Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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 3rd year running and Cassie’s 4th 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

32 comments:

  1. Sounds like a very doughnut-y weekend! :)

    I was wondering if Cassie ran WITH you, but your pics make me think that you ran separately!

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    1. No kidding! I hadn't had a doughnut in years and then I have two in one weekend. Who am I!?

      No, Cassie and I don't run together. She finished over an hour after me. :-)

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  2. Mmmmm...donut.

    Loved the detailed notes on each mile. I keep the garmin splits, but forget to write things down right away.

    The photo of you running down the hill is awesome!!! So is the medal :)

    Sorry if I missed this earlier, but are you training for a specific race with RLRF?

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    1. No, I am not training hard for anything for the rest of the year. Just using RLRF to keep up my fitness level. Mostly just running and doing races for fun. Will think about a goal race for 2014 towards the end of the year. MIGHT try for a 1/2 marathon PR in the fall if I feel up to it. In the mean time I am loving running less and doing more crossfit.

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  3. That donut looks amazing! I like how you have it broken down here... and love that photo!

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  4. Your favorite race picture AND that rockin' donut look awesome! nice job girl!

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    1. Lol, thanks Kat. It was a really fun weekend. We are planning another girls weekend next month for the Missoula 1/2. Could get a little wild and crazy in cowboy country!

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  5. Your "most favorite race picture" is mine too! Such a great stride and you look very strong! Glad you had a wonderful weekend with your bff.

    Oh and right now anything I am doing is for fun until I am 100% better :)

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    1. Thanks Marnee. I really like that photo. Like a lot. LOL. It was a really fun weekend, I just wish that we lived closer. We have another girl's weekend planned for next month in Missoula. Cannot wait!

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  6. Love that race picture of you! I like mine that was taken in that same spot as well... but did you really pay the $45 for it!?!?!?

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    1. I just did the download option. I don't always buy race pictures. Trust me, most of my photos look awful!

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  7. Donuts and another great race! :) You always look so great in your race photos!!! I am jealous of those donuts though haha

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    1. Who knew I would go from not eating donuts for a couple of years, to having 2 in one weekend. Crazy! Probably won't have one for another couple of years now. There was even fresh ones in our break room at work today. They smelled so good, but I didn't cave in.

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  8. Looks like you had a great girls weekends and a fun race. Your favorite race pic is a really awesome pic! LOVE the maple Bacon bar at Voo-Doo doughnuts...Mmm...haven't had one since march of 2010!! I need to get back to PDX!!

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    1. It was a lot of fun. I love our tradition to run this race every year. I was sooo bummed last year when I was there and couldn't run. You definitely need to head down to PDX for some yumminess in the pink box. I think that it is worth the road trip!

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  9. I love having girl's race weekend! Glad you had a fun time and were able to enjoy yourself:)

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    1. I think that girl's weekends are the best kind. :-)

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  10. Look at you go!!!!! Woot!!! You are so inspirational my friend!! Yay, on another great race! :)

    xoxo

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  11. Way to go, Tasha! I would have been way behind you on that hilly course. :) You got some awesome running shots of you, too!

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    1. I doubt that Laura. You have been killing your races lately!

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  12. I forgot you had cut your hair shorter - I love it! Oh yeah, that race picture is incredible. It could totally be on a race brochure. And I want to try Voodoo donuts someday! Glad you had such a great time.

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    1. Thanks Amy! I actually just got it trimmed about two weeks ago and went a tad shorter in the back. I absolutely love it!
      Voodoo doughnuts is a MUST if you are in the PDX area. I can't believe I had never had one before!

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  13. That looks like a blast! Congratulations on the race!

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  14. Yay, I'm glad you had such a good time! It must have been great to get out there and run and enjoy it with friends :)

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    1. It was a much needed girl's weekend and a lot of fun. My bestie and I sometimes have too much fun. :-)

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  15. I just completed my first official race today. I think it's safe to say that I am now setting more running goals for myself, one of which being a full marathon! I'm so happy you enjoyed yourself. It looks like you had such a great time. And it's true... all good things come on pink boxes. Have a great day!

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    1. Yay, congrats Brittany!!!!! Running a full marathon is quite an accomplishment. Good luck picking out a first race. There are so many great ones to choose from.

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  16. Your weekend looked like a ton of fun! I love running with my friends on the rare occasion (I'm a loner most of the time) :) that photo of your that you called your favorite is definitely worth buying! It looks like something straight out of runners world!!

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    1. It was a ton of fun. I already have a countdown for the next girl's weekend! Your compliment on my photo was so sweet. Thank you. :-)

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