Run, Fun, Flu.

Well this post was supposed to come out almost a week ago but I was one of the lucky people to get the flu despite getting their flu shot. I got it at the beginning of the season, as I always do. I work in healthcare, so it’s a given (and I have asthma). As we’ve heard, this year didn’t quite hit the target. And this was more accurate:

Last week I started the week with my 2nd running of the Hot Chocolate 15K in San Francisco. My 25th 36th birthday was on Wednesday and that was also the day that I woke up feeling like I was getting sick. 2 sick days, a fever, and a long weekend in bed later, I’m feeling like I might, just might be on the road to recovery. We shall see. So there was no birthday-ing for me. Unless you count the large slice of cake I had for dinner Wednesday, well, because of all of the aforementioned reasons. (That’s the one part about being sick. No one really feels good judging you for having cake for dinner on your birthday).

So let’s talk about Hot Chocolate 15K San Francisco.

The course, is one of my favorites. It’s a beautiful start near Stowe Lake in Golden Gate Park out to Ocean Beach on the Great Highway where we run west and turn around near mile 5 and then head back in to the park and end by the De Young Museum. It’s beautiful, slightly hilly, scenic….I just love this course.

I did this race with several friends/teammates from Team in Training, which makes it that much more fun. It was also perfectly timed to be in line with my training for the Kaiser Permanente Half Marathon on February 01. I also have to mention that Golden Gate Park smells DIVINE this time of year. It’s so clean and eucalyptus-y! I just love it. This year, they added a medal to the usual mug-o-chocolately treats. That was a nice addition. I know there had been a lot of feedback about this in the past, so I’m glad they were tuned into the runners. It’s a fun medal too, actually!

Packet pick-up and the expo: (I’ve talked about this so many times, but it still sort of irks me a bit) The expo was in South San Francisco, not San Francisco where the race was held. For anyone that is not from the area, this is a different city entirely, down Highway 101, near the San Francisco International Airport (which is also NOT in San Francisco). Many people in San Francisco don’t drive. To get to that area using public transportation, you’re talking about 3 hours of travel for a bib pick up for a race in the city we live in. I, fortunately,  do drive. But to make it, it meant that I had to do that drive on Friday night during rush hour. This is a huge pain, as anyone from the Bay Area will tell you. The expo itself, was just okay. It was set up in good, organized expo fashion, but I didn’t find anything at it that was worth sticking around for. I ran in, did a quick lap around and then left. Granted, I was also thinking about the long-ass drive I was going to have to get back to the city. I don’t even have any stories from it. It wasn’t bad. Just, okay. Not worth the drive, but what can you do?

(I’m going to just say this was me clearly getting sick hehe. Not really, just bad picture 🙂 )

The last thing I’d like to mention/talk about, was that I heard, sadly more than once, from participants that clearly didn’t know what they had signed up for. I’m not sure why that is. Overheard was one young lady say, “Does anyone know how long 15K is?”. Unfortunately, there seemed to be quite a bit of this this year. I’m not sure why. I encountered several people not dressed safely for the distance (i.e. casual shoes, large purses, soda beverages, etc), larger groups strewn out across the course, one guy…oh yeah this guy. There was this one guy who would run up in front of people and make really obnoxious comments to them (often around the location of the women’s bibs), and then run ahead a little more and start doing push-ups, running in circles, it was bizarre. I know I haven’t done a TON of races, but this was really the first time I felt like I may have actually been in the wrong place.

There was ample water/sports drink. I was very happy with the placement of the stations and the availability of both options. Port-a-potties were actually abundant as well, and the lines didn’t seem to be too long. I wasn’t excited about the candy-only fuel options along the route.  There were chocolate chips, marshmallows, Tootsie Rolls (still wrapped!) and some other kind of chocolate. I think this is personal preference. I had GU with me so it wasn’t that big of a deal. I may be in the minority with this one, but I need something exercise-specific on a run, not just various types of candy. (However if this had been a walk, that would have been perfect!).

The finisher’s party area is quite fun. I did not check my gear in the wrong spot this year, which is a plus! The lines for the snack mug weren’t bad at all. I forgot to take a picture because I was so thirsty. I never can eat very much other than a banana and some pretzels immediately, so that’s what I had and I ditched the fondue. I imagine if you can stomach it that that would be AMAZING. But I have a weak gut and need to stay simple for a few hours after. They have awesome hot cocoa though! In lieu of chocolate milk, you bet I chugged that.

The sweat shirt this year was just okay. It fits well, but I really liked last year’s pull over better. Here’s a pic from their site:

(Photo: http://www.hotchocolate15K.com)

I was expecting this to be more like a jacket than it is. It’s really a zip-up sweatshirt. I definitely used it post-race, but I don’t think I’ll wear it again. Again, this is more a personal preference thing. I would have preferred something I could run in, tech tee, etc. That’s almost all I wear these days.

Another major plus is that they did some excellent photography and your pictures are free. That is a big deal. I’m not sure if many organizations are going that way, but I did find this to be an excellent perk.

This is a large event. It might be worthwhile for the organizers to look into splitting it into a 5K Run/15K Run/ X distance walk. Just a thought.

That said, I am really glad that I did it. If you’re looking for a zero-pressure race and don’t mind spending the money, it’s perfect. I love the distance. A bit of a challenge over a 10K, not quite a half-marathon. Also great for anyone that is thinking about doing their first half. All in all, I love the course. I feel so lucky to live so close to it. I’ve done this event for the past 2 years. I’m not sure I will do it again, though. It’s costly (anywhere between $54-$74, depending on when you register). I just don’t know that I would be able to justify the price for the experience again.

I am curious what the experience is like in other cities. Please share your experience in the comments below. Did you run the Hot Chocolate Race this year and what did you think?

Thanks for reading!

Nike Women’s Half Marathon San Francisco, 2014

It has been one unbelievably challenging year. I started out too eager, got hurt…..and then kept getting hurt after that. I learned a valuable lesson about rest and recovery. (But that is for another post). For now I want to talk about the awesome that was the Nike Women’s Half Marathon. (Insert thumbs-up here).

As I may have mentioned a thousand times before once or twice, I have been actively involved in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training for a year and a half. This was my third season. The team here in San Francisco is incredible. They’ve become more like family. Since June we’ve been training and raising money to fund research aimed at finding cures for blood cancers and improving the lives of patients and families. I’d say we did that….$450,000 later! So shout out to my SF/Marin Run Team for that!! I was also a part of an amazing group, Team on Fire. We worked together to raise over $250K, which funded a grant for research aimed at Acute Myeloid Leukemia. (A cancer a friend of mine has). I should mention though that at one of the awards receptions there was a surprise meet and greet. And look who I met:

Why yes, that is Shalane Flanagan.

This is Team On Fire. A Cancer-ass-kicking-cure-finding team. $252K for Acute Myelod Leukemia. 

I went into the actual race with no expectations. I had two significant injuries this year that cost me months of quality training. They weren’t even simultaneous. Literally, as soon as the first one resolved the second one occurred. (ARRRGGGHHH!!!!) In my previous post I talked about my journey with acupuncture, which has been my saving grace. After weeks without running I did decide to try a light run and I was able to loosen the muscles in my back enough to start training, albeit carefully, again. By two weeks ago I was up to 10 slow, reluctant miles. I knew at that point that I could be on my feet with out my sciatic nerve taking over so I knew I could at least attempt this race.

I got to the start line really early. Oh, I should mention that the finish line was basically across the street from my apartment, so I had to get out to Union Square before the road closures at 5am. So I was there by 5am! I met with the team for a couple of pre-race pictures and a loud, “GO TEAM!!” before we departed to our prospective corrals.

I might be one of the few that doesn’t mind a long wait in the waves to get to the start line. I had good friends with me. We chatted with the runners around us, so it was fine. I noticed that because I went into this race just wanting to finish it, I wasn’t even the slightest bit nervous. I was just eager. About an hour and fifteen minutes after the gun, my wave was moving. We crossed the start line and almost immediately began a slight incline.

Now, if you’ve spent any time at all in San Francisco, you’ve learned that when we say “hills” we don’t mean “inclines”. We mean, adjust-how-you-walk-and-don’t-look-down-HILLS. The kind that make your car lose it’s breath. I was prepared for the inclines we had at the beginning. I held steady, really focused on my pacing. Last year I started way too fast and did a great first four miles, and then croaked at mile 5-10. I finished exhausted and in pain. I kept that in mind. I did a slow (really slow) first 5K, but I PR’d my 10K time by 3 minutes. Between miles 6 and 8 I alternated between, “I might actually PR this thing” with, “No PR, but my legs and back don’t hurt, SCORE!”. My legs were a little stiff, but okay. My lungs actually felt great.

I’ve run this part of the course, so as I crossed mile 8, I knew full-well what was coming up. After mile 9 there is a hill. Not just any ordinary hill, but the mother of all race-course hills. If I thought a picture would do it justice I would post one. But here is a look at the course elevation map.

(Click the map above for a larger view)

I knew I would lose some time on this so I just moved up it as quickly as I could without having to stop (read: I walked it, briskly). A teammate saw me and she pep-talked me to the top. At the top it dawned on me that I would actually finish this thing and I was in position to get a PR. The next mile and a half were down hill, and then the last mile or so was flat, feeding into the shute to the finish line at Marina Green. I have run this section so many times I could do it with my eyes closed, but this time it seemed to go for days. I found bumps I never knew where there. I swear they kept moving the finish line. One of my coaches ran with me for little while, which helped. I began to see more crowd gathered, ran into another friend spectating who cheered me on and then finally, I could see the finish line. Another coach joined me at this point (which he did at the same time last year!). When I looked at my watch I realized that I was going to finish no less than 4 minutes faster than my current record. Suddenly, I had energy that came from who-knows-where, and I bolted the last 0.2mi. Annnnd, I finished. I finished with energy. I finished without significant pain. And I finished with a -5:00min PR.

I was so excited. But I wanted some water. It got sunny and warm in the last few minutes! I went and collected my finisher’s bag full of snacks (thank you Whole Foods Market!) and collected my coveted Tiffany and Co. silver finisher’s necklace. Right around then I started to get a bit dizzy and not feeling well so I shoveled in a banana and bunch of water. I was able to connect with my boyfriend really fast. We then walked hobbled towards home. I would have liked if I didn’t have to buy my finisher’s shirt, but at this point, they could have sold me anything, so it was fine!

When I got home, my awesome neighbors had decorated my apartment door. This was the icing on the cake. I have felt so much support between my fundraising for cancer research (our group funded a research grant!), and the love of friends, I can’t even express my gratitude.

This race felt so different. Between pacing, and nutrition, and listening to my body. The stars just aligned for me to have a good race. I know that they aren’t all like that (apparently, according to the San Luis Obispo Half-Marathon that I had to scrap in April due to shin splints). But I feel good because I knew I’d done something right this time.

We don’t know where Nike will be this spring, but I love this race series. I will keep doing it as long as it makes sense to. I am hoping they’ll keep the fall one in San Francisco, but if the city is right I’ll travel for it. I hope this is an indication that I’m healing and ready to start working towards the next race. But not before a nice long recovery period.

Have you run Nike Women’s (either full or half)? Without looking at your race results, how and when do you know you’ve run a good race?

Happy Running!!

Brie

Race Recap: Hot Chocolate 15K, San Francisco

Hot Chocolate 15/5K, America’s Sweetest Race. How can you not find this enticing?? I decided several months ago that I wanted to do this race for my birthday weekend. Thirty-five twenty-nine is approaching on Tuesday. It seemed not only like a reasonable distance for a mid-season (Team in Training) run, but a great birthday activity for my run-friends. I am bound and determined to make this year one full of activity, health, and accomplishing goals. I layed out my running-person with plenty of time to rest:

Great swag at this race!

The Hot Chocolate 15/5K has awesome swag. We each got a really nice fleece-lined hooded pullover. I thought it would be sub-par, but it’s actually really nice! It’s embroidered with the race logo on the chest. The women’s one is black with purple-lined hood. The men’s is grey with blue-lined hood. This is one of my favorite warm up articles now. The gear back is nice sturdy nylon. I’ll use it for other races for sure. I took an Uber to pick up my friend and so we could get there together. When we arrived, the pre-race area was packed full of people. Oddly enough, the gear check lines weren’t that long. I was really impressed because right from the beginning this seemed like a very organized event.  We made our way to gear check, and just took it all in. I was super excited to run into Sarah, from runningandwine.com! I often hear about bloggers uniting at races, but this was a first.  So great to meet Sarah. (If you don’t already, you should follow her blog!).

We chatted a bit and then headed to the coral area. The one piece of feedback I have for the Hot Chocolate 15/5K organizers, was that they might consider changing the order of the races, or, having them start at the same time and then splitting off. It felt a little silly for there to be over an hour wait between the start of the 5K (which went first) and the start of the 15k. Plus it’s just odd to start a 15K at 8:20am. There was a lot of standing around shivering our butts compression sleeves off. But finally, it was our turn to head towards the start line.

Very eager to run (warm up).

These shoes are made for running and that’s just what they’ll do.

The first 2 miles felt really easy. There were some very mild hills, but felt like a fair amount of downhill (my favorite). I noticed quickly that I was comfortable. This is a course in an area I run in frequently, so I knew what to expect. When we made our way out of Golden Gate Park I realized I should have worn a lighter shirt. I often forget that we can have wide open sunshine around here! But it was an absolutely exquisite day. The view along Ocean Beach was breathtaking. My pics just don’t do it justice.

I realized that I was plowing through my previous times. I just did a 2 mile time trial in track practice last week and I blew that away by a full minute. So I thought maybe I could beat my 5K time. BAM! -3.0mins. What the heck, let’s try to beat my 10K time. Bearing in mind, that my times are slow. I’ve only really been running for a year, so I don’t anticipate pulling improvements like this often. When I was about 5.4 or so miles in I realized I had a ridiculous amount of time to go to tie my previous best 10K time. I ended up clearing it by almost 6.0 mins. AWESOME.  I was so elated that I was able to clear these times that I’ve been stuck on that I stopped to actually enjoy a minute of fresh ocean air and a feeling of accomplishment.

YES! Personal Best, 2mi, 5K, 10K!

For the past year as I have been trying to train my body to be able to take on running distances, something has always ached, pinched, cramped, etc. Most recently and right before the holidays it was a raging case of shin splints that I was beginning to worry about. I took two weeks over the holiday time to rest and ice like it was my job. This past week when I re-started, I had no pain. This particular day I felt awesome. I made a conscious decision to go slow and walk some for the last 2 miles though. I didn’t care so much about my overall time given the other accomplishments. I’m still really happy with my outcome (and ended up about on par with my Nike/Big Sur Half Marathon times.

Obligatory finisher selfie.

The part that I find the most amusing is that when I finished, I really wanted nothing to do with the chocolate!  The finisher’s mug was pretty sweet (get it??). It had 3 wells: one with chocolate fondue, one with a mug of hot chocolate and one that had dippers (marshmallow, pretzels, krispy treat, wafer cookie and a banana). I ate the banana and a couple of pretzels but I really just wanted water. It was beautiful here in San Francisco, so I just parked on a bench and rested before heading to pick up my bag. Sidebar, I realized that I checked my bag in the 5,000s not the 50,000 like I was supposed to. The volunteer took the time to check every single box and still managed to find it. Super awesome.

So all in all, this was a great day. And a great race that I would definitely recommend trying if you get the chance. I’ll surely do it again at some point.  If you want additional information, head on over to the event’s website for all of the details and to find out when it will come to a city near you!!

Until next time,

Brie