March 15, 2013

Ready for 13.1

28 comments

Hello friends!

I just returned from the Rock n Roll USA race expo – I’m all set and ready to rock 13.1 tomorrow!

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As I mentioned before, Brooks hooked me up with a free bib for this race as part of my Run Happy Ambassadorship because they’re one of the main race sponsors! A big thanks to them for the opportunity. They make the best race shirts. Aren’t these cute?

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Also, did you see that “VIP” sticker on my bib? Brooks gifted me with that as well, which gives me access to – ::drumroll:: – running water porta potties before the race!

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You know you’re a runner when… you get really excited about a “VIP” porta potty.

Anyway! The expo was massive – lots of cool vendors to check out.

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Isn’t this race course tour video a cool idea? It was fun to watch. Although I think they should have filmed it on a prettier weather day. 😉

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Speaking of weather, it’s not looking so pretty for tomorrow either! It’s calling for rain and a high of 45 – blech. At 7:30 a.m., when the race starts, it will apparently be 43, “feels like” 39, and rainy. Fail. I’m still trying to figure out what I’m going to wear. So far I just know I’m wearing my Brooks Ravenna 4s (still loving these – they are nice and muddy from last weekend’s trail race!) and my CEP compression sleeves.

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I’ve decided the perfect combination is wearing my CEP compression sleeves when I do longer runs or races, and wearing my Zensah compression socks around the house before/after runs, or anytime my legs feel achy. The sleeves are a lot tighter than the socks, so I like them for running but not for around the house because they can get uncomfortable.

So! Let’s talk goals. My current half marathon PR is from my last half marathon in March 2012 in North Carolina – the Tobacco Road Half Marathon. I finished in 1:49:37, which is about an 8:20 minute/mile pace. That’s pretty fast for me, ya’ll. But… I want to beat it. 🙂 I’ve decided my goal will be anything under that time! It’s going to be hard and I haven’t been good about speed work like I was when I did that race, but I think I can do it if I keep with it mentally.

I put in 1:49:00 as a sample time into Taz Running to see what my splits would need to look like. They even adjust it based on the course elevation. So cool!

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I think I’m going to write that on my arm so I can see how things are going along the way. Or maybe print it and pin it to my shirt! I really think I can do this if I stay positive and don’t give up and let myself slack off. As Heather said when we were chatting yesterday, “Make it hurt. You’ll be happy you did.”

Here we go!! Wish me luck, friends! And if you want to see how things went before I post again, follow me on Twitter and Instagram. 🙂

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And by the way, speaking of running and wacky races like we were yesterday, I wanted to give a shout out to fellow blogger Kindal, who is actually doing a 5k Color Run next weekend IN HER WEDDING DRESS to raise money for charity! How cool is that? Check out her post for more details: Top 10 Reasons to Destroy My Wedding Dress – and here’s a link to her donation page.

- anne

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28 comments
  • That's funny, I just got my packet too and I was really disappointed by the shirts! I absolutely hate the color. Oh well, I don't wear race shirts that much, anyway, I suppose! Fingers crossed the weather isn't as bad as they're predicting!
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    • Aw really? The color was my favorite part! I <3 blue. :)
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  • Good luck Anne! It sounds like you've got a great plan with keeping with it mentally. Sometimes that's the hardest thing for me in speed work and long runs. The mental battle sometimes wins over the physical battle. You can do it! I'm running a goal race on Sunday and am hoping for a big PR too. 1:50 is my A goal. How long have you been running in Ravennas? I'm going to get that pair and have heard great stuff about Brooks. I've never owned a pair of them. Have fun tomorrow!
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    • So true about the mental battle vs. the physical. Running is very mental! Good luck with your race, too! I've been running in the Ravennas just for about a month now; before I was a Brooks Adrenaline girl but I think I like the Ravennas even better!
      Reply
  • When I saw the race drive through, I decided that they jinxed us on the weather! Mother Nature thought that's what the race was supposed to look like.
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  • Best of luck maybe the rain will help you run faster.. What do I know,...I don't run! I'll be sending happy thoughts your way
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    • Thank you - I hope so! :)
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  • Good luck Anne. Yes, those tees are wonderful, I love them. I love your marathon races, they are so exciting. P.S. Happy 4th month B/D to new granddaughter Lillyana (Lilly). I just had to do that. lol
    Reply
  • I'm struggling with what to wear too! At least it looks consistent, right? Yikes. Good luck, hope you reach your goal time! Sending good thoughts your way.
    Reply
  • Good luck, Anne. Know you'll do well. Touch wood on a PR! Pls tweet right after the race!
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  • Good luck Anne! I had a similar struggle figuring out what the heck to wear with the crazy weather we're having tomorrow. May be a game day decision : ) You've got that PR in the bag - just remember the breathe in and breathe out! The rest will fall into place. See you at the finish line!
    Reply
  • Have fun! Good luck with the weather. I think I'd rather have it on the cooler side rather than hot though!
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    • Definitely, me too - cooler is always better for running!
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  • Have fun and good look!! I've been sick all week long, but hopefully can restart my training tomorrow. It's terrible when the weather is so nice, but you can't run! Hope you have a nice weekend, Jola
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  • Good luck girl...I think you can PR! And a VIP porta potty...that just amazing! I would probably PAY for a special porta potty on race morning.
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  • Congrats on your PR!!!! I heard people were waiting in the bag check line for 45+ minutes!! That's so crazy! My sister lives just down the street from RFK, so we luckily didn't have to check anything!
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  • Good luck for your race! Sure you will do really well! I laughed out loud at the VIP privileges but really that us actually a grea thing especially when you are at a race and have to normally line up.
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  • Rock the race, Anne!
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  • Hey Anne, I hope the race went well! My friend and I ran it and actually thought it would be cool if we ran into a blogger. And wouldn't you know you walked passed us while we were waiting for the bag check outside the busses. Small world haha.
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  • Good luck!! I run in Ravenna 2s and I absolutely love them. I know the Brooks will treat you well and carry you through such a fun event! ROCK IT.
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  • Have fun and good luck with the race!!! It's so hard trying to figure out the best way to dress with such a switch in weather. But I think it's always best to dress a little on the cool side vs. too much on the warm side. :D You're going to do great!!!! :D
    Reply