Heels and Hills Half Marathon Review

Better late then never!

On May 1st we ran the Heels and Hills Half Marathon.

I did the packet pickup on Friday.  It is at the Holiday Inn.  Traffic flow is goofy, but it is not too bad.  It's a small race and overall ran very well. They give you a nice technical shirt that we all sported on race day.

On Sunday we made our regular Starbucks stop on the way.

Entertaining ourselves in the drive thru with self portraits.

Oh gracious, I have to put up with that attitude for 13.1 miles?

Even little Brittany was not in great spirits.

We got coffee and then ran by to pick up Talia.

Look at all those medals hanging on the wall.

 We got to the race and parked with no issues.  At this point it was super overcast, but no rain.

While waiting in line for the port-a-potty we took more self portraits.  Go figure.

Then we started running into lots of friends!

First Lesley from Racing it Off spotted us.  She said she recognized bitchy Randee's hair.  She was super impressed with our self-portrait taking skills!

Then I saw Becky who I currently work with and Talia used to work with. She rocked the 10K.

Then, OH MY GOSH, I ran into another Becky that I used to work with ages ago. She had no idea who I was until I introduced myself.  Look at little Brittany trying to photo bomb us in the background.

We did a little stretching and it was not long before it was time to start.

Just as we lined up for the start it began to drizzle.

I knew by mile one this race was gonna suck for me.  I was sick the entire week before the run.  I still could not breath on Sunday.  Add in the humidity, wind and rain I had no chance.

There is a U-Turn around mile one.  We saw Talia and Brittany there, and then again around mile 7.

The course is an out and back.  It is almost totally a running trail.  Few spectators.  Very scenic.

Lots of green open space.

It began raining harder around mile 2 and continued to about mile 4.

I'm not sure why I look 8 foot 6 inches tall and hunchback in this picture

Randee was having fun.  I was just trying to breath.

Gloria was awesome enough to stand in the drizzling rain and take pictures of us at the half way point.

Little Brittany.

Talia...work it girl. 

Crackhead happy Randee and me.

Around mile 8 Randee and I split up.  I was not enjoying life.  She was ready to turn up her music and run.

I was determined to finish. But it really was a difficult race for me.  My nostrils were flared 10 miles wide trying to breath the entire time.

Then around mile 11 I noticed Randee and a million other people stopped under a pavilion.

The race had been delayed was the word on the street.  Don't notice the random ladies behind I photographed.

We all stopped for about 5 minutes.  Apparently the police and medical teams wanted everyone to take cover due to an approaching thunderstorm with hail and lightening.

Eventually everyone decided we were better off running it in the last 2 miles and getting to safety.  We just all kind of took off.  I don't think anyone actually gave us an official go ahead.

Finally off the trail and back on the road.  The home stretch.

I did not realize it until the we were literally almost done, but they shortened the route.  By .6 to be exact.  They were trying to get everyone done as quickly as possible.

I was totally confused, but somehow found the energy to push it in to the finish.

They were sending everyone into the parking garage as soon as you finished. 

Brittany and Talia found the breakfast burritos and bananas.

I just wanted water.  For the first time ever, my legs were cramping like crazy as soon as I finished running.  I finally found everyone and was just ready to get home.

Let's all smile and act like that was fun.

All of us ran the shortened route.  Talia was the the first person they diverted.  Everyone in front of her ran the complete 13.1.  Our final results:

Talia - 1:56:16.5

Brittany - 2:11:20.4

Randee - 2:22:08.8

Angie - 2:22:37.6

These times do not take into consideration our time stopped for weather delay.  I paused my Garmin when we were stopped under the pavilion.  It was about two minutes less then the official results.

I was just glad to finish.  Talia was on route to a PR, so that really sucks for her.

Overall the race was good.  Everyone but me had a great time.  My being sick was my issue more so then the weather.

I finished and here is my bling to prove it!

This was the one year anniverary of my first half marathon.  Even with no training for the past month, being sick, humidity, wind and rain I beat my original time by 14 minutes.  Of course this does not take into consideration the .6.  However, I'm pretty confident that I would have still beat my time.

My 4th half marathon is in the books.

Three Thrills Thursday

Workout:  By golly, we actually ran 3 miles this morning.  10:15 pace.

Here is your blurry proof.

Yeah, basically we both suck at on the move photography.

I know you wanted a little spandex crotch shot, so here you go.

Randee giving you a little chest action.  Please notice the Nike running skirt some kick butt friend got her (me of course!) at Ross for $7!

Apparently both of us rubbed our faces in vegetable oil before running this morning.

Wow, all of that and we haven't even got to the thrills yet!

Thrill 1:

I need a beach vacation STAT!  Even the disgusting Texas coast will do.

We had a great time at Crystal Beach when were there in November.

I love this picture!

This one was cool enough to make it onto our Christmas card!

Thrill 2:

Snorkeling is fun in Mexico.  I don't recommend snorkeling at the Texas coast.  Yuck!

Snorkeling in Cancun.  I'm the one on the left.  Attractive, I know.

Thrill 3:

I enjoyed my relaxing Whine and Wine Wednesday last night.  I put on a face mask.  Got in my pajamas.  Read blogs.  Oh yes, and drank Riesling.  Doug got home late.  The kids....I'm sure they were fine.  They were playing in the street or something....

Ahh, the good life.

Today is like a quadruple bonus day!  I've got a couple of more pictures to share.

Audrie was super excited about wearing her Mexican dress to her Cinco de Mayo celebration at school today.  Or at least I'm sure she will be as soon as she wakes up.

I ran in my "other" pair of Asics this morning.  I can't remember which type they are, but they are the pair I usually wear for cross training.  They felt pretty good.  You're welcome for the high definition picture of my hairy, pasty legs.

That's all I have for today.  Oh yes, and the waterproof camera pics will be picked up after work today.  Heels and Hills race review tomorrow.  I promise.

Have a Thrilling Thursday!

Whine and Wine Wednesday!

Let's just get right to the whining shall we.

Whine:

I have looked like this all week.

Grumpy.  Moody.  Some might even say bitchy. 

Blame it on the raaaainnnn.

Dang Texas storms did this to my parent's house on Sunday morning.

It also caused us to have to run a half marathon in the rain.  Well, almost a half marathon.  It also caused them to shorten the course by .6.  We also had a race delay.  I know, I know.  A race report would be nice.  I'll get to it soon.  I plan on getting my waterproof camera developed tonight.  That means possible race report tomorrow.

Sunday's race was hell for me.  I could not breath.  90% due to being sick.  10% due to the humidity. 

From the first mile I was having issues.

Why the hell am I so hunchbacked?  I might could breath if I stood up straight.

I was definitely the bitchy runner after this race.

Everyone else was talking about how "great" they felt.  How much "fun" they had.  I wanted to slap all of them.  Shut up and get in the car!

So Monday and Tuesday we had temperatures in the 40's.  In Texas.  In May.  Stupid  Thankfully it looks like Spring is returning and the weather is looking better.

Trent and I will be running the Mom Run 5K on Saturday.

This was us at last year's race.

Trent's race plan:  Sprint.  Stop.  Repeat.  It's exhausting to keep up!  I'm trying to talk him into letting me pace us.  We will see what happens.  Last year we got 3rd place in the Mom/Child division for his age group.  He got a trophy and thought that was super cool!

Ahhh, and I'm getting a massage and facial on Saturday afternoon from Cynthia!  I can't wait!  Happy Mother's Day to me.

Wine:

Last night I had a glass of Reg Guitar Tempranillo.  That is some darn good stuff.  The purple section of the wine cellar is getting low.  I might have to break into the good stuff.  Shhh..don't tell Doug!

Tears of sadness when this happens.

Oh yes, and I get to go on a date Friday night.  Yes, with Doug.  We are going to Empa Mundo for a BYOB wine gathering.  Sounds fun.  Only issue.  They only serve Empanadas.  I do gluten free.  Empanadas are full of gluten.  I'll have wine, and maybe try to sweet talk the chef into whipping me up something special.

One last piece of adivise.  Drop everything and order this book immediatly.

I'm just getting started, but it is greatness. I do believe Dawn is a bitchy runner! 

What is your whine and wine for the week?

Breaking up is hard to do.

Yesterday was my 4th half marathon.  Yesterday was the third half marathon where my knees hurt.

May 2010 was my first half marathon.  I have no idea what shoes I was wearing.  I believe they were some style of Asics. I purchased them at Ross I'm sure.  Around mile 8 my right knee was killing me and I ended up walking a lot of the second half.

September 2010 I ran a half marathon in a pair of Saucony running shoes I picked up from Marshalls.  I don't know anything else about the shoes.  All I know is that my knees did not hurt during the run.  What did happen was I got horrible blisters all around my toes.  I instantly got rid of the shoes.

In October 2010 I was fitted for the first time at a running store.  I purchased a pair of Asics Gel Kayano 16's.

At $140 I thought they were the bomb diggity.  They were (and are) super comfy.  Review after review raves about this "superior stabilizing and cushioning shoe."

source

The left column above is Underpronation.  Apparently that is what I do.  I have seen it in race pictures.  I also had my gait analyzed and it showed the same thing.

You can kind of see here I land to the outside of my forward foot.

So while the toe blisters have gone away, my knee pain has returned.  I ran the Rock 'n' Roll half in March and the Heels and Hills half yesterday.  Both times my knees was hurting.  I wore patella bands to help my knees.  The day after both races the only thing sore....my knees.

I decided last night I am breaking up with my Asics.  It was a tough decision, but it has to be done. 

My self diagnosis is Runners Knee.  Wider hips can make you more prone.  Tight hamstrings can make you more prone.  Pronation issues can make you more prone.  Longer distances can make you more prone.  I also think the stability of the Asics Kayano trying to correct my gait is causing my knee to go all funky.

I'm undecided on exactly what shoe I want to try, but I have a couple of thoughts.

I definitely plan on getting these....
 

Saucony ProGri Kinvara

• Awarded Best debut in the June 2010 issue of Runner's World Magazine!
• With the whole "minimalism" movement gaining legs in today's runners, the ProGrid™ Kinvara running shoe from Saucony® is the ideal shoe where less is more!
• Features a neutral running shoe with minimal midsole construction to keep your feet closer to the ground while providing excellent protection from the pavement.
• Lightweight, breathable air mesh upper with printed, airbrush trim.
• Lightly padded collar and tongue.
• Molded, antimicrobial and breathable EVA sockliner provides superior cushioning and ride.
• Minimal laces with some internal welds to hold it over the foot for ultra-lightweight comfort.
• Pillowy-soft lining on the heel for ultra comfort.
• EVA+ blend maximizes rebound and durability while minimizing weight.
• Heel ProGrid LITE absorbs impact, dissipates shock and sets the foot up for a smooth transition.
• XT-900™ carbon rubber outsole material offers exceptional traction properties without sacrificing durability.
• Rubber triangular lugs provide traction and durability.
• Weight : 8 oz

As with any minimalist shoe, it looks like you would have to build mileage slowly.  It also sounds like this shoe would need to be replaced around every 300 miles.  I found them online from $65 - $85.

Do you have different types of shoes you train with? I have a pair of Asics I wear to run and a different style I wear for cross training.

Please give me your two cents.  What running shoes do you wear?  Why do you like them?  Do you have an pronation issues?  Knee problems?