Race (Spectator) Report: Kirkland Half Marathon

Just to start out, I did not run the Kirkland Half Marathon/5k. I might have had I had an easier time running the begining part of my pregnancy, but I didn't so that is that. The course does pass near my house, though. One of my good friends was running it too, so I decided to take part in the fun.

It was a dreary, cold, Pacific Northwest morning. The start time for the race was 7:30 am. Talia (my friend running) set a goal to run about ten minute miles, so I set my alarm for 7:40. I got up and looked out the window. The walkers were just walking along the main road. I got dressed and started a pot of coffee. Then I grabbed my neon green "go talia" sign and walked out to the course. By the time I made it out there, most of the elite runners had passed and it was still mostly walkers passing by. (I should explain, you can walk the half marathon too, the walkers start before the runners... just in case you hadn't figured that out yet.) I am not the best cheerleader. I am good at making signs, but not so good at the yelling. Talia became popular with the people walking by, so they were doing the cheering for me. One man even declared that he was Talia. I think the real Talia would argue that.

I had to start looking really hard once the crowd of runners started to pass. There were a lot of white hats like hers running by. Talia saw me first and smiled. She loved her sign. I wish it was later in the race she ran into me, but I am sure it helped boast her over some of the hills she still had to run the next three miles of the course.

I went back inside, where it was warm and dry for the next hour. That coffee I made tasted sooo good. At 8:45am I started to make the walk down to the finish line. I met up with the course at the mile 12 marker. I debated on waiting there for Talia or to keep going for a little while. I decided to walk and knowing she would catch up with me soon. About a half mile down she did. I think I was almost more excited to see her than she was to see the finish. I ran with her a little ways and when I got too hot from all my layers I told her to go pass these girls 10 yards in front of her. I caught up with her at the finish line. Her time? 2:13 and some change! I'm so impressed. The Kirkland half is no easy course. I'm sure the next simpler course she does she will get under two hours.

We walked around the vendor booths to check them out. I bought a running skirt and some compression socks. (I will post a review for them soon.) I said goodbye to Talia and her husband. Then I walked my way back home. I was sad I could not be part of the race, but at least I got to participate in the way I could. I also got my exercise for the morning with the long walk to the finish. Sorry I don't have any pictures. I really need to get better at that for you guys. Talia, I hope you don't mind being part of my blog this week. :)

Half Marathon Series - Water

Water is important and on hot days or anything longer than seven miles. During those runs you are probably going to want to carry some with you.

Some people do just plan their long runs around water stops (Jack in the Box here, Starbucks there, drinking fountain over there). That is great for refilling water bottles, but I am the type to slowly sip along the way. Plus once the temperatures start warming up water becomes even more important. Here are some ideas for carrying water.

Handheld water bottle - This is a great option for shorter runs. H purchased the one linked. I like to "borrow" it on short runs during hot days. The water is carried in hand. I switch hands every mile or so.

Hydration belts - The one linked is mine. I like the metal circle in the back because it helps the belt move on my hips, so it stays in place pretty well. It is worn low on the hips.

Holster Hydration Waist Pack - I have seen these more on marathon runners. Not sure what the difference is. Perhaps if I start doing some marathons I will give it a try.

Multiple bottle belts - These are belts usually worn around the smallest part of the waste and carry as much as four bottles. Personally that is a lot of extra weight to carry. I would rather stop and refill my two bottles. I see a lot of guys wearing these types of belts. Once again, not sure why, but a lot of dudes wear them.

The other thing to think about is if a sports drink is appropriate in those bottles. I personally dislike Gatorade during a work out. It gives me heart burn and upsets my stomach. The best thing I have found is CytoMax. They served during Seattle RNR and I have never felt more hydrated during a race. I also like GU Brew for recovery after runs. It has protein in it, so I wouldn't carry it during. In the winter months I usually go without a sports drink, but during the summer it is helpful. After tough winter work outs I just like to guzzle water and have a protein smoothly.

Half Marathon Series Posts - Fuel

It is the end of February which means the sun might start coming out in Seattle again (although it is currently snowing here right now, so who would really know). This also means the start to race season. Some runners may be thinking about starting to train for their first half marathon. Hopefully they have already picked out a training plan, but if you are one of the ones who has not, I mention a few in this post here.

Today's topic is fuel. One thing I have learned is fuel is very personal and there is not a "best" option. Fuel is needed for ever hour out doing physical activity. I take it with me if I am doing nine or more miles, but in the beginning I would take some for seven miles, pausing at 3.5 for a snack. In order to narrow down what H and I liked we bought a bunch of different types from the running store and found what worked. Even asking the guys at the counter what they liked all three of them had different answers. Anyhow, below is a breakdown of the different types I am aware of. Some I have tried, some I have not. If you have your own favorite post it in the comments.

GU - GU is what the name says. It is a jelly paste consistency. It reminds me a little of hair gel, except a little thicker. Honestly, it makes me gag. That is just me though. A lot of people are huge fans. I have heard girls say they like the chocolate or vanilla flavor because it tastes like frosting. I will stick to real frosting thank you very much. There are many different brands of Gu, the GU brand tends to be the most popular though.

Cliff Shot Blocks - These are my personal choice. They taste like extra gummy fruit snacks. Shot blocks go down pretty easy and do not give me a stomach ache. Shot blocks are sticky on the teeth, so it usually takes a couple swigs of water to wash it down. Beware of chewing them in dusty environments, your teeth might get coated in dirt. GU also makes a brand on shot blocks called Chomps. I have not tried those.

Sport Beans - These are jelly beans full of electrolytes, sugar, and carbs to give you energy. To me they are not best for running. I cannot imagine trying to put a bunch in my mouth and chew while I continue to run. I think they would be great for hiking or for transitioning in between sports. Or you can eat them before setting out.

Natural foods - All sports fuel is really made of are sugars, carbs, and electrolytes. In a pinch just grab some real jelly beans or a fruit roll up. Just try to pick something with natural ingredients in it, like real fruit. It will not help with hydration, but it will give you energy. Leave the protein bars at home though. Those are really meant to refuel before or after a work out (depending on what type you buy).

To caffeine or not to caffeine?
Many of these different products have the option to buy them with caffeine or with out. That is another personal choice. Just be careful you do not take in too much or you will get dehydrated. My favorite is the shot blocks with half a shot of coffee. It gives me a little energy for the way home, but does not leave me dying of thirst.

Go to the running store, spend ten dollars and try out some different types on the shorter of the long runs.