One More for 2013

To close out 2013, I had one more race on my list of things to do: RNR San Antonio. Boy, was it a doozy!

If you know anything about me, then you probably know that:

• Joyce and injuries go hand-in-hand
• Heat is my enemy
• I'm a history dweeb
• I heart medals 

Overall, San Antonio was a great experience.  The half marathon course took runners (and in my case, walkers...darn you, injury!!) throughout the city.  From The Alamo to the Pearl, the Riverwalk to the Zoo, San Antonio had surprises at every turn!

Despite the 84 degree weather and bum achilles, I was able to finish the race without facing any real health issues.  Because of the heat, the marathon course was closed early in order to keep runners safe.

The medal, which showcases The Alamo, is one of my favorite medals.  I brought it along to the historic La Villita for a little camera action while I shopped for souvenirs.  Isn't she pretty?

So, that is the end of my 2013 race season. Let's recap, shall we?

• Eight new half marathon medals
• Six RNR races in one year = Super Six heavy medal!
• Four oldies, but goodies: NWM SF, RNR San Diego, RNR LA and RNR San Jose
• Three new cities: Pasadena, San Antonio and DC
• Two recurring injuries: soleus x2
• One new fave: RNR San Francisco
• Endless memories!!!

A Love Letter to October

Dear October,

Every year (except for 2012), you bring me good things, specifically NHL hockey.  This year, you kinda outdid yourself.  I might love you.

Let's start with Week 1.  First, you brought me the NHL season on October 2nd.  Exactly what I wanted. Love!

Then, on October 5th, you kicked off my San Jose trip with tummy happiness via Psycho Donuts and its freakishly delicious treats.  Then, with assistance from my favorite Sharks fan, I got to watch a Sharks home game and crossed Arena #5 off my NHL Arena Tour list (woohoo!).  Last, but certainly not least, you gifted me PERFECT running conditions for the Rock 'N' Roll San Jose Half Marathon.

Week 2: You made me work very hard for all the fun that I had, but it's all good.  You gave me the Kings home opener, so the work was well worth it.

Week 3:  Holy moly.  After dedicating two months worth of running to a single race, you certainly gave me a lot of happy things.  San Francisco never disappoints me, and for Week 3, you gave me foodie adventures that will rank very high on my happy list.  Despite running some massive SF hills during the Nike Women's Half Marathon, my training paid off (I was actually able to run UP each hill this time) and was rewarded with the 10th anniversary Tiffany medal.

Week 4: Home sweet home!  You gave me lovely running conditions once again, and despite the fact that my foot/calf/stretching debacle became an issue, it really was nice to run Rock 'N' Roll Los Angeles and be near my favorite place, STAPLES Center.  And, since it was a Halloween-themed race, I finally got to wear my tiger running shorts with my tiger tail.  Rawr!  Most importantly, because I have the TourPass, LA was my fifth RNR race of the year and a sparkly Rock Star heavy medal awaited me in the finishers tent.

October, you sure were a busy, yet memorable month.  My legs thank you :)

Back Where I Began: RNR San Diego

In 2010 (gosh, it seems like forever ago), I ran my very first half marathon as part of my full marathon training in San Diego with my Team in Training teammates.  Three years later, I crossed the same finish line that started my running journey.

It really was a sweet race for me.  My friend and I managed to pop into Broke Girls Coffee Bar, a local punk-inspired coffee shop during the race, where we had the privilege of chatting with the owner.  Despite the fact that we were in the middle of a race, she offered us coffee and treats.  Always appreciated and so delicious.  And in case you were wondering, yes, we walked the course with coffee cups.

We also had the honor of meeting a member of Team in Training.  A cancer survivor, Cashea was just weeks out of completing a round of treatment.  Her strength was such an inspiration to us - helping her cross the finish line was the perfect ending to a great race!

And just like that, three years of running has come full circle.  Like many people have said before, even if you aren't running with Team in Training, a part of you will always be on the Team. 

We Run DC

My name is Joyce and I have a running problem.

It's not a serious problem, but after not running in 2012 until December, I find myself on May 1st the owner of four new half marathon medals and one 10k medal.  It should have been five, but the start of the NHL season (and the all important raising of the Stanley Cup Champions banner) in January prevented me from traveling to Arizona for my Desert Double Down medal.

I am a sucker for a cute medal and an even bigger sucker for a fun trip outside of LA.  So, when Nike opened up the lottery to the inaugural Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington, D.C., I had to sign up.  Tiffany medal?  Firemen?  East Coast girls trip?  YES PLEASE!

Now, the race was a bit too crowded for me and had a handful of issues that should not be overlooked by a race of this level.  But there were some positives, namely the course.  Passing by the Capitol and many national monuments only added to DC's natural beauty.

Since I didn't run NWM SF in 2012, I didn't feel ripped off by the copycat Tiffany medal that we received in DC (by Howard students, not firemen...sad face).  But NWM runners have very high expectations - Nike has spoiled us in so many ways, so this race was a bit of a disappointment.

Fortunately, my friends rock so we found ways to have fun on the course and had even more fun after the race touring the city.

Will I be back? Sure, but probably not for this race.

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

I think I really did this time.

San Francisco might be one of my favorite cities in the world.  If someone asked me if I wanted to go to San Francisco, my answer every time would be "YES!"

For my third stop in the RNR TourPass tour, my friends and I ran the inaugural SF half marathon.  After doing the Nike Women Half a couple years ago, I was a bit apprehensive about running those hills, but when I found out this race ran on the Golden Gate Bridge, I couldn't resist.

Hands down, this is my absolute favorite race I've ever done.  The course was breathtaking!!  If running across the bridge isn't enough reason to do this race, then running under it and around it will seal the deal.

After the first pass on the bridge, the course takes a gorgeous turn onto a short, wildflower-lined trail that gives a gorgeous view of the bridge.  On the second pass, we got a completely different view of the bridge - this time, just feet away from the water. 

I've told many people that RNR SF is a must-do race for runners at every level, and am looking forward to celebrating my birthday month with a run across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Coaster Run 2013

Three words:  Post-race pie.  That's why I register for The Coaster Run every year.

Some races have a beer garden, but what respectable drinker voluntarily drinks 64 calorie beer?  NOT THIS ONE!

Pie, on the other hand...I'm all over it.

This course improved tremendously!  Held annually at Knott's Berry Farm, the race offers a 5K and 10K option, and for the second year in a row, I opted for the 10K.  If I'm going to eat pie, then believe me, I will earn that slice.

This year, the race lived up to its name.  The first half actually went through Knott's Berry Farm and gave runners a close up look at the amusement park's monstrous coasters.  Although it is a smaller event, the organizers and volunteers did a wonderful job making sure there was enough water on the course and for the most part, all the runners were pleased!

A small hiccup (which needs to be avoided), was that they ran out of medals at the finish line.  If you know anything about me, you know I can't stand race bandits, but after learning that my friend didn't get a medal, I was infuriated!  After training as hard as she did to complete a 10K, a finisher's medal is the perfect accessory to prove that you accomplished your goal, so to have that taken from you is a terrible thing.  

Aside from that, this event is one of my favorite local races and one that I'm sure I will do again!

Stretching is Good For You

I'm a terrible runner for many reasons.  First, I don't train properly - I actually don't train at all. Second, I apparently don't stretch enough.

I've always had pretty good luck at races.  Aside from a couple items that I've neglected to pack, I always have my race essentials and have never had any real issues while on the course.  As it turns out, I was due for some pain and RNR Pasadena was going to be the race that would kick me in the ass (I got a medal, though...yay).

I was feeling fantastic for the first mile, but after the first hill at mile two, everything went downhill (literally and figuratively).  My calves were cramping.  My feet were burning.  Stretching didn't alleviate any of the pain. Sure, I played hockey and ran bleachers the day before, but that couldn't have been the reason why I was hurting (actually, yes, it could be the reason, but whatever).

I continued running through mile seven and when the pain become intolerable, I began walking.  Even then, I wanted to cry.  Each step hurt so bad!  My legs felt strong, but the soles of my feet couldn't stand the pressure.  When I finally crossed the finish line, my first instinct was to sit and stretch - which was great, until I stood up and wanted to crumple to the ground from the pain.

What was wrong, you ask?  Several things were wrong with me.  Because I don't stretch enough, my soleus (the muscle under my calf) was really tight, which caused the muscle to pull too much on my Achilles, which became irritated and started making a weird snapping sound.

Remember that song "My hip bone's connected my knee bone" or something like that?  Yeah, it's true: everything is connected to everything.

Lesson of the day:  STRETCH!  If you don't stretch before your run, please make sure you stretch after.  And don't rush through them either!  If you need more stretching tips, check out this link for more info!