Race Recap: Helvetia Half Marathon

There really is nothing better than a girl’s weekend and I love that running Helvetia has become a tradition amongst Cassie and I. This was my 3^rd year running and Cassie’s 4^th year. Last year I was the “cheerleader” and was glad that I didn’t have to repeat that for this year.

I got into PDX Friday night just in time to get ready for the race. We had a yummy dinner (not typical pre race food) at the Golden Valley Brewery. Dessert was a Krispy Kreme doughnut in honor of “National Doughnut Day”.

First doughnut in ages. It was tasty!

Race morning came quickly and I still hadn’t decided what to wear! I brought two options, but decided on my Brooks "versatile woven shorts", Pure Flow shoes& Farmgirlfit tank top.

Seriously love those shorts

Race started at 8:00 am so I didn’t get much of a warm up in, but I figured it was okay since I was running for fun. My race goal was to keep my pace in check, but I knew I would probably be walking some portions of the hillier sections. I thought a 1:45 would be a good time to shoot for. The fastest I have run Helvetia was a 1:36 so 10 minutes slower as a fun run seemed like a great option.

Mile 1	7:43	Kept telling myself to slow down
Mile 2	7:44	Still telling myself to slow down
Mile 3	7:47
Mile 4	8:05	First “bump” which I didn’t walk + water station stop
Mile 5	9:44	First section of the hills- I made it almost to the top and then walked +water station stop
Mile 6	8:10	Downhill + start of uphill. Thought I was running faster, but I guess the start of the uphill got me. I didn’t walk.
Mile 7	8:10	End of long uphill section that I didn’t walk at all. It helped that it wall shaded!
Mile 8	7:59	Trying to get back into my groove. I was getting really hot
Mile 9	7:43
Mile 10	8:18	Gravel road that hurt my feet and slowed me down. I was expecting this.
Mile 11	8:23	Overpass- I am lame and walked for about 10 seconds
Mile 12	7:59
Mile 13	8:16	My temporary met pad came loose and was really bothering my foot so I stopped two times to try and wiggle it around.
Mile .23	1:33

I tried to make the best notes of each mile. I stopped at every water station and walked through except for the first one. I usually always skip that. I should have run with my Nuun, but I didn’t pack my hydration belt with me. The out and back between miles 5-8 is the one hill section that I was worried about, but I ran the whole thing. It helps that the entire stretch is covered by trees so even with the heat it is nice and cool.  

I ran a 1:47:xx which I am totally fine with. I am annoyed at myself that my splits were all over the place, but that was just because I walked the hills. I think they would have been more consistent had I been in better shape for the course.  I still don’t feel like I am a good gauge of my pace anymore, but I am hoping that by starting RLRF this week it will start coming back to me. This is the program that everything clicked for me previously.

Helvetia #3 was a success in my books! I had fun and my feet didn’t hurt minus the gravel road and my met pad coming loose. I like not having the pressure of "racing" and just having fun. Anyone else feel like that too????

My most FAVORITE race picture ever

Cassie and I

Cassie, Me & Jen

The weekend ended on a positive note- good things do come in pink boxes. The maple bacon doughnut was out of this world. I highly recommend!

Stay tuned for a guest post from Cassie on Helvetia.....

--Tasha