I ran the PCRF Half Marathon this weekend. Right here’s a fast race recap and pics of what I ate and my half marathon operating outfit. LMK when you’ve got any questions.
PCRF stands for the Pediatric Most cancers Analysis Basis so this race is also referred to as the Reaching for the Remedy Half Marathon. It’s an enormous fundraising occasion for the muse. And it’s additionally a particular occasion for these impacted by pediatric most cancers. The publish race competition is geared in the direction of youngsters and there are a whole lot of household groups that do the 5K, 10K and youngsters run.
The day earlier than the race I did some meal prep as a result of I knew I wouldn’t wish to do it after. I didn’t make full meals, however did wash and chop veggies and make some salsa rooster.
I additionally chopped dozens of mango as a result of that’s my newest meals obsession. The opposite day my niece instructed me “Mango’s not meals. My mother and pa stated mangoes usually are not meals.” They instructed her this as a result of mango is the one factor she needs to eat – breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks = mango.
And I get it. Mangoes are the one factor I wish to eat too. It’s extreme and turning into an issue. Fortunate for me – I don’t have any adults telling me I must eat one thing aside from mango. And I don’t suppose they do interventions for mango habit so I’m going to proceed this all mango food regimen till some kind of vitamin deficiency units in.
However I did cheat on my all mango routine to include some rice and protein (unpictured) in there too.
Pre-race I had espresso with collagen powder, water with Nuun, oatmeal and banana. I at all times put my collagen powder in scorching espresso as a result of it’s simpler to combine. I drink it that means till it cools off a bit and pour it over ice.
I needed to depart for the race sooner than I wished as a result of the streets could be blocked round the place I used to be staying the evening earlier than. I parked a lil removed from the cubicles as a result of I wished to do some movies for instagram. However, one other automobile pulled up proper beside me inside minutes of me parking. Womp womp.
I did a lil pre-race video anyway (watch my Instagram tales for the nice/random daily hangouts –> @RunEatRepeat).
I don’t know why, however recently a few of my movies have this vertical line static on and off (see beneath). That is simply my common digital camera (not an app or filter), but it surely has additionally occurred on video calls and with filters. Grrrr. Have you ever seen this earlier than? Ideas on the best way to repair?
There are such a lot of issues I like about this race. I like that it’s for a fantastic trigger. I like that it’s an area race, which makes it tremendous simple to get to and have my bf come cheer me on. I like that they’ve race day packet pick-up. I like that there are a whole lot of cubicles on the publish race celebration giving out samples and swag. I like the lengthy sleeve tech tee and bag you get only for registering. I like the massive medal.
However there’s one factor I don’t love about this race… it’s HILLY.
And I utterly forgot till I registered for the race and regarded up the half marathon course. At some point I hope I’ll keep in mind – search for the course elevation BEFORE YOU REGISTER. (However… I don’t know if a brilliant hilly course would really forestall me from operating a race. I’d most likely nonetheless do it, however simply have longer to emphasize about it.)
So… I did a serious runner fail and psyched myself out earlier than the race enthusiastic about how laborious the hills had been final yr.
It’s one factor to examine the course map + the climate forecast and use that info to regulate your race day objectives. You must discover a good stability between chasing down BIG GOALS and utilizing all of the related info to ascertain A,B,C race day objectives.
I didn’t try this. I mainly went into race day pondering it could be a long term (that are sometimes slower than different coaching runs) and I’d stroll as wanted. That’s okay. However I let final yr’s race expertise decide my lack of objectives for this yr with out actually bearing in mind my coaching. Final yr I ran this race in 1:59:56 and this I ran it in 1:49:56. That’s a full 10 minutes sooner!!
I ran it that a lot sooner as a result of I felt so much higher than I did final yr and I stored checking in with my effort degree (not operating tempo). That is one among my favourite race methods. *We’ll speak about this in an upcoming publish – lmk when you’ve got any particular ideas or questions you’d like me to handle on this subject.*
Earlier than the race I noticed Pammy Runs! She simply ran the LA Marathon final weekend and is operating the Boston Marathon in a couple of weeks. Pam is quick. She’s at all times been sooner than me. So, once I noticed right here round mile 6 of the course I believed, “SLOW DOWN”. I instantly thought I used to be going too quick and going to finish up strolling the previous few miles.
I attempted to remain behind her for some time as a result of I knew I couldn’t move her and wouldn’t be capable to chat alongside her. However, I checked in with myself and was nonetheless feeling good so I finally ran as much as her aspect. We chatted for a minute, however she instructed me to maintain going. I hadn’t deliberate on passing her. I didn’t actually wish to! I knew I felt ok to maintain pushing, but it surely took some time for me to understand Speedy (the quick model of me) confirmed up right now.
Humorous sufficient… I reluctantly ran away from Pam and figured she’d move me in a couple of. (*Word that my thoughts was nonetheless in the best way of my physique at this level.)
I lastly determined to push it and see what I may do right now. I centered on my arm swing, strolling by way of support stations with electrolytes and staying constructive. I’ve been engaged on a couple of new mind workouts recently and so they actually helped!! I did really feel myself begin to sluggish a bit within the final two miles, however I didn’t simply fade away. I stored pushing for a robust end.
PCRF Half Marathon end time: 1:49:56
Certain, this isn’t a PR or tremendous quick for me, but it surely’s sooner than I’ve been operating recently. The purpose is that I’ve been slower since all race cancellations began in 2020, which is okay, however I didn’t have to remain in that zone. I forgot the best way to push myself bodily and mentally. It felt good to push myself out of my consolation zone on this race. (Apparently, operating out of your consolation zone feels HARD. However, it additionally feels actually GOOD after.)
After the race Pam and I scored some Suja restoration drinks. And sure, that could be a banana in my pocket (however I’m additionally joyful to see you).
Half Marathon Operating Gear hyperlinks:
