Get It Girl Wednesday: Brazen Racing Summer Breeze Half Marathon Race Recap + Running Form

For my fourth half marathon of the year, I was *determined* to beat my PR (personal record).  My timing for my third half marathon of the year (Seattle RnR) was so far off  from what I was used to getting that I wasn't really sure if I could even get anywhere near the PR.  The last time I beat my PR was over a year ago (and I've ran 5 halves since then).  I was very apprehensive but I wanted to do this once and for all.

So I trained.  And trained some more.  I train with EVERY half I do because I'm so afraid of pushing myself too far and getting injured.  But this time around, I switched things up a little.  This is what I did: 

#1--I changed my diet.  Since starting this blog and really learning about how Christelyn eats clean, it made me realize that it isn't so hard.  And everything she made sounded so good. When we filmed Good Day Sacramento, she opened my eyes even more at all of the healthy foods she had me set up for filming. She inspired me so much.  I dropped white rice.  This was really, really hard for me.  I eat mostly protein, vegetables and fruits now.  I am not on what I consider a super strict diet.  I still have my sugary coffee in the morning.  I had a cronut the other day for the first time!  I have not lost any weight but I do feel lighter on my feet and more energized.  And the lower belly pouch that I've had since I had my first son at 21 years old is shrinking!  I am far off from a 6 pack but I didn't even know getting rid of that pouch was possible.  I thought I was stuck with it for life because I worked out all the time and could never get rid of it.  What finally did it was my diet.  

#2--I used a different training plan.  My go to plan is Hal Higdon's half plan.  This time around I used Jeff Galloway's plan.  The Jeff Galloway plan is a walk/run method.  I didn't follow the plan to a T but I used the basic concept of it.  I think this plan helped me get over a mental plateau I have been on for a year.  At this point in my running, my body could handle the pushing but for some reason, my mind couldn't handle it...or it wasn't mature enough?  I know this might only make sense to other runners but I don't know how else to explain it.  I have heard this before from other runners.  Running can be compared to growth and development stages and you just have to get through these stages and learn in order to go further or improve.  Jeff Galloway's plan helped me do this.

Both of these keys I think helped me PR at the Summer Breeze Race.  

This race takes place in San Leandro, CA.  The start is about 10 mins. from my house with no traffic but Mr. DJ, who was also running the race, and I decided to get there about an hour early.  There is only ONE lane on the street leading into the park where the start/finish line are.  I've ran a race here before and learned my lesson that there is a HUGE traffic jam on the one lane street and traffic can be a hassle.  This is just a head's up for anyone who might be planning to do this race next year!  

Just like at every start of any race, I was nervous.  I don't know if I'll ever be not nervous.  Brazen puts on a great event with food available before and after the race.  But I couldn't eat anything before my race.  I was way too nervous!

I started the race off pretty fast.  I tried to slow down because I didn't want to burn out early but I just naturally kept going back to my 'Miracle Mile' pace and felt good.

Me on the course.  Picture taken by event staff.

I wanted to share this above picture because it highlights what NOT to do.  :)  I have been consciously working hard on my running form and I have gotten better but it really is difficult to break bad habits.  This picture shows that I am definitely a heel striker which I am working on improving.  Studies show that when you heel strike, your leg is extended away from you (vs. being more under your hip), creating a force that could be jarring to your knees and hips (risk for injury!).  Read this article from runcoach.com for more information about this.  Below are some more event pictures showing the running form that I'm trying to master. 

landing on a flat foot.  landing knee is under hip.  Good.

Super tired at this point.  Can you tell? haha.  But notice the foot is not landing on the heel!  Good.

Right before the half way point of this race, I started to feel really tired.  It's an out and back course and the turn around is right near the San Mateo Bridge.  After the turn around, I started to get a second wind as the sweeping views of the peninsula across the bay were so pretty.  I also passed a mom pushing her physically disabled daughter in a modified wheelchair.  I thought if that mom can run this easily, there is no reason why I should give up.  I had to take a few deep breaths and blink some tears away when I saw the mom and daughter.  That mom's strength and perseverance was so beautiful and it inspired me so much to keep my pace up.  I wish I knew her name.

This race is definitely a lot smaller than the Nike races or the Rock and Roll races.  I was by myself for a lot of the second half which was hard for me because I didn't have anyone to follow or focus on to pace me.  I just had to continue to push myself.  I kept looking at my pace on my watch and was becoming a little obsessed and somewhat disappointed when I saw my pace slowing down.  I decided at mile 10 I was not going to look at the watch again.  

By mile 12 I felt like I was done.  I didn't feel as if I was near a PR.  No one I started with was any where near me; I assumed they all finished ahead of me.  All of these negative thoughts.  At mile 12.5, was when I saw Mr. DJ.  He always finishes ahead me and but always returns to the course to see me through the last half mile.  I swear I was going to start walking had I not seen him.  I really needed that push of someone running with me to pace that last half mile.  It's like having someone carry you through but not actually carrying you.  What would I do without my better half?!  

As I came to the finish line, and looked at the big ol' clock, it said 2:09:13.  Or something like that. I can't remember exactly but all I remember was that it was under 2:10 which was my goal!!  I felt that I ran so slowly during the second half of the race that it couldn't possibly be right.  So I didn't even celebrate my PR until I got home and looked online at the results.  haha.  Mr. DJ kept telling me the clock/timing was accurate but I just could not believe I accomplished my goal.

Like I've mentioned. this race isn't a big race with a ton of participants but it's always nice to see your name in the top 20 isn't it?   :)

Mr. DJ and I, post race

I realized a lot of our #fitfam was also at this race.  But I didn't know until I got home and saw all of the pictures online on everyone's IG and FB!  If you guys ever see me at a race, please come over and say hello!  I would LOVE to meet you guys in person and I promise I do not bite.  

#GetItGirl Wednesdays: Staying Hydrated, Mermaid Run, & More Workout Mixes

Last week we posted the very first Fitness Mama workout mix.  If you didn't catch it, click here to check it out!  We got tons of positive feedback with requests to make more workout mixes available and so we definitely will make this a regular thing for you mamas.  A lot of people were asking for 80's or 90's stuff.  Who's ready for some TLC??  #babybabybaby #whataboutyourfriends

Have you guys signed up for the Mermaid Run yet?  Have you started training?  Just in case you missed our announcement, Fitness Mama and Team Get it Girl will be at this event!  We'd love to see all of your gorgeous faces in person and this would be a great opportunity to meet you guys.  It would be like a big party except we'll be downing Zico's and Gatorade instead of lemon drops.  So train like a beast and celebrate your accomplishment at a great women's run.

The Details...

What: Mermaid Series run.  Sirena 10mile.  10k. 5k. 

(Team GIG will be running the 10 mile which will take us over the Golden Gate Bridge!)

Where: San Francisco

When: November 10th 2013

Time: start times depend on which race you choose to run.  Sirena 10 mile starts at 7am.

Price: Please check the Mermaid Series site for the prices; it really depends on which race you do and if you sign up earlier, the prices are discounted

This race has sold out the last three years so don't wait too long and miss out!

Click here to register

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Last weekend I had another long training run and it was SO discouraging.  I just felt super tired and my legs felt so heavy.  It was one of those days when I just felt like I could not go any faster no matter how much I pushed.  

So when this happens, I try to go over WHY did this happen.  Did I not get enough sleep?  Was I not getting enough of the right nutrition?  Should I have stretched more?  This time around, I think that the reason was that I probably didn't get enough hydration.

We all know how water is so important to getting/staying fit and healthy.  Water is so necessary for our bodies to function properly and I think that's why I was feeling so tired and my legs were cramping up during my long run.  Our bodies are about 75% water and water is used in just about every bodily function from transporting oxygen to those muscles to regulating body temps to breathing.  I had my water belt with me during the run but of course this isn't going to fix the fact that I hadn't been regularly drinking enough water in the days leading up to this run to prepare me.  

Drinking water has definitely not been easy for me.  In fact it is just one of those things I find SO challenging and I'm immediately impressed when someone tells me they drink upwards of a gallon of water daily (Hi Anne Marie!  lol).  For most of my twenties and early thirties all I drank was soda.  I now realize how very wrong this was.  We always had soda in the fridge.  I cringe when I think about how I drank soda (ex-Dr. Pepper addict right here) with breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It was just that I didn't find water very refreshing. In fact I would sometimes gag when I drank water and then chase the water down with soda!  #smh

So this is just a friendly reminder to keep that soda out of the house.  You and the kids will be less likely to reach for it if it's not there.  When I don't crave water, I find it harder to reach my goal in drinking a certain amount everyday.  Here are some things I do to help me reach that goal...

-add cut up fruit (strawberries, kiwis, etc.), citrus fruit or mint to flavor the water.  Sometimes I get so busy that I cannot be bothered to cut up fruit just to drink water.  This is why I always have grapes washed and ready to go in the fridge.  I just grab 2-3 grapes and then chase it down with water.  So refreshing!

-add lots of ice.  Sometimes crunching on the ice helps with that gagging sensation I get when I don't want anymore water but I know I should be drinking more. You can also make citrus fruit flavored ice by squeezing lemon/grapefruit/orange/lime/etc. juice in the water in your ice trays. 

-drink tea!  Iced or hot.  It's water!

-keeping water icy cold.  Sometimes I cannot stand room temp water.  When I remember to, I keep half filled water bottles in the freezer.  When I'm ready to leave the house, I add water to this bottle and it stays cold for hours. 

-keep a routine.  Pick an activity or activities that you can link with drinking some water.  Drink water when you first get into the office.  Or when you get a chance to sit during the day.  Or every time you change the baby's diaper.  Or every time you have to go to the kitchen.  

Do you have other ways to help me reach my goal of drinking more water?  Do you have other ideas to help remind yourself to drink more water?  Please share them with me!!  

Seattle Trip + Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon Race Report + Tons of Pics

Three things.

One.  Can you guys believe we are in the last week of June?!  It is blowing my mind right now that the fourth of July is next week.  It seems like this summer is just flying by!

Two.  Nike Women's Marathon is going to start letting us know if people made it through their lottery tomorrow.  Keep those fingers crossed!  They say it could take a few days for them to email everyone so if you don't get an email tomorrow, don't lose hope.

And three.  I wanted to share with you guys another race I did recently.  I'm putting each report up just in case you guys are thinking about doing these races next year.  Hopefully you guys will find these helpful; please use it as a simple point of reference when trying to plan out what races you want to do in the future.  And if you have questions about something I might have missed, please ask away!

My husband and I planned to do the Seattle Rock and Roll half marathon more than six months ago.  We had such a great experience with San Jose's Rock and Roll half last year that we knew they would put on a great race no matter what.  Plus, Seattle was a city my family and I have never been to so we thought it would be a great family get away.

I'll start with the race stuff.

We were able to attend the bib pick up/expo on Thursday.  The expo was huge.  The biggest bib pick up I've ever attended thus far.  It was located at the CenturyLink Field Event Center.  RnR races have corrals to make the start line process go smoothly.  Each corral had their own stand for bib pick up.  There were 40+ corrals!!  The stands went on for days.  The amount of booths/freebies/samples was astounding.  I've never experienced anything like it.  As always, RnR was extremely organized for this monstrosity of an event.

cheerleaders to welcome you to bib pick up

                             

TONS of vendors.  Have you guys ever bought anything from One More Mile Apparel?
The sayings on their shirts are so funny.

my husband (FYI, from now on I'm going to refer to this guy as Mr. DJ instead of writing 'my husband' out every time) purchasing nutrition/fuel for the race

course previews

It was drizzing on this day and my hair was out of control poofy.  I realized that my hair was just like this purple hair girl.


My boys and I +  the Geico Gecko

                     
On Friday, we did a lot of sightseeing.  I'll post pictures of stuff we saw later on in the post; that way, you can skip it if you just want to see the race stuff!

Saturday was race day.  Start time was at 7am.  I woke up at 5am so I can slowly get ready (because who wants to move quickly that early in the morning?!).  We stayed at the Seattle Westin which is about a mile from the Space Needle  (start/finish line location).  We took the monorail from our hotel to the start (station was right across the street).  We ended up getting to the start at 6:15.  Plenty of time to spare but better to be early than late.  We hung out inside the Seattle Center Armory to keep warm.  There were plenty of bathrooms here too, a better alternative to the port-o-potties outside.

Mr. DJ and I waiting in the Armory

It was reported that there were 18k runners at this race.  This wasn't the biggest race I've ran but it definitely is the MOST ORGANIZED.  There are big signs everywhere telling you where to go.  There were no shortages of anything.

I mentioned before that there were over 40 corrals.  My only issue with this race is that it takes awhile for all of the corrals to cross the start line.  I was in corral 19.  The race officially started at 7am.  I didn't cross the start line until 7:30am.  Having to wait an extra half hour was a little annoying especially when you're all set and ready and just WANT TO RUN and not stand in place.  But I guess this comes with signing up in any big race.  And I do understand that it is a much safer and actually better experience on the course when there  are corrals like this and I appreciate that.  I just am an impatient person and I hate waiting.  ;)

When we signed up for the race, I totally was expecting to run in the rain.  Because it's SEATTLE.  But race day gave us nothing but sunshine and actually it got really hot at some points.  There was some neighbor holding up a water hose and I am always so thankful for this on hot race days.  I ran through the water, got soaked, but dried up less than a mile later.  This was the only 'rain' we experienced on race day.

photo courtesy of the Seattle RnR site

The course itself was awesome.  From the Space Needle, we went through downtown, through the international district and then eventually through some neighborhoods with plenty of people always cheering the runners on.  At around mile 6 we hit a picturesque part of the course with Lake Washington to our right side.  It was absolutely breathtaking.  Everything was SO lush and green.  Now I get why Seattle is the Emerald City.  At this point, I saw a vow renewal taking place.  I wish I had taken a picture.  Some guy pulled his wife off the course (she was running) and asked her to marry him again after 35 years!  They had a officiant waiting and the family was all there.  So awesome.

Around mile 7/8 the Wear Blue: Run to Remember group was present.  There were pictures along the course of servicemen/women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  I really had to concentrate on not completely breaking down and crying.  It was a great tribute.

photo courtesy of the Seattle RnR site

After passing Lake Washington, the course hopped on a shut down freeway that led us by SafeCo Field and the CenturyLink Stadium.  I could not believe they actually shut down a freeway.  This freeway led to a major bridge (we didn't run on the bridge but it was shut down nonetheless because we ran on the roads leading to the bridge). I don't think that would fly where I live in the SF bay area; people would start rioting.  Seriously.  It may be like shutting down I80 west and closing the bay bridge.  So I just wanted to take the time to thank the people of Seattle for being so patient and so tolerant of this course.

After SafeCo, the course wound its way through downtown again and then down past the Seattle Ferris Wheel by the water, past Pioneer Square/Pike Place Market and then back towards the Space Needle.  The course was pretty flat for the most part.  It starts getting hilly the last two miles of the race.  This was torture! But I heard that the course has changed and this year's was actually better.  There was one hill at like mile 12.5.  That was pure evil and just plain sadistic!!  I live in an area where I have to run hills all the time but I try not to find myself going uphill after just running 12.5 miles.  That hill almost had me walking.  Almost.

I pretty much ran the whole thing and I was pretty happy with that despite my super slow time.  I was ten minutes behind my PR.  But this was expected because I didn't put in the training time/miles this time around. Also, I do not recommend putting in a full day of sight seeing a day before a half marathon.  :)  The heat and the hills also did not help my time whatsoever.  BUT I had SO much fun with this whole experience.  It was my first destination race and it was such a fun experience that I want to do at least one destination race a year.  Now that I know how this all works, I think I can prepare a little better when traveling for a race.

The Medal

Seattle was beautiful.  We only spent five days there and the first impression I got was that it's a very chill place.  The people were down to earth and super friendly.  And everything is SO clean.  The link (kinda like BART) floor was this light blue color.  It just impressed me that it was so clean that it stays that color.  You'd think there would be stains or mud everywhere (because of the rain) but it was just CLEAN.  No weird smells either.  If you've rode on BART before, you know what I mean.

The air in Seattle also is just CLEAN and crisp.  No pollution at the horizon.  I keep using the word 'clean' but this is just the first thing I noticed about the place.

We hit up all the touristy areas.  Pike Place Market.  First Starbucks store.  Gum Wall.  Space Needle.  And we also hit up a Mariner's game.  My family and I are HUGE A's fans and guess who was in town!!??  The A's.  We really couldn't believe our luck.  

making his mark on the Gum Wall

at the top of the Space Needle

this is the market where they throw the fish.  We actually were lucky enough to see it live.  I was too slow with the camera though and didn't get a shot.

These two were able to get on the actual field and walk around

I absolutely LOVE Seattle.  I (hella) love the bay area and would never leave but if I HAD to leave, I might pick Seattle.  I definitely would go back to just visit in a heartbeat.

And if you're ever there visiting, you MUST stop at these places to eat:

Serious Pie.  Their pizza is SO YUM.  You simply must try it.

Portage Bay Cafe.  The breakfast here really shines.  The star is their Berry Bar.  Don't skip this to top your pancakes!

Beecher's.  The BEST mac and cheese you will ever try is located here.

Grill From Ipanema.  If you like meat, visit this Brazilian steakhouse.  I don't eat a whole lot of meat but Mr. DJ does and he absolutely loved this spot.

#imissSEATTLE

See Jane Run Race Report and Pictures

I ran about 8 different races in 2012 and See Jane Run was my absolute favorite in every way.  This year, SJR did not disappoint.

But before I get to the race report, I want to just say how proud I am of my sister who ran this race with me.  Just thinking about all of what she has accomplished this past year brings tears to my eyes.  Just a bit of a background...my sister is the one person who inspired me to run in the first place.  In 2007 she ran a marathon.  Back then, I was in complete awe and I didn't quite understand why anyone would want to run 26.2 miles.  But I thought it was amazing how NO ONE can take this accomplishment or feeling away from her.  Back then, I couldn't run around the block without having to walk so I basically felt that my sister had magical powers at that point.  To make a long story short, I eventually started to run myself and my sister supported me, pushed me, guided me with every step of the way.  Whenever I felt like giving up or whenever I felt like I was having a difficult run, I would think of how she did a MARATHON.  If she can do that, I can for sure do 1 more mile.  

When I got to a point when I felt comfortable participating in races, my sister got pregnant with her first child.  Basically, this whole time I've been running, my sister hasn't been able to run with me because she was busy being a brand new mama.  She had my most favorite, most amazing nephew in August 2012.

See Jane Run was the first real race I ran with my sister.  We ran the whole thing together.  And she was AMAZING.  She is nine months postpartum and still breastfeeding.  She is a first time mom.  She is very sleep deprived (you remember how those babies sleep that first year?  Yeah she is now very aware.)  She also works a full time job that requires her to work 50+ hours a week.  How she accomplished running a half marathon at this point is beyond me but I now know that ANYTHING is possible.  If YOU think YOU are too busy to workout or run, please remember this story.  She is my inspiration.  

So for my race report.  :)  Let's start with the expo.  

SJR throws an expo for their bib pick up.  They had several days and times for you to pick up your bib so it was convenient!  The expo was at Oakland's Jack London Square.  

my friend and her sweet daughter.  Fit mama Vivi is pregnant and she did  the SJR 5k walk.  Amazing!  Vivi is also another runner that I've always looked up to; she has been running longer than I have. 

We arrived at a time when it was not crowded so it was really fun to have most of the booths all to ourselves.  And there was no line at bib pick up!  I love when things go so smoothly like this.  

  

my sister and I.  This sign is SO us.  

I was born and raised in Alameda where this race took place.  My mom still lives there so I slept over her house the night before.  I'm so glad I did this as I'm always running a little frantically in the mornings but this time, I was able to wake up and take my time because my mom lives so close to the start line.  My brother in law was able to drop us off within a block of the start line (Thanks B!).  Thank goodness too because there was ZERO parking when we arrived 45 minutes before the race was to begin.  

the organizers led a warm up/stretches right before the start.  This, paired with heart pounding music, pumped everyone up.

Unfortunately, race day landed on The Hottest Day of The Year.  We live in the bay and Alameda rarely gets too hot.  Well it happened.  It got too hot.  REAL fast.  We started off well, we paced ourselves, knowing how hard it would get later when it would get even hotter.  There were pacers at this race and we kept up with the 2:05 and then the 2:10 pacer for a long time.  This is our typical pace so we felt really good.  

Then we hit a wall when we got to the heart of Bay Farm Island...the business park.  Tall, boring buildings blocking any sign of wind.  No neighbors to cheer you on.  And then there was the heat.  It was difficult.  We slowed down at this point.  

Raiders headquarters.  Touchdown RRRRRrrraiders!  Sorry I'm a Raiders fan.  Had to let that out.

When we reached mile 6, there was an aid station with Gu and gatorade.  It also happened to be across the street from Raiders headquarters.  #GoRaiders  All of this combined gave us a second wind and before you knew it, we were out by the beach/waterfront again and the cool ocean breeze was definitely welcomed.  

Beautiful views of SF and the Bay Bridge

We slowed down a bit during the last two miles.  Leg cramps, the heat, not being hydrated enough caught up to us.  We were so thankful for these good samaritans supporting everyone on the course.  

she passed out pretzels and water.  this wasn't an official aid station but so thankful she was there.

There was this little girl holding out a water hose for everyone to run through.  I ran through there and got pretty soaked.  It felt so good.  Sadly, it was so hot that I was completely dry a half mile later!

Despite  being in pain, my sister ran the last half mile like a champ.  I kept pleading with her to slow down because I didn't want her injuring herself but I should've known better.  She is a runner through and through.  They never quit. 

We got our awesome medals, champagne glasses and See's CHOCOLATE at the end.  #happygirl

There were only two things I wanted to note that I wasn't too happy with.  What happened to Luna Bar Alley!??  Last year Luna Bar sponsored an aid station complete with live DJ, 20 cheerleaders with blue wigs, and tons of luna bars.  It was definitely a big party of an aid station.  I missed that because Luna wasn't at this race.  The other thing I noted was that there was no Zico's left when I crossed the finished line.  I look forward to my icy cold Zico after each race.  But I heard they ran out an hour and a half before I even got to finish.  

BUT even after those minor hiccups, SJR is still one of the most organized races I've been a part of.  Everyone is also so supportive and the camaraderie here is so great compared to every race I can remember running. 

They also gave out one of the coolest race medals I've ever seen.  This just might be my favorite.   

Weekly Running Posts

Hi guys!  It's Christina.

Once a week, we hope to write a post all about running.  Past race reports, training, running gear, ups and downs with the running, etc.  I've been running for about a year and a half and I feel like there is still plenty of room for improvement.  I feel like I've conditioned my body to run long distances but am I FAST?  Hell no.  My pace is really slow and I'd like to work to improve this somehow one day.

So my next running event is the See Jane Run Half Marathon.  I've done this race once before (last year) and it was a wonderful experience.  I would totally recommend this race to everyone.  From the online registration to the post race finish line bash, everything just goes so smoothly.  This is a women's run; women from all levels of fitness participate and are all so supportive of each other.  If you've never done a race before, this is the most perfect one to try out first.  I have no doubt you will be inspired to keep going to even more race events.

The course is an easier one in that it is completely flat.  The race is in Alameda (an island) so a lot of the course is along the water.  Hello, cool ocean breeze!  Last year the day of the race was sunny and clear and so we were fortunate enough to get that million dollar view of San Francisco towards the end of the course.    The view is stunning.

Me on the course last year.  Right behind me is the beach!  

Training for See Jane Run is not going as well as I would like.  The kids' schedules are so hectic right now that it is really challenging for me to find time to get out there and run.  Right now, I'm running maybe 2-3 times a week and then try (key word: try.  As in, it doesn't always happen! oops.) to fit a long run in on the weekends.  The race is on June 8th.  I'll let you guys know how it goes.  

I wanted to quickly talk about this Nike Run.  It's another race geared towards women.  This is the race where you get that gorgeous Tiffany necklace as your medal.  Team GIG is going to enter as a group.  Let me know in the comments if you guys are interested in getting into this race with Team GIG!  There are so many that want to get into this race that Nike does it by a lottery system.  If our team gets chosen in the lottery, then we ALL get in and we can run the race together.  Wouldn't that be awesome?!  I'll update you guys on when the registration opens.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook to stay in the loop.  For now, some pictures from last year's race....

Taken at the start line.  It was still dark when we lined up and we waited for the race to start as the sun rose.

SF is known for its hills.  And there are definitely some on the course!

Christelyn did the full.  I did the half.