Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Hippie Chick 1/2 Marathon

If you are looking for a super fun, flat course, all women’s ½ marathon then Hippie Chick is the perfect race for you. I had heard before how much fun HC was, but never have had the opportunity to run it because it is sold out every year. To guarantee a spot you have to register within a couple of days once the registration opens. Signing up is so worth it. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun at a race. I got to meet Stephanie from Soggy Runner Girl who I had really been looking forward to meeting. Stephanie is SUPER FAST! Even though she didn’t race either, she still ran an awesome ½ marathon. I am so in awe of her talent. She is someone to watch because I think that big things are in store for her!
Green sparkle skirt: Jen, Purple sparkle skirt: Cassie, Black sparkle skirt: me
Pink tank: me, Red Boston sweatshirt: Amanda, White jacket: Stephanie

When I signed up for HC back in November I didn’t know I would be running the Eugene Marathon at the end of April. Obviously it isn’t ideal to race a ½ marathon 13 days post marathon. Even I know that isn’t smart. Luckily I had the opportunity to run the whole race with Amanda from Runninghood. We had so much fun! It was a treat to get to run 13.1 miles with such a talented runner. We chatted the whole time and the miles flew by. We both needed to be smart about not racing so it was great to have each other to keep ourselves in check. It was fun to get to know Amanda better. She is one of nicest and most sincere people I have ever met. I feel so lucky to have her as a friend! Thank you for keeping me company and running with me Amanda! We crossed the finish line together in 1:53:30. 


Top left: Me, Jen, Cassie
Top right: Amanda, Me
Bottom left: Cassie, Me

We didn't get finisher's medals, but instead got a necklace. It is actually pretty cute, but I need to shorten the chain a little bit. The finisher's shirts were a Brooks technical shirt, that is a little on the bright side, but still cute. We also each got a drawstring back pack. Orange is my least favorite color, but the logo is cute so I will probably use it as a gym bag (like I need another gym bag....)



Today I looked at the results and realized IF I would have raced I more than likely would have won my AG by a couple of minutes. Realistically I might not have PR’d, but I still think running a 1:34-1:35 ½  was within reach had I been healthy and ready to race. This year the debuted a new a course- it was gorgeous and super flat. Definitely a course you could PR on!

If you click on this picture it gets bigger so you can actually read it :-)

After the race we went to go get our pancakes that were part of our entry fee. This was a HUGE let down. They only let each runner get 2 pancakes and they were TINY! WTH?! Needless to say we were still hungry so went to the closest McMenamins where I indulged in cajun tater tots and a turkey sandwich. 

Jamba juice, wimpy pancakes, McMenamins beer

Questions for you:

Have you ever signed up for a race and then ran it just for fun?
Would you rather have a medal or a necklace as a finisher's award?

--Tasha

24 comments:

  1. Way to run smart and be good to your body!

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    1. Thanks, I am so thankful that I had Amanda to keep me in check. She was a great running buddy.

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  2. Thanks for running with me Tasha. It was really nice having someone to run with and getting a chance to know you!! I might have to do more half marathons like this. Well, I might not have much of a choice for this rock n roll one on Sunday. :)

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    1. You are very welcome my dear. I had so much fun! Not sure what I will feel like on Sunday for the rock n roll. I have been stretching like crazy and actually feel a bit better. I ran 4 miles yesterday fairly pain free. Going to attempt another 4-5 miles tomorrow.

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  3. Sounds like a really fun race:) Nice that you were able to run it with a friend. Wow, those are wimpy pancakes! I ran the See Jane Run 1/2 just for fun with a friend. I think it would be fun to win a necklace that I might actually wear in public:)

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    1. It was a ton of fun- minus the wimpy pancakes! :-)

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  4. I love that you got a necklace! I mean, realistically, how many medals does one girl need? :) I have a few "just for fun" races in June, and i can't wait! stress free is the way to be!

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    1. I actually really like the necklace even more now. I have worn every day to work so far. I have even gotten a compliment on it.

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  5. Sounds like a fantastic event! And how much fun that you got to run w/ Amanda! I want to come do this one next year!!

    So--I have a 1/2 this weekend and my legs feel awful. Am contemplating just running it for fun, sans chip. I hate to do it, but I also hate to have a horrible race and be demoralized!

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    1. Sorry about your leg Amanda- I hope that it gets better. I will be sending some positive thoughts your way. Do you have someone that you could run the 1/2 with? I don't think I could have run that slow by myself and still had fun. It hurts running almost 90 seconds slower than your HM pace. Even Amanda agreed with me. Towards the end we were both complaining how our feet hurt...or maybe I complained more. :-)

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  6. Sounds like a great time. Those are some tiny pancakes, they should have warned you ahead of time about that!

    I have never done a run for fun, I am so competitive I think I would have a hard time with it.

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    1. Christy- this was a first for me. I am VERY competitive too. That is why it was nice to have Amanda with me to keep me in check. :-)

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  7. So fun that you got to take it easy and run with Amanda!

    I would rather have a medal, because I don't wear necklaces.

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    1. I usually like the medals too since I have a cute medal display, but the necklace is okay. I am not a huge jewelry person, but I have been wearing it since I got it.

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  8. Awesome job!! And I think I run all my races for fun--in the back of my head I have a time I want, but I sign up for races to keep me motivated to run! AND I would be super-pissed if those were the pancakes I got--lame.

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    1. Haha. Katie you should have heard Jen, Cass & I complaining about the tiny pancakes. We scarfed down our food at the restaurant because we were so famished!

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  9. sounds and looks like you had such a fun time! Smart not to race it so soon after Eugene. I'm doing a race just for fun this sunday since my marathon is next saturday (eek). Sometimes those races end up being more fun. I would always pick a medal..except if I was doing the nike women's marathon...then I want the necklace since it's from tiffany ;)

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    1. I agree- I would want the Tiffany necklace too! That race is on my "bucket list" for someday. :-)
      How exciting that your marathon is so close! I can't wait to hear all about it- you picked the best day to run one.

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  10. Running more for fun these days due to injury but I have speedy days in my future I hope. I am all about the BLING!!

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    1. Harmony I hope your feet gets better soon! Hopefully if all goes well for me I will get to see you in Seattle. :-)

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  11. Nice race! I have always wanted to do HC because like you, everyone swears its awesome, but again, I never commit to signing up on the first day and then it's always sold out! Same with Helvetia, that's on my list too. What the heck - TWO pancakes? That's for like a 5 year's old appetite! Ridiculous!

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  12. so great!! wish you and amanda were in a place to race it!!! You guys would have won it! :) That race is definitely on my calendar next year.

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