over.

Due to the long lines (and possibly shuttle issues), the race started about 15 minutes late. Annoying, as I know how hot it gets once the sun comes up.

View from the start

No real goals for this race, except of course to not die and to finish. Secret goal of sub 2:30, but it was all going to depend on how my body felt about running another race so soon after Bighorn.

We lined up somewhere around the middle and getting onto the dirt path was a complete cluster. Very crowded! There were some tiny water crossings that we had to cross, and then we got  onto a nice bike path. I was hoping to not have to walk this course and just take things easy. We made it to the first aid station (which was NOT all downhill, there were a few uphills mixed in there) and it just had water.

I made it until somewhere after mile 3 or 4 before I had to take my first walk break. Nothing really HURT, I was just really fatigued and everything below the waist just sort of felt tight and crampy. Saw this pretty tiny waterfall off the side of the course somewhere after mile 4:

We had the luxury of being on the nice, shaded bike path until the first relay exchange which was at mile 5.75. Then we got routed onto the frontage road for I-70. Arguably, that is where the race got pretty tough for me. We lost all the shade that we had and then there was a nice uphill until we got to the next aid station at mile 6.

I don't remember much of the course between miles 6 and 11. The trees were all very green and it was pretty, it was just really hot and I wasn't running nearly as well as I had hoped I would be.

We ran past the Georgetown railroad station and then noticed that we were suddenly up WAY higher than the river. How did that happen? It was right next to us at the start...

We had some really nice downhill until we hit about mile 12. Then we had to exit off the "highway" and run through historic Georgetown to get to the finish. It was a dirt road, it was hot and it was no longer downhill. All hopes of 2:30 down the drain as Hope and I walked probably a half mile until right before we could see the finish:

I think I'm yelling - "we can totally take that chick!"

 

Official Time - 2:33:56

Overall Place - 951/1335

Gender Place - 586/894

Division Place - 110/153

Mile 1 - 11:46

Mile 2 - 10:48

Mile 3 - 11:36

Mile 4 - 11:29

Mile 5 - 11:06

Mile 6 - 10:44

Mile 7 - 12:22

Mile 8 - 11:06

Mile 9 - 11:29

Mile 10 - 11:49

Mile 11 -  11:32

Mile 12 - 10:26

Mile 13 - 10:41

Mile 13.42 - 6:45 (yeah, walking pace...)

L had obviously been done for a while, so once again, we got our awesome finish line pictures! We got some Popsicles and then wandered around looking for the place we got our medals (they give them to you with your shirt and swag at the finish?) 

I slammed part of a beer and then we made sure to get our finisher picture:

INKnBURN Sugar Skull top, Lululemon pace setter skirt, Brooks pure flows (I KNOW).

 It was about a 1.5 mile walk to back where our car was (or you could take a shuttle, but we didn't want to wait).

Thoughts:

• Don't be fooled into thinking this is an "easy" race, although FOR ME, this did NOT feel as hard as the Georgetown to Idaho Springs race (same concept of running along I-70, but two different starting areas). Two days later and my legs are NOT sore, so I likely didn't really give this my all.
• I wore my Brooks Pure Flows for the first time on a run in AGES. I know, risky business. I remembered to swap out my insoles for the custom ones I have and they felt fine.
• Thank goodness for running with Hope! I had forgotten my iPod, so it was nice to have someone's ear to chat off. I have now run enough races sans music that it isn't nearly as big a deal as it used to be, although when I'm alone it can help make those difficult miles more bearable.
• Aid stations were about every 2 miles, although after mile 8 there was one at mile 9, mile 11, and then a surprise one around mile 12.5. Stopped at EVERY SINGLE ONE and walked longer than I normally do.
• The first 2 aid stations did not have Gatorade, so plan accordingly.
• Be sure to bring warmer clothes for the start, it was in the 40's. They do have a bag drop, but I knew once I got done I would not need the warmer clothes, so the throwaway option was better for me.
• Swag at the end, so know that in advance because there was no one TELLING us that at the end. Long sleeve shirt (unisex size - even the smallest size is huge on me). Fun neon green color this year.
• Liked the medal - having seen the ones from years past, they really improved on this.
• They had nice beer at the finish (wish I could remember which brew, but I can't), as well as soda and hot dogs.
• I likely would not run this one again, unless I got a super sweet deal again to make it super cheap.
• Not specifically race related, but now that I am winding down on  my planned races for the summer, I really plan on working on (hopefully) getting some strength and endurance back and HOPEFULLY I can pick back up some of my speed I have lost over the last few years. I would love to get back to running a solid 2:10-2:15 race again.

Raffle Winners!!

Thank you SO much to everyone that donated during my raffle! I am a bit more than halfway to my fundraising goal, and of course, if you can, donations will be accepted HERE.

Random.org picked the winners:

Pro Compression socks -Suzanne Westenhofer
Pro Compression socks - Heather Gonzalez
Nuun (2 tubes) - Suzanne Westenhofer
$25 INKnBURN Gift Card - Renee Taylor
Black Newton Visor - Alex Dietrich
Yellow Newton Visor - Sarah Jordan
$25 INKnBURN Gift Card - Lisa Jameson


Email me ASAP with your name, mailing address and phone number to squirrelgirl44 (at) hotmail (dot) com and I will get your prizes sent out.

Again, thank you so much to everyone, especially Pro Compression and Newton that donated the goods for my raffle.

(Speaking of Pro Compression, the "sock of the month" is YELLOW - which is AWESOME, and you can pick them up for 40% off using the code SOM5).

Three Things Thursday

1. Now that I (hopefully) have the knee under control, I'm still back to a problem/ache that has been bothering me on and off for practically ever. I asked my PT about it, but with insurance limiting my visits and the main concern being the knee, it hasn't been addressed.

The damn tight calves. It is super painful, and it really prevents speed and duration. I have done NUMEROUS things on my own to try to fix this:

• Stretch - before and after
• Epsom salt baths
• Foam roll (also stick & lacrosse ball)
• Compression socks/sleeves pretty much 24/7

I don't know what else to try, but it SUCKS and I want to get it taken care of. When it  strikes while running, the only thing that gives me any relief is walking. And that's obviously counter-productive.

2. I am running a 50k on Saturday. OF COURSE I AM. Doesn't that make sense after the last few months I've been having? Only my 3rd 50k and only a few weeks after my last one. I'm sure it will be fiiiiiiiiiiiiiine......

3. Today is L's birthday! We are going to lunch, having dinner/cake with the family and THEN we are going to the Madonna concert!! Happy XXth Birthday, L!!

Random Midweek Things...

Texas is one of my top three states to run in. It's pretty close to drive to (well, the northern part, anyway) and it has a TON of races in months when Colorado does NOT. Today I registered for TWO races there (don't worry, Coach, you approved these!):

Palo Duro trail 50K (October 20) and...
Rocky Raccoon 50 MILE (February 3)

Any of my ultra friends planning on being at these? I'm pretty excited for both of them. I'm camping for Palo Duro (I know!) but would love to find a roommate for a hotel for RR... Anyone?

PFTW (little late since it's half over):

Sunday - Munchkin Mile, Yoga
Monday - 3 easy
Tuesday - off
Wednesday - 4 easy
Thursday - Off (but maybe some kickboxing), stretching
Friday - Off
Saturday - 2 easy
Sunday - SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON!!

In other randomness:

Look what came in the mail from running skirts yesterday!

They weren't supposed to ship until next week, so imagine my surprise when they were in my mailbox yesterday. WHAT FUN COMPRESSION SOCKS!!!

Pro Compression has a new sock of the month!! I'm on the fence about buying them, but bet I will cave since I have NEVER found red compression socks:

Using code SOM712 will score you these bad boys for $30, free shipping! (code is only good on that particular sock, supplies limited, valid through 7/28)

And... Run Pretty Far released some new styles of tanks! I picked up this one for Palo Duro!

Did you know that Brooks makes PureFlows for kids???? I DIE. A is begging for these... I think I'm going to get them since I have a 25% off for RoadRunner (even though I am still pretty furious with them):

Lastly... am I the last person on earth to really notice InkNBurn??? If it wasn't so expensive, I'd own a couple of these pieces. Their skirts? Camisoles? Shorts? KIDS TOPS??? I'm in freaking love. They are supposed to be at the expo in San Fran this weekend - I totally plan on trying stuff on and maybe treating myself to ONE item...

Pro Compression Socks

I first heard about Pro Compression when I did SoCal Ragnar back in April - they were awesome enough to sponsor our team. The first pair of socks I got from them? YELLOW. No one else makes yellow compression socks!!

They are launching a new program where they will release special "sock of the month" colors of their marathon style. Want to try them in... ELECTRIC ORANGE?

Source

I personally cannot WAIT to try them. I love orange! In addition to the new color, if you order before July 10, you can save 40% off the $50 sticker price AND get free shipping. Only $30?? You need these! Use the code SOM610 when purchasing the marathon electric orange socks.

Seriously though, these socks are amazing. (And the colors are pretty awesome too).

From their website:

Experience maximum benefit with the Marathon full-length, graduated compression sock. Compression technology helps improve blood flow, resulting in better, more consistent performance with less fatigue and faster, more efficient recovery. In addition to improving vascular performance, Marathon compression socks provide support to critical muscles and tendons, helping reduce inflammation and soreness.

Put it all together for the perfect sock for endurance, recovery and travel.


Features 

• Full-length, graduated compression design for maximum blood flow
• Non-slip design, even after hours on your feet
• Lightweight construction for incredible feel
• Blended materials provide maximum comfort and support
• Moisture control keeps you dry during your biggest efforts
• Made in USA

They come in three different sizes, which is a HUGE benefit to me since I have tiny feet. Most other brands don't really work for me because the socks are too big. So hurry and pick up a pair of these - limited supply!

Not So Fabulous Friday

And the walls came crumblin' down...

I look forward to Friday. Every week. Friday is the only day of the week that I stop and get a Starbucks on my way to work - venti iced coffee with 5 pumps of white mocha and a shot of espresso. Today I was in an ESPECIALLY good mood for two reasons:

1. I finally earned all my money to run with Team AHEPA in the Athens, Greece marathon.
2. I am only .2 pounds away from my goal weight (a weight I have not been in... years).

So even though traffic has been suckier than usual, even leaving at my regular time, I was still 15 minutes late. Between the construction and getting EVERY.SINGLE.LIGHT.RED, I usually have a very stressful drive in (my commute is between 45 min and an hour each way. But on Friday I don't usually care... because I know in 8 short hours I'm out the door.

Friday is also the only day I actually leave the office and take a lunch. Usually I sit at my desk and eat a frozen dinner. How sad is that. I drive into Boulder, go to Whole Foods and indulge in their fabulous salad bar. Today was no exception. I got a better-than-usual salad and brought it back to the office. And then... around 2:00 my boss called me into her office. A two minute conversation and all of a sudden my job that I've had for 6.5 years was cut from a full-time position to part-time. Just.Like.That. Effective immediately, I no longer work an 8 hour day. I work a 5 hour day. I work for a super small company. And I know that we have had a rough few years, sales have been way down. They cut my hours because I'm hourly. And then know that I will be forced to quit because I cannot support my family on a part-time job. I'm a single mom!! By forcing me to quit, they don't have to pay me unemployment.

**** **** **** **** !!!!!

I graciously leave for the day (early) without totally flipping out. Quite an accomplishment, I was seething by the time I left. Good news is, I had time for a "relaxing" run.

West Big Dry Creek Trail - Friday, August 20


Hot outside... almost 90 degrees when I headed out.

I was feeling pretty cranky, but I must say that I looked adorable:

Most awesome running skirt ever, and compression socks!!

The first 20 minutes felt GREAT. I looked at my watch and knew I was pacing too fast but I couldn't seem to slow down. I was cycling a great mix on my iPod and I think my work rage had given me some (short term) energy... it all came crashing down after the halfway point. I ran out of fluid. Again. It's like I never learn. 16-20 oz is NOT enough when it's this hot out. I was super tired and hot and fatigued on the way back. I walked a lot more than I usually do. Which of course got me even MORE worked up over my dumb job :(

I still made decent time - finishing 6.55 miles in just under 70 minutes. It was too hot to continue running outside, but I still had some pent up energy/anger, so I headed over to the gym since I still had a bit of time before I had to pick up A.

Treadmill - Friday, August 20

Blah. So. In conclusion:

1. I put in my two weeks notice... over email. The pay/hours they have reduced me to is less than I would make if I was on unemployment. Between that and the 2 hours I spend commuting, I can say it's totally not worth it to bother staying on. Which essentially puts me without a job by the time I'm on a plane heading to Kaua'i.
2. I went to my first adult gymnastics class last night and my "glory days" are back in the sense that I could still do a roundoff into three back handsprings and I didn't break my neck. I'm paying for it today, I haven't been this sore since I took my first BodyPump class last year.