Finally...Sub-2

To say that my spring/summer race schedule was a little hectic, would be an understatement...3 half marathons, a half Ironman, 2 ULTRA Relays, and Hood-To-Coast. That, on-top of my already crazy busy schedule, has resulted in me feeling like the Energizer Bunny, whose batteries are running out! BUT, with all of that being said, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to run a phenomenal local half marathon and support good friends. My preparation going into the race was far from ideal. I have not followed any sort of half marathon training plan since the Eugene Marathon, and have followed no training plan at all since my half Ironman;  the race was 2 weeks after Ragnar Colorado, and I had kiddos over race weekend, which is not ideal for resting! I didn't allow any of this to prevent me from wholeheartedly pursuing my goal of a sub-2 hour half marathon.  Perfect course, beautiful weather, my favorite running buddies by my side, and my first {individual} race as part of the Oiselle Team...it was the day!

Race day Inspiration:

We arrived at the start of the race, and Houston, we had a problem...I hadn't, and couldn't, go to the bathroom. Sorry for the TMI, but I always go to the bathroom before a race and cleanse out the system...but not this time.  I warned Mandy and Sarah that I was probably going to have to stop at some point....about 1.5 miles into the race, guess what!? I had to go!  I knew there were restrooms at mile 2, so I ran ahead to use the restrooms. Bathroom stop...success, and on we went.  But no sooner than we reached mile 4, I had to go again. At this point I was not feeling all that great. Thankfully we came across more restrooms right around mile 5...I'll spare you details but I wasn't feeling good, and now I was starting to worry that I was sick {there was a bug that had been going around}.  This bathroom stop took a little longer than the first one, and I feel so blessed that Mandy and Sarah slowed down so I could catch up.  In terms of running, I felt so strong, and I was still ahead of pace for sub-2 hours.  Three more miles go by, and you guessed it, I had to go to the bathroom...AGAIN! And you know how after you go to the bathroom when you're having issues, sometimes you feel like you immediately need to go again!? Mile 8 was HORRIBLE...as I seriously thought I was going to have to pull off and go to the bathroom in the bushes! I was not feeling well at all. 

This was the {mental} turning point of the race...do I just say today is not the day to go sub-2 and take it easy to the finish OR do I dig deep and push to the finish...I went with the latter.  The mental aspect of racing has been a huge obstacle for me recently, and I feel like I overcame such a big hurdle out on the course that day.  At mile 9, I mentally broke down the remainder of the race into 2x2miles,  in which I would increase my pace, bringing it in strong to the finish.  At this point Sarah, Mandy and I had separated, and it was just me, myself and I to the finish.  I turned the corner to the last mile of the race and KNEW I was going to do it, but had no room to spare in terms of my time.  I felt strong, in terms of running, and made the final turn to the finish with the biggest, but perhaps ugliest smile...as I had just ran a sub-2 hour marathon, but it was pretty sh&*y! {pun intended}. 

1:59.13

I am beyond thankful to have two of the most amazing, encouraging and supportive training partners, who I also get to call FRIENDS!!! I have NO pictures from the race {can you believe it!?}, but these were taken just a week or two later, ha! 

More than accomplishing a goal, this race was about digging deep, running a mentally strong race, and believing in myself! 

Rock N Roll San Diego

I can't believe it has already been 2 weeks since the San Diego Rock N Roll ; I have literally been going non-stop ever since and am just now getting around to blogging about the truly EPIC summer fun!

My parents and I flew in early Friday, and spent the day sight seeing, walking around, and enjoying the good eats of San Diego.  Saturday I went to a bloggers meet-up/tweet-up at the expo; it's always fun to actually meet people you feel like you already know through their blogs and twitter! Below is our fearless organizing Pavement Runner, in true form.  It was so great to meet, and now be able to call all of these fabulous lady's "friends": Tracy,  Melissa, Amy, Amy,  and Tammy!

ROCKIN!

The race started at 6:30am, and do to expected traffic & delays, we took the shuttle from the hotel at 5am, getting up to Balboa Park at 5:15am.  That allowed us plenty of time to use the porta potty and of course do a lil pre-funk with all of the Elvi! One of the Elvi rolled up with a cart blasting Elvis music, drinking a Miller Lite.  At first I thought he was just in character and the can was for sure filled with water or something! NOPE! They were getting their drink on at 5:30am! 

Confession time...I did something I have always wanted to do at a race: start my own porta potty line! Props to Rock N Roll San Deigo, I have never seen so many porta potties at the start of a race, but there were still lines. My dad, cousin and I made our way to the porta potties furthest away from the start line, but the lines were still quit long.  It always annoys me that one line feeds into 5-6 porta potties, and no one ever knows whether its their turn or someone's from the other line. I'm standing their nonchalantly, thinking "now is the time to make my move."  We're standing between two lines, talking, etc., making our way closer to the porta potties. And smooth like butta, someone came out of the porta potta and I confidently bolted for the door.  Not going to lie, I was afraid I'd come out to people upset and yelling at me. NOPE! I came out to a new line formed, with my dad and cousin next in line! 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

THE FINISHERS: my dad had another great race! Joel, my cousin, and I ran together until about mile 9.  Huge props to him for running a half marathon with NO {run} training!

We couldn't pass up a photo opportunity with Swingin Friar! 

Race/course overview:

WEATHER: It was an absolute perfect day to run! It was a little humid at the start, resulting in everyone sweating off the get go, but there was just enough breeze throughout the run to keep us cool

COURSE:  This was my first time running in San Diego, so I don't have anything to compare it to {and I know they made changes from last year's course}; while I enjoyed the course, I feel like there is potential to improve it and include more sights of San Diego.  Unlike the full marathon, which went through Old Town & Little Italy, the half marathon course wound its way through several different neighborhoods. And when I say wound, I mean WOUND. The course has more turns than any course I have ran, which made it crucial to run the tangents {and also resulted in it not being the fastest course}.  The incline at mile 10 mentally messed with me! In looking at the elevation chart, and in talking to the pacers etc, "once you reach mile 10 its all downhill from there."  Well, that was NOT true! Mentally, I was gearing up for mile 10, and was ready to kick it in! Well, I hit mile 10, only to encounter a "hill!" ha! Once I peaked the small incline, and enjoyed some gummy bears from a spectator, I enjoyed the 2.5 mile decline to the finish! 

Overall I absolutely LOVED running Rock N Roll San Diego and had a smile on my face the entire time! I'm bringing back not only my love of running, but of racing! 

Of course there was more to this weekend, than just running...I love runcations!

We ventured to Old Town, not once, but twice, for some of the best Mexican food I have had {include fresh, made right in front of you, tortillas}

This is how us Roberts drink a margarita! 

The food choices along 4th and 5th Ave in the Gaslamp district are overwhelming, as there are so many great choices.  We kept walking by Cafe 21 and their "Fresh Organics, Farm to Table" sign got me every time  but there was always such a long wait {always a good sign; and of course we never planned ahead to make a reservation}.  Finally, on Monday before heading home, we were able to get a table, and it exceeded our expectations.  

A mason jar sangria bar...yes please! 

A trip to San Deigo would not be complete without a trip to the San Diego Zoo.  It was great to "run" into Pavementrunner and meet The First Lady.  While at the ZOO, it was easy to spot the runners...hobbling, and holding the railings as they walked up/down the streets and stairs. 

Monkey see...

Monkey do...

My favorite part of a zoo is the Africa section! I can't wait to actually head to head to Africa in June 2014.

Wouldn't this be a great souvenir to take home with you!?

Overall it was a great weekend filled with running, family, and friends {old and new}.

Being that both my dad and I ran 3 marathons within 90 days {well actually 42, but who's counting!?} and 2 within a 16 days, we qualify to become Half Fanatics.  I'm still thinking about whether or not I actually want to officially become a Half Fanatic.  

Are you a Half Fanatic OR Marathon Maniac? 

The Rogue Run-Half Marathon

Last year the first annual Rogue Run was one of my favorite races of the year: perfect weather, great course {one-way, flat, on the bike path}, fabulous course support,  local event, and I had a one of my best runs {which always helps}.  So needless to say, I was excited for it again this year.  I knew the race was going to fall right in the middle of marathon training {on a day that I was supposed to run 20miles} and a week after Ragnar Napa...my plan was to stick with the training plan the week before {aka NOT taper}, and race the half marathon the best I could {I wasn't exactly sure what to expect...would I be recovered from Napa OR still tired, would 13 seem easy, or would I struggle to push the pace}..with a goal to break 2 hours! {a 7 min PR from last year}

I was so fortunate to have the best running buddies join me!

A new friend who I have enjoyed running with and getting to know! 

And my parents!! My dad and I have ran several races together, but this was the first time my mom went from #1 cowbeller to runner!! {and yes, she chose to run a half marathon for her first run in over 20 years!}

We had a group of people from work who signed up to walk it: Go Team Rogue!!! {Photobomb courtesy of Big Earl}

We started off the race with the goal of going sub-2...and about 2 miles in to the race there was a group of 6 of us girls who were all running together.  We were having a great time chatting and laughing...making the miles go by quickly.  My NIKE app kept saying "average pace 8:50, 9:05, etc}...we were on track to reach our goal.  I was feeling really strong and continued to encourage Mandy, who was a little nervous about keeping up the pace for all 13.1 miles.  Around mile 8 we started to separate...Steffanie ran ahead and Mandy dropped back a little.  I was definitely getting tired but kept pushing the pace, and focusing on people in front of me that I wanted to pass.  I came up on an older gentlemen who was "tuting" non-stop.  And ironically enough, he was still "tuting" when Mandy passed him near the finish...maybe he was gas powered!? I hit mile 10 and was ready to be done...but I knew I was so close! I knew the course extremely well {I've ran on the path several times}, and continued to focus on the next landmark, turn, etc.  Before I knew it I was coming up on the last mile and there was a guy there running the other way on the path encouraging the runners {come to find out, he was heading back to meet his wife to run in with her} and saying, "keep pushing, you can make it under 2 hrs!" I was so happy to turn the corner and see the finish line...I had a smile from ear-to-ear {I am always overwhelmed with a feeling of accomplishment and joy when I cross the finish line} and loved running through the finish line and hearing people cheering for me.  Official time: 2:01.46!!  So close!! Was I disappointed!? Not at all! I ran the best race I was could &  was so excited to drop another 6 minutes off of my time; I know my half marathon time will start with a 1 in San Antonio. 

We did it!! 

My dad ran with my mom and helped pace & push her...she finished in 2:18!!! {Impressive!!!}

Our buddies James and Makenna came out to cheer us on! A family that runs together stays together! 

In 2 1/2 years, I have shaved 22 minutes off of my half marathon time, and I am looking forward to shaving another 22 minutes off! 

Portland Rock N Roll

Two of my favorite things: A Rock n Roll event AND Portland, OR...YES PLEASE!!! After doing the Country RnR in Nashville a couple of years ago, I had a goal to do all of the RnR events {but that is going to be a little difficult now because they continue to add more events every year}; so, you can only imagine my excitement when I heard they would be doing one in PORTLAND!!!  I know RnR receives quite a bit of criticism, especially due to the fact that they are pretty expensive; but I love them because they are extremely well organized, have LOTS of people {I am not a fan of small races}, are high energy, offer great course support, are in fabulous cities, and are always tons of fun.  

I am training for a marathon {surprise, surprise, its another RnR event}, so I viewed this as a training run {still with the goal in mind to finish with a good time}, and while I didn't officially taper for it, I did take is easier-than-normal the week before. So without further adieu here is a photographic journey through the  Portland RnR!

The expo!

He loves the blue!

Cheese!

Saturday I hung out with Caitlin {the pic of the two of us didn't turn out} at the NUUN booth & we had a hydration partay! {ugh, this pic is from my phone so its a lil blurry}

The Best Sherpa and Cow Bell Ringer! We love her!

I LOVE the character of Portland!

Only in Portland will you find a life-size game of Chess

We took a trip to Huber's for their famous Spanish Coffee

My mom never passes up a photo opportunity

 RACE DAY!!!!

 And we're off..

My dear friend Nicki, who I convinced to sign up for the race over a year ago! As I was going to meet her she text me that she just met two girls in Team-Sparkle skirts with NUUN tattoos...

...well those two girls just happened to be my new running friends Cass and Tasha! Tasha & I are teammates {AND Vanmates} for the NUUN Ragnar relay! It was so nice to meet both of them! 

Showing off our new "ink"!

And he's off, with the 1:45 pacer

Finishing...right around a 1:44! He's my inspiration!!!

Nicki finishing strong

I have yet to take a good running picture...

Post-race smiles 

He was one PROUD runner, and I was one proud daughter! 

I've never done a run {race or just for fun} in Portland that I didn't love, and the same was true for this one! Despite it being hillier than I anticipated, and raining {par for the course for Portland} it was a beautiful course and fun event.  I was hoping to go sub-2, and last minute decided to start with the 2:00 pacers {I figured I just needed to go for it}, and I held on until mile 7, then backed off a little! Despite not quite getting the sub-2, I was happy with my time {within a minute of my PR, which was on a FLAT course} and am pumped for the Seattle RnR marathon.  

How I plan on accomplishing my goal of a Sub-2hr 1/2 marathon

I have now done 6 1/2 marathons {its actually the distance I race most frequently} and it's time to really focus on picking up my pace and accomplishing my ULTIMATE goal of doing a sub 2 hour 1/2 marathon.

So here is how I plan to do it...

1. FOLLOW MY TRAINING PLAN: For those of you who know me, I am a planner, so I always sit down and write out a training calendar for all of my races.  However, I don't always stick to it. This time around I WILL stick to it...and not just run the distances, but focus on maintaining the appropriate paces.   I am using the  Run Less, Run Faster plan {which I have used one other time}...the plan calls for speed work {deffinitely a LOVE/HATE relationship}, pace work, and a long run {only 3 runs a week}.  

2.  FOCUS ON PROPER HYDRATION: I don't know why, but recently I have been struggling with getting enough water...so now I "drink with a purpose."  While training for my marathon, I realized even more that proper hydration {and fueling} was necessary all week long, NOT just during the long runs. I'm a huge fan of drinking NUUN {my favorite flavor is lemon + lime} and coconut water to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes. My new "rule" is that I drink 12oz of water before I have my morning coffee :) 

3.  FOAM ROLL DAILY: I notice come Saturday for my longs runs, my legs are TIGHT {especially my hammies}, as a result of my runs from the week & my Crossfit WODs.  I WILL foam roll and use "The Stick" daily to maximize my runs and prevent injury.

5. ICE BATH: Since training for my first marathon last summer, I have become a huge advocate of the ice bath.  So I plan on taking an ice bath after every long run to help save the legs.

6. CONTINUE READING "THE RUNNER'S DEVOTIONAL" : I have really enjoyed reading this book...it has enhanced both my physical and spiritual training. It has also served as a great tool to stay in touch with and encourage my "long distance running partners" who will be joining me for the Seattle Rock N Roll marathon in June! 

On May 20th I will be doing my {lucky number} 7th 1/2 marathon and plan on taking my PR from 2:07.23 to anything that starts with a 1!!!  {This will be a 20 min PR from my first half marathon in 2009}