Xterra Harbison Half Marathon :::: 6 of 12 in 2012

xterra harbison half marathon (trail run)

half mary # 7

race# 6 of 12 in 2012

time:  3:20:42

No, unfortunately that time is not a typo. Moving on...

This race kind of sneaked up on me. We got back from vacation and I was checking out my planner when I realized I had a half coming up. A trail half. Last year I did a lot of trail running. This year for a bunch of random reasons, I've only been on the trails 2 or 3 times. But I still thought it was a good idea to sign up for this race. (I know, I'm hilarious). 

Brad and I headed to Columbia, SC after we finished work on Saturday. We checked into our roach motel and I realized I didn't have any race fuel with me. Brad insisted that we go out and get me something. Thank goodness he did. He also went ahead and picked out his birthday card for next year.

I got to the race around 6am and got checked in. They gave us our bibs and timing chips. They only had the park bathrooms, but they did the job. Even though the lights didn't work. Peeing in the dark is super fun.

my first race in my new Brooks Cascadias

I went back and forth a hundred times about whether to use my CamelBak or Nathan hand held for this race. I've ran with my CamelBak before but it didn't go so well. I've used my handheld several times, but I'd be lying if I said I like it. I hate carrying it and it doesn't hold anything. So I chose the CamelBak. My pack isn't really made for running, it's more for biking/hiking and it sloshes around a lot, but it did pretty well. The only crappy thing was that the water got HOT. Nothing like drinking lukewarm water while running/stumbling through the woods. 

The course was EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. It was the most technical trail work I've ever done. The course was marked really well. Follow the red flags. I heard some people got lost and I could totally see how. Even though it was well marked, You'd often run for a while and not see another person. If you zoned out it'd be easy to miss a flag. 

No kidding, I had to get across that then stopped to take a picture. I'm not sure about the elevation (that would require me to know how to use my Garmin), but it was pretty crazy too. My ankles, feet and Achilles were all shredded. I hurt in places I never knew I could hurt. 


And I'm not sure if you're familiar with Columbia, SC, but it's known for its heat. I'm talking heat index of over 100, feel like you're trying to breath through a damp sweater hot. I was soaked 15 minutes in. 

They had these cute little signs every once it a while. They made me laugh (mostly to keep from crying). 

This was definitely the hardest race I've ever run. Even harder than the Spartan Sprint (probably because I was on the course an hour longer). I wanted to quit several times. It was physically and mentally exhausting. 

Bright points:
A pair of women asked me if I was in the military, "because they're so hard core." That made me smile even though  I know I'm no where near the level of hard core they are. 


The water stop volunteers around mile 9 were lifesavers. The walked out to meet us with cold water, walked/jogged us into the stop and basically catered to our every need. Need some Gu? Powerbar? Here let us fill your CamelBak. I could have kissed the little guy that helped me (probably 14 years old). 

Finishing. With my worst race photo ever... I usually can at least keep a smile on my face, but I was outta gas. 

The course was challenging but beautiful. Pretty well organized. My biggest complaint? They gave out shirts after the race. Which I'd understand if they said finisher on them. But they didn't. And they obviously didn't give them out according to the pre-registered size on our bibs. Because sure enough, they were out of mediums. Just a little frustrating. 


I stumbled to the car and drove to the hotel to get a quick shower before the 11am check out. That shower was what kept me moving through the forest. The thought of having to ride home in my nasty, soaked clothing was too much bear. 


Brad and I had lunch at Which Wich, which I was pretty pumped about. We'd never eaten there before but have always heard great things. It lived up to the hype. 

Brad loves condiments more than life itself so he was in hog heaven. Side note - I had planned on having a protein shake for recovery but ended up having and Oreo shake instead.... Perfect!

best sandwich ever!!

#6 of 12 in 2012 is in the books!!

compression all the way home!

Running with a CamelBak... Episode 1

I pushed my long run back to today (I picked up a 12 hour shift yesterday = I didn't have to use as many vacation hours = there's no way I'm running after a 12 hour shift).

I planned (isn't that always how it starts) to get up around 8 and get the run finished early. I ended up leaving the house around 1130. I was worried about the heat, but knew that I wanted to run outside because I'm worried all the treadmill miles won't translate when it comes to the race. So I loaded up this guy and headed out:

Have you ever ran with one of these bad boys on your back? Yeah, it was interesting to say the least. I got a decent start, but faded QUICKLY (and this was the only thing I did quickly).

Things that probably weren't helping me out any:  the heat, the trail i chose (hella hills), the bag of water sloshing around on my back), i forgot my iPod, and my crappy attitude. I don't know why but from the first moment I decide to stop and walk for a bit, my attitude turns to, well you didn't really run 9 miles. Completely negative and defeatist. And annoying. Do you ever annoy yourself?

Here's what I was working with:

 I am proud that I completed 9 miles (my training called for 8, but I'm bumping it up because I've ran 8 twice already and I want to do 10 next week for my last LR) but I'd be lying if I said I was happy with it.

I was too tired to do math at this point and spent about an hour thinking this was actually my pace. Then I plugged into daily mile and felt a little better. Just a little.

My 'I'm pissed and these straps are chaffing my arms' look. My CamelBak doesn't sit too well on me. Apparently I'm not supposed to have boobs.

But it did allow me to carry my fuel (I had like 4 or 5 sharkies at halfway point) and my iPhone. So you all actually have pictures to look at instead of my rambling.

2012 race awards:::: my favorite races, bling, swag, courses, etc.

i LOVE recaps, reviews, year in numbers, etc. i've had this one on my mind for a while, and seeing as how i'm finished with non-virtual races for year, i figured i'd go ahead and do this one!

without further adieu i present to you the 2012 race awards, as judged by me::::

best bling::::
lots of nice bling to choose from. i loved the flying pig medal because it was double sided and there was a pig tail on the back. too cute! i also really liked the clay medal from the cherokee harvest half. it was hand made and you've gotta appreciate that. my least favorite was the xterra harbison half... sticker on a lightweight piece of metal, thin plain white ribbon. yuck. 

but hands down, run the bluegrass was the winner for this category. the ribbon was thick and double sided, i like how it loops through the medal instead of ending with a jump ring like most. i love how the ribbon looked like racing silks so it actually stood for something. the medal was heavy and i love the horse shoe. my fave. 

best swag::::
flying pig half marathon. in addition to women's specific asics tech shirts, we also received duffle bags and posters. 

best course for a pr::::
downhill at dawn. the name is not misleading. the first 3 miles are out and back, so you have about 1.5 miles of slight uphill. from that point you sail down the mountain. SAIL. 



most scenic course::::
this was a hard choice that ultimately ended in a tie between run the bluegrass and RnR savannah.  run the bluegrass is run all around keeneland and horse farms. beautiful farms, horses, fences, i loved it. RnR savannah was another beautiful course that was full of history. this course was changed from 2011 because runners complained that they didn't see the pretty parts of the city. RnR did a great job fixing that problem, i really enjoyed this course. 

honorable mention in this category has to go to the cherokee harvest half marathon. beautiful creeks, streams, woods, lots of nature!

best spectator support::::

flying pig half marathon. if you want people cheering you on the whole way and lots of signs and costumes to distract you, this is the course for you. i have never seen so many people along the way, and this was the first time i truly understood how much spectator support can help you!

best course support::::
i ran a lot of races with adequate course support, but the one that stood out to me for the year was the xterra harbison half. i think anyone who's ever done longer trail race can tell you how important those aid stations are, and this was no exception. a guy jogged out to run me into the station then refilled my camelbak while i had some gatorade. SO HELPFUL and MUCH APPRECIATED!

best shirt::::

this is hard to decide. i've gotta do sub categories.
best short sleeved shirt:::: run the bluegrass [nike drifit, women's specific, great blue color]
best long sleeved shirt:::: three way tie between strawberry plains, downhill at dawn, and cherokee.

best small race::::
cherokee harvest half marathon. they did a wonderful job with this race. great course support, great finish line, raffles, adequate bathrooms, great shirts, great food after the race. 

coolest race experience::::
of course this goes to RnR las vegas. if you're on the fence about this race let me push you over... DO THIS RACE! yes it's expensive and yes it's huge, but IT'S SO WORTH IT. running down las vegas boulevard in the dark, seeing all the costumes, seeing all the lights, AMAZING. 

all the above links will take you straight to the event website for 2013.  click here to go to my race review pages. 

what was your favorite race of 2012?
what award category would you add?

also, check out kiley's Christmas virtual race!

Friday Fun

Today was a catch up day! I had planned to get up early to go to yoga but I hit my snooze button about 14 too many times for that to happen. Which stinks because my body needed it. But I guess it needed sleep too.

I did make it to my hair appointment though, want to see a pretty picture?

Me in my no makeup, foil mohawk glory. You're welcome for that!

Then Rileybear and I had to go to the vet for his annual appointment. He was such a sweet boy, got 3 injections like a champ and another vaccination in his nose. Poor guy. Thankfully two of the vaccinations will cover him for three years.

I had to run a few more errands and pay some bills, then I got some organizing done around the house. When I'm stressed it helps to me to organize or clean [makes me feel like I have some control]. I'm not stressed in a bad way if that even makes sense, just have some stuff going on.

One of the things I'm stressed about is my 30k on Sunday. Thankfully the weather is supposed to be really nice. This will be the furthest I've ever ran, plus it's a trail race so that'll be another challenge. I'm trying to decide what to do as far as hydration is concerned. I could use a handheld or my Camelbak. Who knows, but I'm pretty sure it'll turn out okay either way.

If you all don't here from me on Monday or Tuesday I'm probably laying out on the trails somewhere! Hope you all have an amazing weekend!

Spartan Sprint Carolinas 2012

They are so right, you do know at the finish line! I'll never forget the rush I got after I finished my first half marathon, but the one after this race dwarfed it! I felt like a BAMF. :)

So Matthew and I left Asheville around 6:15 am on Saturday morning to drive to Charlotte. The race was held at the US National Whitewater Center. We both had protein shakes for breakfast then Matthew switched to water and I had G2. We got to the site around 8am. Matthew took this pic on the way in:

I was about to pee my pants already. We got parked easily (they charged $5 to park) and started towards the check in. Check in was pretty deserted, we got our packets (timing chips, bibs, free drink ticket) and went to get marked up. They put your bib number on your arms, hands, calves and cheeks. They also stamp your forehead with this stamp:

So beautiful! We looked around for a little while, I made myself eat a Clif bar (what I eat before every LR and half), and checked out the merchandise. We both got Spartan tech shirts and stickers, and the guy who was helping us threw in a water bottle also. Here's the finish line:

We walked back to the car to put all our stuff up. They did offer a bag check but it was another $5, so we just took everything back to the car. We made our way back to the start line and waited. We got to watch to heats start before ours and we actually got to see a couple of guys finish in the elite heat. They were finishing right under an hour, so that was intimidating. We had been told the fastest course time was about 35 minutes. I had to make about 3 bathroom runs. The CLIF bar was not a good idea. I guess I was too nervous!

Finally around 10 our heat got to start. We ran about a half mile (trails) to our first obstacle: dive under and crawl under these net things, then jump over a small wall. Repeat. Then we took off up into the mountains on single track. We obviously weren't trying to win or anything but looking back I wish we'd started off faster. We got stuck behind so many people on that single track and it was early enough that our shoes weren't covered in mud yet! So we lost a lot of time, but oh well. Oh and as we were starting into the woods there was a girl in the crowd and I hear her say to her friend about Matthew, "Dang he looks like a Spartan!."

It started to get slippery quickly. We have clay in NC, not dirt. When it's wet it's crazy slick and it cakes to your shoes. Running the next bit was a HUGE core workout. And like Matthew said, we didn't run 4 miles, we tried not to fall for 4 miles! I couldn't stretch out and run because I'd slip. And you did not want to fall. Tree stumps, roots, and rocks awaited if you fell. 

I don't remember all the obstacles and honestly the terrain was just as difficult as the obstacles. At one point we had to run across this mud pit. You could see people stuck all throughout. Matthew went first and hollered back to just pick up your feet as soon as they went down. I take off across and make it but I lost a shoe. Luckily my brother is awesome and went back and got it for me (You'll notice this trend throughout:  My brother saved my butt!!). After I get my shoe back on we look ahead to start running and notice there are ropes hanging down in another pit. THE ROPE CLIMB WAS THE ACTUAL OBSTACLE. Oh dear. I completed my first set of burpees. 

Other obstacles:  set of walls probably 4 foot high (over, under, through middle, over, under), carrying sandbags up a hill and back down, a set of walls one 6 foot and one 8 foot, tractor pull (rope tied to cinder block to pull down and up a hill), monkey bars, a huge hill that you had to rappel up, two more walls 8 foot each (the girls could use the side with a foot hold), a bucket on a pulley that you had to hoist to the top then let back down, a traverse wall, a climb over hay bales, a cargo net, barbed wire crawl, a type of rowing machine that you had to go 200m but you were pulling down instead of rowing, a spear throw, an incline wall they had coated in dish soap, fire jump, gladiator pit, and a swim to end it.  

I know I'm missing a bunch of stuff and like I said this does not include all the crazy terrain, we even had to run in the river for a good quarter to half mile.

It was so amazing to complete the last obstacles: fire jump, gladiator pit, then swim. That swim was so refreshing, I wanted to stay in there forever! After crossing the finish line you get your medal and your shirt. 

The red shirt is the tech shirt I bought, the black shirt is cotton and it's the finisher shirt. And the medal is definitely my favorite!

We made our way to the showers after the race:

They were actually really nice, Dial for Men sponsored them so there was this new soap they have. It comes out of the can like shaving cream and foams up but is a body wash. 

After rinsing as best we could we headed to the car. 

Official Results:  2:11:45

Age Group:  120/195 (62%)

Gender:  527/1018 (52%)

Overall:  2456/3397 (72%)

Among all racers on Saturday. 

PROS:

• This was an unforgettable race. It was challenging, painful, and fun. 
• It was well organized. 
• Plenty of bathrooms.
• We got good parking but we also got there early. 
• The volunteers were great.
• **Edited to add** The race photographers Nuvision Action Image allow you to download your race pics for FREE!!! And they're pics are great, I'll be sharing mine with you soon. 

CONS:

• I understand wanting only people who completed the race to get shirts (Brad paid for entry then couldn't race, he didn't get anything), but the shirts don't say finisher anywhere on them. Also, they're handing you these shirts right after you finish and even though the last obstacle was water we were still covered in dirt. So I just got my new shirt muddy, great. Lastly, they're cotton shirts. When you pay such a high registration fee, I think you should get tech shirts. 
• Only one water station. Yes they told us ahead of time, but what were we supposed to do? Can't use a handheld because you need your hands. Some people were wearing Camelbak's but I just think they'd be ruined. 
• I thought it was crappy to charge for bag check.
• That damn tattoo would not come off!!! Matthew has a scab on his forehead from trying to get it to come off! 

Would I do this race again? ABSOLUTELY! I'm signing up for the 2013 race later today with the promo code 'NC50'. It takes 50% off your registration, but it's only good until Tuesday night. 

Like I said this was an unforgettable race. My brother was amazing as always. He definitely could have went ahead and finished way earlier but he stayed with me. He helped me (and a few other girls and guys) over the walls and even came back on the tractor pull to help me pull that big rock. He's always looking out for me and I love him so much for it! 

I was given one free entry to this race in exchange for blogging about my experience. All opinions are my own. Thanks to Spartan Race!