Surftown Half Marathon Recap

September 10, 2019 by 18 Comments

On Sunday, I ran the Surftown Half Marathon for half marathon number 15!

If you have to run long, why not collect some bling, right? I’m so glad Kim got in touch with me about this race! It fit perfectly into my training plan, was an easy 1.5 hr drive from my house, and best of all gave me a chance to hang out with Kim for most of the weekend!

Pre-Race

On Saturday, after running a few errands in the morning and a trip to the acupuncturist to help keep my cranky TFL/quad calm, I made an uneventful drive down to Westerly, RI. Kim had booked a nice hotel (Pleasant View Inn) just a half-mile from the race start/finish and had checked in earlier. We spent some time catching up and then made the short walk to pick up our bibs and t-shirts. Later we hit the Providence Coal Fired Pizza for dinner – so good! And then it was back to the room to prep our race gear and wind down.

The nice thing about being so close to the race start was that we didn’t need to get up crazy early. We were up and out of the hotel by 7, and since I had extra mileage on my training plan, I headed off down one of the side streets for a quick out-and-back. I got a kick out of how many of the residents out collecting their morning paper or walking their dogs wished me good luck! I finished up my warm-up at the race start and found Kim and Darlene.

Nice bonus to finally meet Darlene!

We made a quick plan to meet Darlene post-race, and went to line-up

The Race

Miles 1-4
The first two miles were a fairly flat straight shot down Atlantic Avenue along the Misquamicut State Beach. As the course followed the coastline and then looped back towards Atlantic Ave there were some mild inclines. The miles clicked by pretty quickly.

Miles 5-8
Just after mile 6, there was the swap for the runners who were doing the half marathon relay. This actually gave me a nice boost because the runners jumping in for the 2nd half of the race had fresh legs so I picked a rabbit and worked to pick up my pace. As the course wound through streets of summer cottages, it continued to roll – none of the inclines were terribly steep, but they were continuous. Many people around me had started to walk, but I was still moving pretty well.

Miles 9-13.1
Around mile 9, I started to feel tired – I took a short walk break and then pressed on trying to hang with the general group I had been running “with”. There was an awesome volunteer just before the Mile 10 marker – she was a ball of energy and really trying to pump people up as we enjoyed a short downslope to the mile marker.

Then it happened… as I came around the bend one of the volunteers directing the runners shouted: “Just 3 miles to go – You just have to head up that hill!” Well, let me just say that it was some hill. It was a short, steep climb, and no one around me was running it. I power-walked it as fast as I could but I was shuffling when I reached the top.

After that, I couldn’t seem to find my rhythm again. The rolling continued but the wind was out of my sails and I was slowing down. At this point, I was also fighting a headache that reached a peak at mile 11 and decided to hang out through the end of the race. I tried to focus on the beautiful houses and ocean views along this part of the course and just kept pushing.

Soon the course turned back onto Atlantic Ave and the final stretch to the finish line!

I was happy to get to spend a little more time with Darlene after the race. Then Kim & I headed back to the hotel to get cleaned up and grab some lunch before heading out of town.

Final Thoughts

The race was well organized with great volunteers and course support! Despite the course being open to traffic, the roads were very quiet and well monitored. The race was definitely not the “fast and flat” course it was advertised to be, but the course was beautiful.

Given how cute the race medals are, the race shirts really left a lot to be desired.

Seriously, what color is that?! Last year’s shirt was a bright blue so what happened this year?!

Overall, this is a great race and definitely one worth checking out!

I am linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Filed Under: Half marathon, race report

ZOOMA Cape Cod Race Recap

September 24, 2012 by 16 Comments

Let me start by saying that I don’t think this post can do justice to the great time I had at ZOOMA!

Fun started Friday evening

Brooke, Felice, Tricia, Amy, me & Brae

E and I headed down to Falmouth late Friday afternoon. We checked in and headed to the expo so I could pick up my packet. First person to greet us was the wonderful Tricia! We did a quick tour of the handful of vendors there, met up with a few of the Ambassadors and chatted up Dimity (of Another Mother Runner fame!). Then we headed over to the “Mocktail Hour” sponsored by Hint water. It was great catching up with the other Ambassadors.

E, Felice & Amy

After a pizza dinner it was time to hit the room and get some sleep. When I called home to say good night to my kiddos, J & the boys told me that they were coming down to see the race (earlier we had agreed  that it was going to be too early of a start for them to drive down — apparently once I left my boys made it clear that they weren’t happy about not being there to cheer and promised J they’d be up and ready to go!) Needless to say I was thrilled to hear they were coming!

Race Day

It was wonderful to be staying at the Sea Crest – to just step out the front door and be looking at the starting line. E & I worked our way into the middle of the pack and we were off! Our plan was to try not to go out too fast and to run together until we got to the 10k/half marathon split. The first mile was an out and back that brought us up the road about a half mile then back by the hotel – and there at the turnaround was J and the boys! What a great boost to see them right at the start…and little did I know how many times I’d see them during the race!

The first 3 miles flew by! We were going faster than either of us had planned, but the pace felt good and every so often I’d tell E the pace and make sure she was ok. As we hit the 3 mile marker I told E I was going to slow down just a little but she should keep pushing. We high-fived and she was off and I tried to settle in and prepare for what lay ahead….hills! And oh my the hills seemed to never stop – seemed like every time we turned a corner there was another hill. Lucky for me on the very first climb was my family again! The roads were not closed to traffic so J & the boys could literally drive the course – every couple of miles I’d look up and there they were again and again! It was the best! The comraderie among the women on the course was great – there were about 4 of us who stayed within strides of each other for a good chunk of the race and we would chat and encourage each other which really helped!!


The hills took a toll on my ITB and I slowed considerably during miles 8 and 9. I pulled it back together for miles 10 and 11. Then came my least favorite mile – Mile 12, part of it was uphill and then there was this crazy out and back down a side street- uggh. (Big thanks to Nicole who shouted to me that I was in range of my goal!) Over the final mile I just kept picking up the pace and as I crossed the road to the entrance of the Sea Crest there was J yelling to me. I hit the final turn into the drive and my boys were running along behind me on the lawn. I crossed the finish line with a 2 minute and 21 second PR! The first person I saw was E – she yelled “You did it sub 2:30!” and gave me a big hug. When I asked how she did, she had PR’d too! Awesome!!

After catching up with my family and then seeing the women I’d been running with all finish (Nicole PR’d too!), E & I headed to the after party.
Yes I waded into ocean!
with the amazing Colleen

Ever since I was invited to be a Race Ambassador I have been super excited to be a part of this great race series! I just loved the spirit of this event and it reminded me why I love women-only races. I have to say that I was truly honored to been a part of ZOOMA’s inaugural Cape Cod race!

 

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Filed Under: Half marathon, race report, ZOOMA Cape Cod

ZOOMA Race Series

May 14, 2012 by 4 Comments

Have you noticed the new button at the top of my sidebar? I’m thrilled to say that last week I was invited to be a ZOOMA Connector for their Cape Cod Half Marathon and 10k on September 22! Since I first learned about the ZOOMA race series last year, I have been eyeing this race on the Cape.  As they describe on their website:

Imagine a powerful sea of women on the move–encouraging fellow runners and celebrating personal running triumphs.  Picture a post-race party and expo all wrapped up in one memorable “after-party expo” where these strong goal-oriented women come together for well-deserved partying and pampering.  This is the Muscle Milk Light ZOOMA Women’s Race Series.

Combined with the beauty of Cape Cod in the Fall — what’s not to love!?! I’m really excited to be part of this race series!

Want to join me in Falmouth?  

ZOOMA is hosting it’s first-ever national “Girlfriend Getaway” sweepstakes! In partnership with Skirt Sports, ISIS, Sherpani, Women’s Adventure Magazine and MyChelle, one grand-prize winner will receive an all expenses paid trip for two to the ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon & 10k. The “Girlfriend Getaway” Grand Prize package is valued at over $2,000. Entries are being accepted now through June 11, 2012 on the ZOOMA Sweepstakes page.

Want to register now?  

ZOOMA is offering all Running with Attitude readers a discount! Use the code CCCONN3 and receive $10 off the half marathon or $5 off the 10k when you register online. There’s no expiration date!

I plan to run the half marathon and am rounding up a couple of friends to join me! Should be a great weekend!

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Filed Under: Half marathon, race calendar, ZOOMA Cape Cod

Rock n Roll USA Half recap

March 19, 2012 by 22 Comments

There are some races where despite how well training goes, things just don’t come together on race day…this was one of those races for me.

Off to race

I was awake by 4:30 but forced myself to lay in bed until 5:30. I went through my usual routine and was off to catch the Metro by 6:30.  I then spent almost 1 1/2 hours trying to get to the race! I caught the first train fine, but when I got to Metro Center to change train lines, there were already too many runners standing on the platform…not a good sign. As we waited and waited the crowd grew, we were easily 8 deep. I chatted with others as the time continued to pass. Finally a train pulled in and it was fairly crowded but I and my newly formed crew made our way on. A mere 2 stops later the train had door issues and the next thing I knew they announced the train was going “out of service” and everyone had to get off – You’ve got to be kidding me! Back to waiting and trying not to freak out…a few of us started debating the likelihood of finding a cab when another train slowly rumbled towards us. Yep it was packed. But after 7+ years of living in NYC, I know how to work my way on to a crowded train! The group I was with made it on and the train lurched and sputtered its way through the next 5 stops. When we finally reached the Armory stop, it was this crazy scene of runners scaling the escalators and stairs to get to the street, then to the Armory for gear check.

I got my gear checked, opted for the indoor bathrooms and then headed for the corrals. We quickly shuffled to the start and were off. I was feeling pretty good as we crossed the 5k mat but unfortunately that didn’t last long. As I reached the 4 mile marker I was feeling overheated and a little light-headed…a headache was forming. I took a GU and more water and kept going. I spotted J & the boys around 5 and loved getting a high-five from my guys (unfortunately thanks to the efficiency of the Metro this was the only time I saw them). The next few miles are a bit of a blur, I just tried to focus on the sights, the crazy race outfits, the crowds, my  tunes and the occasional band along the route – anything to ignore the growing headache. By the time I crossed the 10k mat I knew I was a couple of minutes behind where I wanted to be. By mile 8 I had a brief moment where I wondered if I was going to have my first DNF – it was so frustrating because my legs were feeling pretty good!

But just then I spotted the 2:30 pacers. “Nope not stopping so pull it together girl!” I ignored my Garmin and just did what I could to stalk the pacers for as long as I could. The crowds really picked up in the final couple of miles and they were into it – a great boost! As I reached the final stretch I just started to smile – no there would be no PR today, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed….but I was about to cross the line of my 4th half marathon in less than a year and I hadn’t let a crappy headache or some moments of self-doubt from keeping me from pushing forward.

I happily collected my medal, posed for a Finisher’s photo and grabbed some much needed food and chocolate milk. I found my guys and took a little time to stretch out on the lawn before heading back on the lovely Metro to the hotel.

All-in-all I think the race was well-organized, from the expo to finishers area. And, the family had a great time in DC – in fact the kids asked me where we are going to race next 🙂

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Filed Under: Half marathon, race report, RnR DC, tough runs

Really?! Another Half Marathon?

August 26, 2011 by 11 Comments

“Really?! Another half marathon?” – that’s been the response from a couple of my non-running friends to the news that I’m running Philly in November.

The truth is I had barely crossed the finish line of the Providence Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon before I knew one thing for sure – I was registering for another!

When I started running in March 2010, I could barely complete a mile. Running a 5k seemed like a major undertaking! But even then I was harboring a secret desire to run a half marathon.

So what is it about the half marathon distance?

  •  13.1 miles is a significant enough distance that you need to respect it and have to put in the training for it. There is a level of both mental commitment and stamina required.
  • On the other hand, you can train for a half and maintain a balance with the rest of your life! As a mom of two active young boys, I just don’t know how I’d fit in 3-4 hour training runs. To all you running moms who do it and my hat’s off to you — I’m just not there yet!
  • Recovery time is manageable. I’m comfortably walking the next day and can be back out on the road within a couple days of racing.
  • I love a race with bling! (Most 10ks and 5ks don’t offer medals)
  • There’s a great sense of accomplishment when I’m done!

So my answer to the question about another half is quite simply – Heck ya! What’s not to love? Yes I will run my third this year and I’m already eyeing a few halfs for next year! I think someone warned me before my first that this distance would be addicting…and they might be right 🙂

What’s your favorite race distance?
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Filed Under: fave things, Half marathon, RnR Providence

On the Streets of Philadelphia

August 17, 2011 by 7 Comments

I’ve decided to go for my 3rd half this year and just registered for the Philadelphia Half Marathon!

As you know I’ve been debating taking on a 3rd for a while now but J had urged me to wait until after Providence to see how I felt before pulling out the credit card again. Well the truth is I knew about mid-way through running Providence that I would be doing this again. And by the time I was sitting at home that night with ice on my leg, I was 100% certain I wanted to get one more in before the year’s end.

So…here we go again…Philly here I come!

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Filed Under: Half marathon, Philly Half, race

Friday Five

July 29, 2011 by 6 Comments
  •  “I wish Morgan Freeman could narrate my life” – saw that on a bumper sticker on my run this morning. It cracks me up what people will put on their cars! (though if I were to have someone narrate my life, Morgan is a good choice!)

    • Worked on hills in my run this morning….still need a lot more work here!  
    • I’ve been debating running a 3rd half marathon this year – in part because I’m curious to know what I could do with this distance in cooler temps. My hubs J suggested I wait to see how I feel after next Sunday before I commit to another one…he may be right.
    •  I admit I’ve started the weather watch for Providence – so far sunny and a high of 82.
      • Today’s is the Tiny Terror…er, I mean my youngest’s 6th birthday! We’ll celebrate after camp today with some of his favorites – a family water gun fight, pizza dinner, giant Ghirardelli Double Chocolate brownies and presents! This weekend we’re headed to an amusement park with friends to celebrate their son’s birthday (which is Saturday), the Tiny Terror’s birthday and my oldest son’s birthday (turning 9 next Saturday) — should be a fun day filled with crazy rides and too much junk food!

      Happy Friday!
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          Filed Under: birthday celebrations, Half marathon, kids, Morgan Freeman

          Me and Mother Nature on a long run

          July 24, 2011 by 8 Comments

          After seeing the forecast for Friday, with temps in the 90s in the early morning and climbing to 100+, I decided to do a tempo run and shift my long run to Sunday. I’m all for training in it if you’re gonna race in it…but there are limits!

          While the oppressive heat had subsided, Mother Nature was still clearly in a mood this morning. It was in the mid-70s with matching humidity by 6. Fine…bring it on! Slow and steady was pretty much the approach – today’s run was just about getting the miles and focusing on form.

          Around mile 7, the rain started – a good steady shower. Fine…bring it on! I’ll take running in the rain over the heat any day. Well…Mother Nature must have known was I was thinking because just as I got to around 9.5 miles, the sun came out in full force. I thought – I’ve got a mile and a half to go…Fine…bring it on!

          In the end 11.27 done and all in all it was a good steady run. I was surprised how quiet it was on the roads today – for most of the run, I saw no one else except for the occasional cyclist. There finally a few runners towards the end….unusual.

          While obviously not ideal conditions, I’m so glad out I got out there today. Only 2 weeks to go until R’n’R Providence – hopefully this past week of heat-running will serve me well on race day!

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          Filed Under: Half marathon, long runs, RnR, weather

          Heat-induced Randomness

          July 20, 2011 by 8 Comments

          I think this heat & humidity is turning my brain to mush. I can’t put a coherent thought together…but then, this is why then invented bullet points (isn’t it?)

          • I blew my streak of early morning runs today – slept through my alarm and then it was too late to get out before the heat and getting the kids off to camp. So it looks like I’m moving my tempo run to Sunday.

           

          • This is what the forecast looks like for the next few days. Friday’s 11-miler should be interesting…I may be looking to set a new PR for how early I can get out on the road. Tell me again why I registered for a half marathon in August?! 
          • I’ve been trying to plan a family vacation for the fall — the kids have a couple of long weekends so we thought we’d try to take advantage of the airline fares being lower then. Also wondering if I can loop in a race into these plans if the timing/location works. 
          • I’m still all over the place on fall races – the only one I’ve registered for is the Tufts 10k for Women. I ran this race last year with my friend Kathy and had a great time. As soon as it was over I knew I wanted to run it again!

            Have you figured out your fall race plans yet or will you just wing it?

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              Filed Under: general musings, Half marathon, Tufts 10k, weather

              Lessons learned and training begins again

              June 8, 2011 by 12 Comments

              I’ve started training this week for the Providence Rock ‘n’ Roll Half! As you can imagine, I’ve been thinking a lot about my last race — both the training and the race itself. Where do I make changes? What do I tweak…or throw out?

              A couple of things stand out for me….

              • Without question, I need to make a more dedicated effort to strength training, especially where my left leg is concerned. The imbalance between my quads and hamstrings is a major contributor to my knee woes. Additionally, my right leg is so dominant that it is throwing off my gait – especially when I start to get tired. In looking back at my training, I was understandably most focused on building the miles. While there was some strength training, to be honest it was both minimal and inconsistent. If I do not want a repeat performance of my left leg cashing it in shortly after mile 8, then I have to get serious about strengthening the leg!
              • I’ve got to figure out a hydration plan. All of my long runs leading up to the half were done in cool temps – I never carried water with me. Then bam, race day is hot and humid and I wasn’t use to taking in water while running and as a result I don’t think I managed the water stations as well as I could have. Obviously, no one expected those crazy temps then, but the Providence RnR is in August so heat and humidity is a given! In general I know I need to hydrate better, both on days I run as well as off days. But I also need to use my long runs to figure out a hydration strategy for the race.
              • I need to continue to work on pacing and not be afraid to push it. There were moments during my last training cycle where I’d be running and feeling good then glance at my Garmin and think “whoa is that really my pace, I’ve got to slow it down cause I’ll never make it to the end of the run.” In other words I’d psyche myself out! I realize it’s really easy to fall into this rut of thinking of yourself as an XX min/mile runner – I need to challenge myself to not fall into that rut.

              So, now with a better mileage base, my goals leading up to the next race are to strengthen my legs (especially the left), learn to hydrate better and embrace a little speed! And I’m going back to posting my weekly plan because it helps to keep me accountable.

              ———————————————–
              For this week:
              Monday — Yoga  (check)
              Tuesday — Strength work (check)
              Wednesday — Tempo run (4) (check)
              Thursday — Yoga or Rest
              Friday — Long run (6)
              Saturday — Pilates reformer (counts for strength work)
              Sunday — Easy 5

              Happy Running!
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              Filed Under: goals, Half marathon, hydration, left knee, pace, RnR, training