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Race Recap: 2018 Rock N Roll Seattle Half Marathon

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Rama Disclaimer: I received a free entry to Rock N Roll Seattle Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

This was not my best race. After getting sick, finishing a new job and then starting a new one, training was not a top priority for me. Instead of running the full, I had to run the half because I was not feeling well going into race day.

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Expo:
I left work a bit early and arrived at the expo around 5:30pm. When I got to CenturyLink Event Center there was no one there. I am not joking, there was no one at bib check in or waiting in line. I got my bib in five minutes and then headed over to the Brooks merchandise. Most of it was the same as San Francisco so I headed into the Expo. Said hi to my local Fleet Feet who were manning the On Running and Trigger Point Performance booths, then searched for more free swag. I got a sweet Toyota waterproof bag, some sunglasses from Visit Seattle and free hummus. I spent a little less than an hour at the expo.

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Race Day
The race course was different from previous years which meant a very early wake up call for me. My boyfriend drove me to the start line but we had many issues. First, Rock N Roll did not give clear road closure times, so driving from Ballard and taking a left toward Seattle Center was impossible. We were told multiple times we couldn’t drive over Queen Anne because of closures even though they were posted as 6am or the map was not updated. So, after finally making it to the Uptown neighborhood and finding a free spot (score!)  we made it to the start line.

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The wave start was really nice and it made it much easier to start than in years past! The new course started at Seattle Center we ran around Queen Anne along Lake Union, into Capitol Hill and on to Mercer to finish back at Seattle Center.

As the miles went on the course got hillier and hillier. Around mile 8 I realized we were in for a lot of hills as we made our way into Capitol Hill. I was in a lot of pain an ended up run/walking the rest of the miles. The super steep “King of the Hill” section was not necessary at all. Not only was it painful but I almost tripped over people who would stop mid hike up it. After that Interlaken felt extremely difficult. 

When we turned onto Mercer I was super happy until I was told to run next to an oncoming traffic lane. I was really tired and was concerned that I would clip a car as we veered off onto 6th Avenue. Let’s just say I was very happy to see the finish line!

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The finish chute was standard, the medal this year was great! I found my boyfriend quickly and we headed out to get brunch.

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My recommendation to Rock N Roll is to use last year’s course or  to take out all of the hills. I know Seattle is hilly but it doesn’t need to be hills on hills on hills. I would also love to have more entertainment . There wasn’t a lot out there this year.

If you want to run this race, wait until they release the course. I would not run this course again. But if you live in the Greater Seattle Area, I do recommend running this race since it’s almost always perfect running weather.

Race Recap: Big Sur 21 Miler 2018

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Disclaimer: I received a free entry to 2018 Big Sur 21 Miler as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

After a very long week at work I can finally sit down and write about my Big Sur experience. I will say I had a few hiccups in my training with getting sick a few weeks ago but I will say I finished one very very hard and scenic race.

Big Sur 21 Miler Medal

Mushābani Expo
We flew into San Jose and then drove to Carmel super late on Friday. We managed to wake up early enough to make it to the expo by 9:30am on Saturday. Bib pickup was super quick and even though there was a sign saying no transfer and all distances sold out, my boyfriend was able to register for the 5k! We went back to the expo hall and got our shirts and gear bags. I love the shirt I got, the heather purple is great! The 5k shirt was a super soft cotton, by boyfriend will definitely wear it.

Big Sur 21 miler shirt and merch

Race day outfit

The expo is small but there was plenty to do. Hoka One One had a huge booth and I learned more about shoes and what I should try next. The local lululemon was there screenprinting shirts. I love mine and it was worth the wait! The Big Sur merchandise was awesome. I got a custom BOCO Gear beanie, socks, and an enamel pin. I will say all the volunteers at the expo were stellar. During bib pick up they gave us directions and advice on where to park on race day, which was super helpful.

We left around 11:30am, drove to lululemon Monterrey to see what the surprise was if you showed your Big Sur bib. Both me and my boyfriend got pint glasses and a free beer after the race at a local brewery.  We headed back to the hotel for a nap and some exploring in Carmel. Before dinner we explored Carmel Beach and downtown Carmel. We headed to bed around 9pm since we had an early morning ahead of us.

Carmel Beach

purchase Neurontin Race Day

Big Sur 21 Miler Start

I did not sleep well the night before the race. The elevation and the distance freaked me out. I woke up a few times which meant the 3:15am wake up was brutal. I did eat something as we headed off to the parking lot to drop me off.

The buses were a bit disorganized, they finally arrived at 4:25am and we took off. My bus along with a few others passed the 21 Miler start line and kept going to Big Sur. This was terrifying since none of us on the bus had cell phone reception and kept telling the driver to turn around and go back. We finally made it to the start around 5:40am. Luckily for me there was no line for the port-a-potties and I grabbed a cup of coffee to stay warm.  Thankfully, we started right at 6:30am and had to walk up a steep hill before we reached the timing mat. The weather was perfect, 55 degrees and overcast. I was still a bit cold but we started running up a hill right from the start so I warmed up pretty quick.

The first five miles were long rolling hills that had amazing views of the coast. I was feeling good and knew that Hurricane Point was coming up and needed to save energy. The view leading up to Hurricane Point was gorgeous! Even though the next 2.5 miles of hill were visible in the distance, the view was well worth it for the run downhill into the valley.

Taiko Drummers at Hurricane Point

By the time, I got to Hurricane Point I decided I was going to speed walk up much of hill. Since I’ve started tail running I’m used to ‘hiking’ up long steep inclines at a consistent pace. Hiking this section of the course allowed me to take in the view and keep my heart rate down so I could conserve energy.

There were taiko drummers at the base of the climb which was great entertainment and kept me going into the first part of the climb. Another fun feature of was the mile markers. Every mile of Big Sur has a cartoon mile marker and the ones up Hurricane Point here funny. “Hang in there” was the theme of the three and they made me laugh and take my mind off the hill. About a half mile from the top I was passed by a bunch of official marathon vehicles and then the lead pack of marathoners. Major props to them for racing one very hilly course.

Part way up Hurricane Point

Running downhill after the 2.5 miles of Hurricane Point felt amazing and the view of Bixby Bridge was also a welcome sight. The Piano Player right after the bridge is the halfway mark of the full marathon which mean there were 13.1 long miles ahead of me. I took a few photos and kept my run/walk going up and down the ‘rolling hills’.

Mile marker 11 of Big Sur

Around mile 14 I took a quick pit stop and as I was exiting it started to rain. It wasn’t that much rain but the rain caused my entire body to get cold and cramp over the course of the next mile and the last 6.2 miles were painful. Running up hills were almost impossible entering the Carmel Highlands. I kept telling myself I was going to finish and that walking up each hill was ok as long as I ran the descents.

Bixby Bridge

 

Piano Player at 13.1

The Carmel Highlands are beautiful! I was not bored at all run/walking the last 4 miles and there were plenty of locals and volunteers cheering too. There was a local group that every year gives out fresh strawberries around mile 24 of the marathon and that was the fuel I needed to finish the race.

Mile 25 of Big Sur

The last big hill is at mile 25 and this year Hoka One One had their huge arch up and pump-up music blasting. A few of the Big Sur International Marathon employees were out cheering and saying congrats to all of the runners. Even though Monastery Beach was beautiful – that last hill sucked. I was so happy to see the last downhill and the finish line even though I was barely running at the finish.

Denderleeuw Post-Race

The finish chute was very organized, I was not a huge of the Marathonfoto photographers who kept pulling me aside for a photo. If anything it made it harder for me to enjoy all of the amazing volunteers and food at the finish line. The post-race food was perfect- local produce, a cookie (it was AMAZING!), chips, Dole juice, gummy bears and a banana. I was given a heat sheet and finally found my boyfriend and was ready for a shower.

I finished!!

After a shower, we explored Monterrey. Grabbed brunch at Alvarado Street Brewery and walked around cannery row. I was happy I could walk even though my quads and calves were very unhappy. I did survive the car ride back to San Jose and the flight home to Seattle.

While we were waiting for our flight home, I was able to jump on Athlinks.com and claim my race results. You can check out how I did it here, and while you’re at it, jump on and make an account too. Don’t forget to add me as a friend so we can go head-to-head in future races!

Me running into the finish line

I am not going to lie – Big Sur 21 Miler was the hardest race I’ve ever run. The views and the volunteers made every mile worth it. If you’ve never run in Northern California and are looking for a bucket list race, Big Sur is well worth it. Both Carmel and Monterrey are beautiful and are worth the visit.

 

Product Review – Adidas Ultra Boost X

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Disclaimer: I received a pair of Adidas Ultra Boost X shoes as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! 

I’m not going to lie, I was super excited to test the Adidas Ultra Boost X! I usually like a low to zero drop (the difference between the heel and forefoot heights in the shoes) shoe but the Ultra Boost X were so different and might have helped me with my speed work.

First, these are unlike anything I’ve ever felt on my feet. These shoes are very light, a size 7 weighs just 8.3 ounces! The arch of the shoe is not attached to the sole, so the shoe fits more like a sock. This was a little off putting a first- my feet did fall asleep the first few times I took them for a run. But after I got used to them my feet felt great and I did not have any shin or knee pain.

I primarily wore the Ultra Boost X for my weekly speed workouts and for short runs. I prefer very cushioned shoes for more than 5 miles. The great part about the the Ultra Boost X was that I felt great running sprints because of the Boost sole that is super responsive. I will definitely wear these for 5ks.

A few more things I love about the Adidas Ultra Boost X are:

  • The sock-like feel of the supper and arch, it made me feel like I was running in a support shoe not a neutral shoe.
  • The colors- the orange and black are fun and fashionable.
  • The Continental Tire tread- they don’t squeak on plastic floors when they get wet and I had no trouble at all running on different surfaces with them.
  • The toebox- when I first got them I thought they would seem super narrow but because of the knit upper my toes have plenty of room.

 

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I did have a few dislikes:

  • The shoelaces- they are too long, no matter which way I laced them they would still untie or flop around.
  • The price- I want to get another pair of them once these ones wear our but they are listed for $180, much more than my other shoes.

Overall, I really love the Adidas Ultra Boost X! They are great for speedwork and for my future 5k races. If you want to give them a try yourself- can buy them here, through Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Race Recap: 2017 North Olympic Discovery Half Marathon

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Disclaimer: I received a free entry to North Olympic Discovery Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! 

This past weekend I ran the North Olympic Discovery Half Marathon in Port Angeles! I went into it with high expectations that I quickly realized were wishful thinking.

The Friday before I summited Mount Saint Helens. It was over 5,000 feet of elevation and a very long trek to the top. On the glissade down I ended up face planting due to the snow conditions and tore my pants in the process. When I woke up on Saturday to leave for Port Angeles my right leg was covered in ice-burn and I have two deep purple bruises from my ice axe. Let’s just say, my legs were not feeling so good. The drive north was beautiful and we arrive to Port Angeles in good time.

Expo:
The race expo was held on Saturday only from noon to 6pm. The bib pickup was pretty organized, but due to a name mix up I had to go back and get the correct bib. I was very happy the long sleeve half zip was a womens cut! That was a wonderful surprise. We also received a reusable  gear check bag that had a place to write your bib on with a bunch of paper flyers. There weren’t many vendors at the expo, mainly local running races.

We checked into our hotel then found an early dinner. I highly recommend Barhop Brewing, their pizza and beer was great! We also swung by the natural food market for some snacks. I opted for fresh guacamole, hummus and chips which seemed to help my stomach instead of hinder it on race day.

Race Day:
Getting to the race day shuttles was a quick walk from my hotel. NODM did a great job organizing the start times for the Half and Full marathons so that it was easy to get on a shuttle to the start. The volunteers loading runners on to the shuttles were wonderful too!

After a 20 minute shuttle ride we arrived at the start line. It was an open soccer field. There was a marching band and a small shelter that had cups of water. There were also plenty of porta-potties! The lines were never too long for them which was wonderful.  I did find my fellow BibRave Pros Bradley and Jeremy  before the start! It’s always wonderful to meet fellow pros.

 

 

The start was pretty organized considering there were less than 1,000 runners. The course is relatively flat but the hills are pretty steep. I ran with someone from my Fleet Feet Seattle training program for the first 6 miles before I started to really feel my legs. By mile 10 I was not a happy camper and was having issues keeping water and my shotblocks down. I knew after mile 6 that my goal of running a small PR was a no go. I will admit, at mile 10 I did phone my BRF to have her kick my ass into gear and finish. Cassidy- you are the best BRF a girl can have. I even called my boyfriend and asked him to have a coke ready for me at the finish. Yes, coke somehow helps me intake some sugar after I finish a race, not sure why it’s the easiest thing for me to stomach but it is.

Even if the last 3.1 miles suck they were beautiful! The last 4 miles look out over the Puget Sound and are on a very flat trail. All of the volunteers on the course were wonderful too. They were super enthusiastic and did a great job giving everyone directions. I was very happy to see that finish line even though I was in a lot of pain.

The finish line was pretty well organized. I quickly got my finishers medal, a gatorade and my gear check back. There was plenty of post race food too. I didn’t really eat any of it until I got back to my hotel, I was trying to drink as much liquid as I could since I was dehydrated.

Overall I would recommend this race to anyone looking for a relatively fast course and some sweet swag. If I were to run it again, I would definitely not summit a mountain two days before. Onward to Rock n Roll Seattle Half for a PR attempt!