UA KELLY St. Patrick's Day Shamrock 5k 2016 Race Recap

This is my second year running this race.  (Here's my review of last year's race.)  I signed up again knowing full well I was likely to have a PR since my finishing time was 37:28.  I was fighting a nasty cold at the time so I knew I could beat the time.

Packet pickup was a breeze at Charm City Run's new location in Columbia.  It was a gorgeous day so they had the front doors open to get your bib and safety pins, and go back outside to get your shirt.  I was DEFINITELY impressed with it this year!  (Last year's was nice...but this one is even better!)

Front

Back

My bib!

As usual, in the days leading up to the race I watched the weather super closely.  All week the forecasts called for rain, at different times and amounts.  That being said, my outfit changed several times--short sleeves, long sleeves, shirt under a zippered shirt for layers, shorts, long windbreaker pants, etc.  You get the idea.  By the time race day arrived I had quite a pile going of the possibilities.  I ended up settling on a short sleeved shirt, knee length shorts and a long sleeved shirt.  Then naturally by the time we got to the starting area, that changed again.  I packed my rain jacket and baseball cap from the Nike half marathon in a bag that my husband held onto for me.  I was so glad I did this, because shortly after we parked in the garage it had started raining.  So I put on my hat and rain jacket and naturally it had stopped by the time we got to the starting area.  

Balloons at the starting area

The starting area as usual was super crowded, and with people weaving through the crowd got a little irritating when you don't have any elbow room.  (Then there was the person next to me who kept trying to stretch his quads and kept kicking me in the process.  And the girl in front of me who kept messing with her ponytail and every time she did I got a face full of hair.  Gross!)  But to be honest, this is all the kind of thing to be expected in large crowds like this.  After getting kicked a couple times I followed somebody to a less dense area so I could be slightly more comfortable until gun time.  

Not much space to take a good pre-race selfie.  (Sorry for the bad quality, it was raining so I took it through a plastic baggie that I used to protect my phone.)

In addition to this being my first race of the year, it was also my first race with my new Garmin Forerunner 230 with heart rate monitor. One of the interesting things about using a heart rate monitor for the race was I had a visual representation of last minute nerves right before the gun went off.  Normally at rest my heart rate on a scale of 1-5 hovers around 1.  Moments before the gun went off it jumped to 2.2 which showed that not only was I a little extra nervous, but my heart was putting the same effort as it would on an easy jog.  

During the race itself, I kept a close eye out for potholes.  Thankfully there seemed to be fewer than last year, but the few I saw were pretty bad.  I also remembered when doing last minute research on what to do during races in the rain to avoid stepping on anything metal (grates, manhole covers, etc.) and any road markings.  For the most part, this was easy to do although there was one point where I stepped on one without thinking about it.  I heard the squeak of my sneakers and managed to keep my balance and keep going.  

Going into the race, I was determined that this would be my sub-30 minute 5k.  And I got REALLY close!  My chip time ended up being 30:55 with a pace of 9:58.  I'm definitely happy with the time but there's still a little twinge of disappointment since if I had skipped one walk break I would've hit my goal.  

Post-race I met up with my husband and we went over to get in line for Miss Shirley's Cafe.  (Definitely nice post-race, but not worth the 45 minute wait since people were trying to wait out the rain.)  Since we had time to kill, I ran back over to the post-race celebration to get my banana.  After about ten minutes of trying to get to the table with post-race snacks I ended up getting stuck by the pile of bananas.  Knowing how frustrated I was with this part of it, I started grabbing bananas and offering them to people around me who were very thankful for it.  (If I couldn't go anywhere, I might as well spread the wealth, right?)  Soon afterwards I grabbed a granola bar and bag of pretzels and headed back towards the restaurant to meet up with my husband again.  

The finish line before the race!

Overall, I would probably do this race again.  Yes, it was crowded but what do you expect for a race that sells out every year?  (This year there were 4,560 finishers!)  It's also early on in the year when everybody is trying to get that first race in before a lot of the longer distance races.  (Seriously, running a shorter distance race before a longer one is fantastic for pre-race jitters!  And with this one starting at 1:15pm you can even sleep in a little bit.  What's not to like about that?!)  The course is also awesome--the first mile is a mostly gentle downhill slope then the rest is basically flat.  (Be sure to look up at least for a moment during the downhill because it is SO cool to see the sea of green ahead of you.)  The course is also fun since it goes through the Inner Harbor and past the National Aquarium.  

Did you run this race?  What do you think about it?  I'd also love to hear about other St. Patrick's Day races!

Thrifty Thursday!

This week despite it being in the 80s for the second day in a row here in Maryland, I had some great cooler weather finds!  

Athleta Striped Hatha Hoodie Sweater (Originally $98, paid $7!)  This is a cotton and cashmere blend that has a front pocket like a lot of hoodies, so it definitely helps conceal my stomach and is still lightweight.

I don't usually go for the discount mass market brands that show up in places like Kohl's, but it fits great and is in great condition!  Apt 9 asymmetrical zippered French terry jacket.  (Originally $50, paid $7.)

When I came across this sweatshirt, I definitely couldn't resist!  I went to Longwood during my first time around in college and was there when they made the name change from College to University.  (They're also going to be hosting this year's Vice Presidential debate!)  Originally $50, paid $3.50!

I'm a sucker for Athleta's Fast Track shirts and tanks.  They're always flattering and the bottom hem has bits of rubber that helps hold the shirt down during your toughest workouts!  (Originally $54, paid $10.)

Racing in the Rain

The majority of races happen rain or shine.  Occasionally they'll be cancelled or even shortened due to extreme weather conditions--thunderstorms, snow, and heat.  The Celtic Solstice that I ran last December is notorious for still going on during a major snowstorm in 2009.  Last year during the LA Marathon the temperatures hit 88 degrees and 36 people were taken to the hospital.  Last year's Marine Corp Marathon still went on despite the rain and it was unpleasant for runners (myself included), and messed up the metal detectors at the marathon security checkpoints.

So in perspective rain shouldn't be a big deal if you know how to prepare for it.  My first race of the year is on Sunday (a St Patrick's Day 5k in Baltimore) and the forecast keeps hinting that it might be rainy.  Like a lot of people, I don't like being out in the rain.  But when there's a race involved, I'll suck it up and go.  There are some things you can do to make the situation more tolerable.

- Invest in a running rain jacket.  I have an older version of this one from Brooks that I found at TJ Maxx.  (Definitely a great place to start looking!)  They keep the rain out and are still breathable so it stays comfortable throughout the run.

- Body glide up your feet and focus between your toes and any places you're prone to hot spots.  They will get wet at some point, and the body glide will help keep blisters from forming.  (It can be found at any running store.)

- Wear moisture wicking clothing and a baseball cap.  Yeah, you're going to get wet, but it'll help keep you slightly more comfortable during the run especially if it happens to slow down or stop during or after the race.  The baseball cap will help keep rain out of your eyes.

-Stay dry as long as possible pre-race.  Find an overhang and hang out there until absolutely necessary.  Or if you have family or friends spectating bring an extra umbrella so you can have one and pass it off to them before the race starts!

-Most importantly:  Embrace the suck.  Everybody's in the same boat.  Not many people want to run in adverse weather conditions.  Remain patient with everybody and show extra appreciation for volunteers on the course.  (You think it stinks running in the rain?  Think about how much less fun it is to be standing in it for much longer than it's probably going to take you to run the entire course.)

Post race is also important.  I think one of the best feelings is a hot shower after being out in the cold being rained on and then throwing on sweats so I can stay warm easier.  As far as your running shoes go, be sure to stuff them with newspaper afterwards and put them in a warm place like on top of a dryer while it's running.  The newspaper will help absorb the excess moisture in your shoes so it doesn't grow all kinds of funky bacteria that will shorten the lifespan of your shoes.

Thrifty Thursday!

This week was a great week for Lululemon finds!

Lululemon yoga Wunder Under crop pants in aquamarine at the hips, white and black in the middle. (Normally $88, paid $6!)

Lululemon knee length Astro waisted pants!  (Originally $88, paid $6!)

They also have a nice little zippered pocket on the back, and a drawstring in the hemline of each leg.

I also found these pants in a darker colors as well!
(However they were $7, not complaining though since it's still a great deal!)

Here in central Maryland, one of the local running store chains is Charm City Run.  

I found several shirts, but settled on this one.

It's from the store's 10th anniversary in 2012 and has an outline of the Baltimore skyline below the store logo.  The shirt itself is by Under Armour.  (Originally $24.99, paid $7.)  

First Outdoor Run of the Season!

My name is Holly...and I'm addicted to my treadmill.  But hear me out!!  I have good reasons.

Like reality tv shows like Top Chef and Teen Mom, which I can't watch on my tv since we don't have cable.  (They make the run go by so much faster!)

And being able to have water within arm's reach and not have to carry it!

And...it's been a rough winter.  Up until yesterday we still had some lingering snow piles in front of our house from the snow plows pushing the snow from the blizzard to the end of our cul-de-sac.

And it's RIGHT THERE!  In my basement.  Some days it's really nice not having to think about where I should go for a run.

Up until Sunday when we had a really nice day that was sunny, in the 60s and no pressing chores or plans.  Then my husband showed me a route from when he used to live with his parents in the area and essentially shoved me out the door.

It was a super hilly 8 mile run.

Over the first and last mile there was an elevation change of 250ft.  That comes to an incline of almost 5% (4.73% if you wanna get technical.)  And yes, I was hurting on Monday and cursing having to walk up and down multiple flights of stairs at my volunteer jobs.  (But admittedly so worth it for my animal friends!)

And why am I probably going to do it again?  Am I a glutton for punishment?  Maybe just a little.  BUT!  Hell -er- Hill training helps come race day.  One of the perks of DC races besides the lovely and historical scenery is they are FLAT!  With my next big distance race being the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, hill training will help build muscle to power up some of those hills which pale in comparison.  (The lowest point is 10 feet above sea level, the highest is a little over 30 feet.)  My time was horrible, but once taking into account how much I've been running on the treadmill and the hills, I don't feel quite so bad about it.  (My average pace for my outdoor run was almost a full minute slower than my last long treadmill run.)  Yes, looking at the numbers made me feel frustrated.  But then looking at that incline?  I don't feel quite so bad.

So this morning after boot camp, I'll be out pounding the pavement again.  All the while remembering that hill training is a necessary evil for race day success!

More info on hill training  (Also check out this link on bungee speed training.  I do this in boot camp fairly often and it is easily one of my favorite exercises!)

33 Days till the Cherry Blossom!!

Thrifty Thursday!

This week I found only a few things, but they're definitely awesome!

First, a Nike Dri-Fit Wool Hoodie (it's lined so the wool isn't too scratchy.)  I love Nike's wool running gear.  It keeps in just the right amount of warmth, and is completely machine washable and you can put it in the dryer too.  Originally $120, I paid $15!

I know I have a rule of not buying bras, but this one was my favorite style and in such good shape that I couldn't pass it up!  Rebound Racer from Moving Comfort.  Retails for $50 but I paid $7!

And now for the grand finale--A Diane Von Furstenberg wool tie top that fits me like a dream.  I'm not sure what the original retail price was, but I paid $8 for it!!  (So that being said, if anyone reading this knows anything about it, please let me know in the comments below!)

Cherry Blossom Training: One Month Done!

As of Sunday I've officially hit the one month mark with my training for my second Cherry Blossom Ten Miler!  I am SO excited for this race, and knowing that we're almost at the one month mark until the race I am so ready.  For me, I love a race distance that is 10k+ since it gives you a chance to hit a good stride, enjoy your surroundings and really have a sense of accomplishment afterwards.  (Granted, a 5k is no small feat, but once you see what the training program entails...you'll see why a 5k is no big deal.)

I've been following the free virtual training plan that is sent out everyday via email by official coaches for the race.  They had three options--beginner, intermediate and advanced.  I chose the intermediate plan since before training I had been running at least a 5k 3 days a week with a long run on the weekends.  The plan is definitely difficult, but doable.  (I guess the better word would be "challenging"?)  Now that I'm in the thick of training, it has you running at least a 5k 4 days a week and a steadily increasing long run on weekends.  Fortunately it also gives you a range of distances (like on most days you have to run 3-5 miles 3 days a week, speed work is 4-6 miles 1 day a week, then you get your long run) so if you're having a good day you can run a little further.  The plan has two rest days worked in--Mondays and Fridays.  Which means on Tuesdays in addition to my usual boot camp class, I also have to run 3 miles.  (To be honest, I'm starting to think it helps with the post-workout soreness!)

For the most part following the plan has been easy.  With every email there are little tips (but at this point they're starting to repeat themselves) and in one they said if you have to skip an easy run day it's no big deal.  It's definitely nice knowing that, because there has been one day that was rather packed with doctors visits and errands so I didn't have time to run and no other time I could squeeze it in.  And this week, my speed workout has been sidetracked slightly due to a cold that finally made its way to me.  (Last week my husband was fighting it.)  Fortunately though since it's all in my head (no cough, just a runny nose) I should be able to run, but take it easy.  Now if only my body would let me stay awake long enough to run!  (I took two naps yesterday, which is basically unheard of for me.  I wasn't a fan of sleeping that much, but my cats sure were happy for the snuggle time!)

At this point, I'm hoping to be able to come in at under my previous finishing time of 2:01:13.  According to several pace calculators based on my average pace during training runs, I should be able to easily beat it!  My pace the first time I ran the race was 12:07, and my long runs (the longest being 7.2 miles at this point) have been close to a full minute under that with the most recent 7 mile run being an average pace of 11:05.  I'm hoping to have a finishing time of close to 1:50:00, which means my race pace will have to be close to 11:00 for the whole race.  I'm feeling fairly confident that I'll be able to keep that up, but only time will tell!  Fortunately I at least have one race (a 5k) a couple of weeks before the Cherry Blossom to help with my pre-race jitters.  (A smaller race before the big one always seems to help me feel better about the larger distance races.)

38 days till the Cherry Blossom!