Guest Review Of The 1775K

Overview:
The 1775k is a race put on the United States Marine Corps to honor the year 1775, when the Corps was founded.  The distance of 17.75k is equal to 11.03 miles.  The big draw for this race is that all finishers get an access code to enter the Maine Corp Marathon and avoid the lottery entry system they use! (The Marine Corps Marathon, or MCM, is the third largest marathon in the country that takes place in and around downtown Washington, DC. It's one of the best marathons around so the concept of a guaranteed entry to avoid the lottery is what draws a lot of people to the 1775k race and this race itself always sells out in a few minutes).

Course setting:
The setting is an a National Park: Prince William Forest Park.  It is a rural hilly park located in Virginia just past the outer fringes of Suburban DC.  The course is mostly a loop in the park that mixes off-road trails, pavement, and very few flat stretches!

Packet Pickup:
The packet pickup is at a local Virginia running store about a half hour south of DC.  It's not real convenient to get to, and because the race is on a Saturday, the packet pickup on Thursday and Friday until 6:30pm means you have to fight rush hour traffic leaving the city to get out there.  However, a bonus tip if you run the race: the website doesn't say there is a race-day pickup, but it also doesn't say that you have to pick up your packet on Thursday or Friday. I found out on race morning that they do have a packet pickup at the start line. So if you can't get out of work in time to fight traffic down to get your packet, no worries because you can pick up your packet at the start. (I think they don't mention this on the website to encourage as many people as possible to get it ahead of time.)

Getting to the start line:
The start line for the race is in a random church parking lot off of a major parkway near the park entrance. Because of this, there is absolutely no parking at the start for runners or spectators. You have to go to one of three remote parking lots and ride shuttles to the start. The race starts at 7am, and I would advise getting to the parking lots by 6:00am. Because there are LONG lines for the shuttle buses!

Long lines for the shuttle buses to the start

Starting line:
At the start area, there is a bag drop that featured a very long line. I think the line was longer than normal because the race morning was the coldest day in a few weeks, and more people than normal were dropping off changes of clothes for after the race.  However, I was lucky enough to get there with enough time to drop the bag and use the port a potties.  Here I am at the start, ready to go!

Start line selfie

The temperature was abnormally low for late March, around 34F that morning with strong winds. And yes, there was someone running with their shirt off, there is always someone like that right? :)

The race:
I had a plan for this race to run it hard, but not all out. It was a hilly course and I had a 20-miler planned later in the weekend for my final 20-miler before Boston.  So I just tried to run what I call "comfortably-hard."  After about 1/4 mile along the parkway, you quickly turn into the park and hit a slight uphill and the pavement ends. For the first 3 miles of the race, you are running on a mix of dirt and rocky roads.  The footing was pretty good on the compacted dirt

Compacted surface for first mile

but there were definitely areas of mud, puddles, and loose rocks after the first mile that slowed down the pace a bit. But overall, the first few miles of up and downs warmed me up quickly, and there breeze wasn't that noticeable in the forest, so I warmed up fast.  I had started with two shirts and a running vest, a hat, and gloves. The hat and gloves came off as the sun popped up right after the start, and then I was regretting pinning my bib over the vest as I couldn't shed any layers.

We hit the pavement at around mile 3, and I was feeling good enough to take a mid-race selfie and text my wife to say where I was on the course:

Nothing looks worse then a selfie at race pace!

I was taking the first few miles of up and downs fairly ease since you can see on the profile map above that mile 4 has a big steep hill. Here was the first time it came into view:

It never looks steep in a picture right? :)

The steep hill was about a half mile long and I slowed from a 6:50 pace to a 12:00 pace. It was that steep. Then at the top there was about 2 more miles of gradual uphill. So it was worth saving that early energy for this part.

The last two miles feature some up and downs that we ran on the first 2 miles, but they seemed steeper by this point! You can see on the profile the jagged up and downs and they sure felt like it. This was the area of somewhat loose rocks, here is a picture I took going up one of the hills:

Once again, it always feels steeper than the picture makes it look right? :)

The downhill stretches were fun though, here we are cruising down a hill again:

Nice downhill stretch

By now you may be sensing a theme, there is no crowd support at all during this race! Only at the water stations, and a few select spots where a Marine or two was shouting encouragement (and it was VERY appreciated!!!), you were all alone. And running in the top 25 means the course is spread out without many other runners either.  It was hard at times to remember this was actually a race and not a training run.

Finally I came up on the mile 10 marker and knew I had one mile left to go:

Mile 10, just one mile to go!

There was a nice sign that said "1775 feet to go!" and it was a great distraction as I tried to do the math on that one (about a third of a mile said my mind). You were still in the forest so it was good to know you were close!  You finally turn on the parkway and boom, there is the finish line with the "Access Granted!" banner (access granted to MCM was the theme of course as mentioned above).  You get a decent medal (the first year for the medals at this race) and your card which has a code on the back to enter MCM.

Holding the access card, the real draw for this race!

I actually don't know my time for this race, and it didn't really matter. My watch didn't start right, and when I looked up the results on the phone the mobile version on Safari would only tell me the placement (I was 25th out of about 2700, I think).  It was an odd distance, and I wasn't trying for any time goal, just a hard, but not all out, effort.

Pros and Cons:
The pros for this race are of course the guaranteed entry into MCM. But also, it was a chance to run a unique distance and course for me, since I'm used to purely road races on pavement.  The biggest cons are that there is no real finish area party, after you get your access card and snacks you pretty much get on the shuttle back to the lots. It is also not a spectator-friendly course for your friends and family. There is no way to get back into the course to root for the runners, so your friends and family can only really see you at the start/finish line.  It also means no course cheering from spectators.

I'd give it a grade B overall, a unique race experience that was well-run but not a type of race I'd like to do very often.

Race Review: Clearwater Halfathon

A quick long weekend getaway to Florida is ALWAYS a good idea coming from a cold D.C. winter.  When we realized there were fairly decent flights to Tampa over MLK weekend, we decided to jump on them.  Being the racing fanatics that we are, we also had to look to see if there were any races being held in the area.  Lo and behold, I found the Clearwater Halfathon and I am so happy I stumbled upon this gem of a race!

We have vacationed in Clearwater a few times and we really like it.  When we looked at the course map online, we knew we had to register...we knew the views would be amazing but we also knew it wouldn't be an easy course.

Website:  http://www.clearwaterrunning.com/halfathon.html

Price:  We paid $85 each which really isn't that bad for a half marathon. 

Expo/Packet Pick Up:  This was held the day before in the same park that would lend itself to the start and finish.  It was small, but it got done what it needed!  I wasn't a fan of the shirts though.  They did give a choice at packet pick up of a long sleeve cotton tee or a short sleeve tech tee.  I took the long sleeve because the tech was gender neutral and very boxy.  I don't often wear shirts from any race though.

Course:  The course stayed pretty close to the beach for the entire 13.1 miles.  We crossed a pretty steep bridge right away and headed to the beach. 


As we approached this hotel, I thought these were spectators!  Whoops!

Then another bridge brings us over more water and through Sand Key State Park and then into a more residential area for the middle portion of the race.  This was the section with the least amount of views and I just tried to settle in and focus on pace and breath.  After the turn around, I ran with another runner about my pace during this section to keep myself in the game.  Then we hit the bridge again I took off on the uphill and decided to pick up my pace.  We were staying at a hotel right along the course so on the return portion I was able to see my mom and my daughter wave to me on the way past the hotel.  I loved that!  Everything was going well and I was happy about my pace....then I hit the final bridge.  Heading up that....my legs just felt so heavy and I felt so tired.  Final mile though!  Once I reached the top, I tried to open the stride and maximize the downhill but we come off the bridge in a really neat spiral shaped pedestrian bridge, which was really neat but not the best for speed!  Once I reached flat ground I raced the final .2 to the finish line with a smile.  I really enjoyed this race!

Finish Party:  Unlimited Light Beer, Pasta and snacks.  The guy who was the MC for the awards after party was great.  He definitely was some type of radio personality and very lively and funny!  There was nothing like sitting in the warm sun, enjoying a beer after running a hard 13 miles.  I got to meet up with a friend from DC who was in town running too!  So great to see my run bud Melissa who blogs at Eat on the Run.  Her recap of the race here. 

My husband ended up getting 3rd in his AG.  So proud of him! 

I would definitely do this race again and the hubby and I have already talked about trying to make this an annual MLK weekend escape! 

Oops....I did it again!

Oops....I did it again.  I signed up for another marathon!  After I crossed the finish line of marathon #3 at Marine Corps Marathon I said I wouldn't do one again...or at least for a long while.  But as the days pass, so do the memories of the pain! 

When I saw that there was a marathon that follows a very similar course to one of my favorite destination long runs, plus a one day coupon code...I jumped on it.  I still have that nagging desire in the back of my head telling me that one day I CAN and I WILL qualify for Boston.  But in order to do so, I have to run more marathons....and train really, really hard. 

So, this May I will be hitting the road for Marathon #4 at the Coastal Delaware Running Festival.  I am a bit nervous for the timing...May could potentially be very hot.  This past fall's Marine Corps Marathon was in the 70s and I felt very dehydrated.  So it may not be a BQ, but hopefully it will be fun!

I am have been testing out some new gear this training cycle and have been very happy with the Eddie Bauer Motion Series.  Very comfortable and I am loving the mint green color of my new capris and matching top. 

So until then, I am getting in the training runs as best I can, cross training with spin, yoga and weights and working on speed as I still hope to PR in the half marathon at the Rock n Roll Nations Capitol in March.

Yoga in my Eddie Bauer Motion series tank, capris and trail shoes. 

How are you staying active this winter and what races are you training for this Spring?

ActivMotion Bar Review

I was sent the ActivMotion bar to review.  It is a workout tool that is a four foot long weighted bar with moving weighted balls inside.  When you move the bar one direction, the movement is exaggerated as the weight shifts in the direction of that movement.  

The idea is to engage your core and stabilizing muscles as you constantly trying to regain balance and counteract the bars own movement.    It took a little bit of getting used to and my first few exercises were not very graceful.  The bar feeling like it was moving on it's own was a unique feeling!  But I started to get the hang of it!  

With the bar, I was also sent videos to follow along with.  This was very helpful because I almost wouldn't have known where to start!  I had some ideas in my head as a fitness instructor of how I would use it but the videos gave me even more.   I was up for a challenge, so I jumped right in with the Level 3 video as my first go at it. 

 

Yes, I know- my workout area of my basement is not glamorous!  The Level 3 video was a 30 minute circuit workout that included floor work, dynamic movements and smaller pulsing moves.  At the end, Derek Mikulski, the creator of ActivMotion bar said if it's too easy it's time to up your game by doing the advanced movements (which I was) or increase the weight of the bar.  I definitely felt like I needed a bit more of a challenge.  I think I need a heavier bar.  I was sent the 6lb bar, but felt I could have upped my weight.  The bar comes in 6lb, 8lb, 10lb, 15lb and 18lb. 

 

Overall, a good workout that I was able to do from the comfort of my home.  I felt the video was engaging and fun.  It keep my interest! 

 

Mamma Chia Organic Energy Beverages Review and Giveaway!

Mamma Chia graciously sent me some of their new Organic Energy beverages to try.  They were delicious.  I love anything chia and I think chia is an amazing little seed!  During winter break, I drank some before most of my runs.  Caffeine and Chia = winning combination. 

 

Mamma Chia made it possible for me to share goodness!  They are allowing me to give away:

One week supply of Mamma Chia Organic Energy beverages

One week supply of Chia Squeezes

Mamma Chia Camelbak water bottle

I love the chia squeezes as well (and so does my daughter!).  They are perfect to have in my bag as a quick snack! 

 

 

You can find hem on Facebook - @MammaChia1 and on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest  – @MammaChia

 

Enjoy!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#TakeTheLeap 30 days of Yoga Challenge!

When I think about yoga, the first thought that comes to mind is strength. Yoga strengthens me and makes me feel grounded.

That’s why I am SO pumped)to participate in prAna’s Take The Leap 30 days of Yoga Challenge with Sweat Pink. I plan to "wheel" my way to a more flexible and strong 2015!

For me, the biggest challenge when it comes to yoga is consistency. Taking the Leap with prAna and Sweat Pink is a great way for me to find my year of strong!

My favorite place to yoga is in a yoga studio because it is so motivating to be around others sharing the same goal.

Come on y’all, Take the Leap with me!

Join prAna’s & Sweat Pink’s #TakeTheLeap 30 Days of Yoga Challenge and be eligible for a chance to win $500 worth of new prAna gear from their latest collection as well as gift an additional $500 worth of prAna gear to the person of their choice... because isn’t giving as important as receiving? They just launched their new Spring Collection so you best get on it!

If I win I would gift the $500 to Kara at http://www.oneredheadandlighthouses.blogspot.com/ because she always inspires me with her running, her yoga, her teaching and her mindful food choices that are healthy for her family, animals and the planet! 

Join the Take the Leap with prAna and Sweat Pink Facebook group / event which we’ll use for updates, sharing,and inspiration: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1525412337742204/

and event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/423377431152799

Looking to Add to Your 2015 Race Calendar? 10 Races Not to Be Missed!

1.  Cherry Blossom Ten Miler.  April 12, 2015.  Not to be missed.  This race is a DC institution and self dubbed "Runner's Rite of Spring".   People travel from all over the US, hoping to get perfect race conditions that line up with peak blooms!  The lottery is over, but they do allow for bib transfers.  People are always selling their bibs as the race gets closer....so keep an eye out and put the word out that you are looking! 

 

2.  Marine Corps Marathon.  October 25, 2015.  "More Than a Race".  So true.  You will feel such emotion and pride for your country running this one.  You will feel an amazing sense of gratitude for our service members and their families.  You can't beat the amazing 26.2 mile tour of the Washington, DC area...staring at the Pentagon, running past monuments, the Potomac River and ending at the Iwo Jima Memorial.  Entry for this race is also by lottery which opens March 13, 2015.   You can get guaranteed registration by running the 17.75k on March 28, 2015, but of course that will sell out quickly as well.   Registration for this race is on March 11, 2015 and will sell out in a matter of minutes. 

3. Navy Air Force Half Marathon  Sunday Sept. 20, 2015.  This race is a great PR friendly course - mostly flat, start at the Washington Monument, through the monuments of DC and Rock Creek Park.  It comes in early September at the perfect time when all your hot summer training lends to a PR on the cool race morning!  It's a perfect race too because it hasn't become so popular (YET!) as it's relatively new and so there is no lottery for this one.  But mark my words....it will grow every year!  Registration opened Feb. 2nd and use code COLLEEN at registration to be entered to win a tech tee!  Register here: http://navyairforcehalfmarathon.com/

4. Annapolis Running Classic  November 2015 Date TBD based of the Navy Football schedule.  Great race through historic Annapolis.  Not flat and not a PR race, but the after party will make the 13.1 mile jaunt well worth your time.  Lots of micro-brews and unlimited oysters in the party tent.  They always have amazing premiums for the runners as well. 

5. Smuttynose Half Marathon Great seacoast course and a great medal with the Smuttynose Harbol Seal on the medal!  The beachfront after-party in true New England style is fantastic as well.  Lobster rolls, clam chowder, and Smuttynose Beer! 

6. Nike Women's Half Marathon San Francisco.  October 2015. With no DC race this year, San Fran is your only US Nike Women's race to get that coveted Tiffany necklace at the finish line.  Entry is through lottery, unless you can prove that you are a college student and get guaranteed entry.  The course is hilly, but should afford you some great views of the city.  Unless it is socked in by fog of course!  But as always SF is a great city and it is a great destination race. 

7.  New York City Marathon.  Nov. 1, 2015.  Need I say more?  The lottery is open right now 1/15/15-2/15/15.  What are you waiting for? 

8. Army Ten Miler.  October 11, 2015.  A great racing distance, the 10 miler.  This is also a very popular race and sells out very quickly so you have to stay on top of registration when it opens on May 19, 2015. 

9. Mountains to Beach Marathon May 24, 2015 A great Boston Qualifier that is slightly downhill the whole way from Ojai to the Beach.  Sponsored by Cliff Bar, you know you will be getting some great fuel along the course! 

10. Lululemon SeaWheeze Half Marathon. August 15 2015 This race is already sold out for this summer and not sure if they allow bib transfers, but keep your eyes peeled for next year.  You can still attend the Sunset Festival attached to the race as tickets can be purchased separately if you aren't running.  A great waterfront course in Vancouver plus sunset yoga festival and concert.

11. Thinking Ahead to 2016!  January 2016.  Clearwater Distance Festival!  A beautiful course with great ocean views.  A fantastic beach destination race but not for PRs as you will cross 2 bridges twice each.  Great post race festival with unlimited pasta and beer.