I can't believe it's over!

The spoils of 12 halfs, good thing I didn't have to wear them all running.

This blog entry has taken a while - partially I think because I don't want this experience to be over. But it is so here goes.

Ready to go, keeping warm inside until start time

Running buddies ready to run.

The race: April 1st was fittingly the day for the Fool's run from Gibsons to Davis Bay. The weather was a little chilly to start, overcast, with a little residual snow and slush on the ground. The course was the Fool's run course that we all know and love (or hate, or love and hate), a little up, a little down, more up, more down more up, more up, and finally that nice long downhill stretch to the finish. Coach Newton had provided great guidance for running this training event (not a race, just a training run), in the excitement of the downhill start, and despite Nicole's repeated comments that we're going to fast, we (or more specifically I) didn't follow the advice. While Nicole was able to keep up with Christine, round about km 15 or so I was done it, those last hills were walked and much thanks for Nicole waiting for me at km 17 to run in those last 4. Fool's run always has great spectators along the course, including my big brother :), dragging himself out after being sick all week to see up run up King rd, and Leah, Erin and Michael who popped up here and there with great signs, music and pom poms! Oh and we can't forget Newton with his camera offering words of encouragement and taking lots of photos of all the runners (especially if they were wearing his favorite shoes). Finished off with a time of 2:23'ish, and then the fun started!

What a great sign :)

The first hill, we still look happy and still keeping up with Christine

Erin, complete with pompoms

The finish line: Wow, what more can you say about friends cheering you in, a special announcement about finishing 12 in 12, fruit, cheese, bread, meats, and 6 bottles of champagne to share with all your running buddies. The friendship, support, camaraderie of our running community is what makes me enjoy running so much. Let me see if I can actually remember who all was there: Dave (of course), my running twin Nicole, Michael the intrepid cheerer with Leah and Erin (who came just to cheer and celebrate with us), Ken (my bog buddy), Bob (widdle waddle partner), Newton (coach), Christine, Liz, Glenda, Sandra, Andy, Ashley, Marilou, Sebastien,  and more (I'm sorry I can't remember everyone....). By the time we finished our celebration they were dismantling the finish line, what a great day - oh and in typical sunshine coast fashion the sun was out and it was a spectacular day. Back to Gibsons, shower, change and off to a leisurely lunch at Smitty's Oyster bar finished the day.

Yay - the finish line!

In our highly coveted Tuesday Nighter shirts: we're an eating group with a running problem!

Running twins :)

My fav boys

Had to be the hardest bottle of champagne to open, took the collective efforts of 4 people.

On finishing this adventure: Last May, after finishing the Eugene half marathon, I had a few moments of panic as I thought "oh no, how on earth I am going to do 11 more of these". April 1st, was a very different story, now I couldn't believe this adventure was already over. 12 half marathons in 12 consecutive months is done. Now only if I could say the same for my dissertation ;)

What's next: well for the last 7 weeks Nicole and I have been rigorously following the training plan put together for us by coach Newton with the goal of getting a PB at the BMO half in Vancouver. With 4 weeks to go we are into the speed workouts, and I'm feeling confident that the hard work is going to pay off. Check back in a month to see if we succeeded. Until then, thanks to everyone, you made my last half a very very special experience, everyone should have friends like you all :)

Number 11 - wow it's almost over!

Inaugural Phoenix Marathon medal

I can't believe I've finished half marathon number 11 - this year is going by way too fast.
This past weekend we headed off to sunny Arizona for the inaugural Phoenix half marathon. There are a number of marathons and halfs in Phoenix throughout the year, this was a new one that we learned about at the Vegas expo. The fellow at the booth was so enthusiastic about the event we were sold, and it doesn't hurt that Phoenix in March is almost guaranteed to be sunny as opposed to Vancouver's grey rain.
On Thursday we loaded up and headed off to Bellingham to fly air Allegiant to sunny Phoenix. While waiting for our delayed flight, Dave phoned his car rental contacts to reserve a car for us, decided it would be nice to have some transportation. Upon arriving in Phoenix we quickly learned that there are two airports and we weren't at the one our car reservation was at, and at the Mesa-Gateway airport cars are significantly more expensive, and there are no (or few) airport to hotel shuttles. Finally decided to go with the car and it's a good thing we did - Phoenix and area is a big place, there is no shortage of space and the city and suburbs definitely sprawl. Arrived at our hotel with the help of the Garmin lady (Dave had the foresight to bring along the portable Nav unit), checked in to the lovely Hyatt Place Mesa - we've stayed at Hyatt Place a couple times now, once in Portland and now in Mesa - nice hotels, highly recommend them. Then it was time to find some food, we were in an odd very spread out mall type area, found dinner at Toby Keith's I Love this Bar and Grill where Dave discovered a new favorite food soon to be appearing at Chez Pearce will be brown sugar and cinnamon yam tots, are they dinner or dessert?

Dave in his happy place, a really big beer at Toby Keith's

Friday was a busy busy day, the sun was out, the wind was blowing what better time for opening day of the Cactus League Spring Training! We were off to see the Oakland Athletics take on the Seattle Mariners at the Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Great fun was had, food was eaten (gotta have a dog when at a baseball game), Dave was interviewed by a local news team (don't know if he made it to air or not), and we are now all Oakland fans (we weren't dressed for the wind, and needed extra shirts and a blanket to keep warm). Seattle was well ahead when we headed out after the 7th inning stretch.

Nachos and baseball :)

Cactus league opening day

Next stop, package pick-up. This was a little out of the way (good thing we got the car), but was well organized as was the entire race. Race packages were great, included a water bottle, lip balm, and arm warmers. Shirt is a nice Nike race shirt - unisex - but sizing was good. Back to the hotel for a little pool time for Michael while I hunted down a restaurant.

The swag from the bag

We settled on Mexican for dinner and headed to a Diners Drive-ins and Dives recommendation - Los Taquitos Grill, a little hole in the wall place in a strip mall somewhere slightly south of Phoenix. The food was great, and the place was definitely popular there was a steady line-up at the counter and we were lucky to get a table to sit at.

Tacos, chile relleno, enchiladas and shrimp cocktail

Back to the hotel, got Michael set up with a movie and Dave and I headed out again to catch the Phoenix Suns play the LA Clippers. Given the fact we had a 4:00 am alarm to look forward to we only lasted half the game. Not sure basketball is my thing, and it didn't look like the Suns were having all that great a game.

The half marathon route was a point to point, with buses arranged to take you to the start line. Our race info said buses would be leaving for the start line starting at 4:00 am until 6:00 am, we didn't want to be trying to squeeze our way onto the last bus so we arrived for a 5:00 am departure and ended up on the second or third bus to leave :) It's dark at that hour of the morning and also pretty chilly, at the staging area there were a number of bonfires going, being early we were able to claim a spot close to a fire. This is the first race I've ever run smelling like a campfire. The fires made the wait bearable, and the sunrise was beautiful.

Dave staying warm

Me trying to stay warm

The sun starts to rise

Phoenix is thata way

Shortly before 7:00 we were herded down to the start line and the race was off.

it's so early but we're ready to go

Cactus in the sunrise

More cacti in the sunrise

The view for the first three miles

We started in Usery Mountain Regional park with about 5 miles of gentle downhill, the scenery was gorgeous especially for the first 3 miles coming out of the park, then we wound our way through subdivisions, and commercial areas. Miles 5 to 7.5 were pretty flat, a slow gentle hill took us up to mile 9 or so and then more gentle downhill to the finish. All in all it was a great course to run, easy but with enough changes in slope to keep your legs interested. Great volunteers, water stations every two miles, at least two gel stations, and port-a-potties at every water station (thank goodness). They had a big finish line expo, with lots of entertainment and booths.
So, how did we do? Dave ran a 1:52:23 not quite a PB but a great time, my chip time was 2:18:48, although I prefer my port-a-pottie adjusted time of 2:14:02 :) My legs, heart and lungs felt great for the whole run, I took it easy as this was not supposed to be a race, just a long training run, I just have to figure out how to eliminate (haha) the multiple pit-stops (perhaps Mexican the night before wasn't the best idea). I'm feel really good about how this went and if I stick with my current training regime I think Vancouver in May could be a good one.
Headed back to the hotel after the race to wake up Michael (that's what happens with a 7:00 am start), and it was a pool day, lunch at Famous Dave's BBQ, more pool time, and general lazing about.

Pool boys

Famous Daves BBQ - mmmm mmmm good

Sunday, our flight home was not until 7:00 pm so we had the day to explore. We did an excursion out the Apache Trail to Tortilla Flats, seeing a gunfight and a goldmine along the way. The Apache Trail takes you through the Superstition Mountains, beautiful vistas, lots and lots of cacti. A great little excursion to get a taste of the Arizona atmosphere.

the gallows

the bad guys

neat looking mountain

Tortilla Flats

Michael I think this is a cactus

Yup it's a cactus alright

another neat rock formation

Family self portrait

 Back to Mesa in the afternoon, a short stop at an olive farm, and then back home.

in the olive grove

Looking cool

An olive tree (I think)

 We weren't so happy to see the driving rain, but it was nice to feel some moisture in the air and the cats were happy too.

One more to go! April 1st - please consider joining me for number 12 - the Fool's run in Gibsons.

Number 10

Today was the Vancouver First Half Marathon - one of the most popular Vancouver races it always sells out, and lately it has been selling out in hours. Traditionally this is the first half marathon to be run in Vancouver in the year and has a lovely course that starts with a loop around BC Place stadium (or whatever it's called these days) and then off to Stanley Park for a loop around the park, the dreaded loop around Lost Lagoon and the final stretch to the finish line at Pacific and Drake. Its a flat course (one slope and two little hills) and you get to run the entire sea wall which is unusual for a race (hence the low race cap and the popularity). Pacific Road Runners puts on this race and they always do a great job - lots of volunteers everywhere on the course - I particularly appreciated the ones around the bridge and Siwash rock making sure I didn't fall off the sea wall :) My only complaint with the race organization is the shirts! Mizuno has been a sponsor for the last 3 years and their race shirts leave a little to be desired. See the pics below for the difference between the first 1st half shirt I got in 2008 and the one from this year, I can' hardly fit this year's one over my head (and my head isn't that big). 

Exhibit A - 2008 New Balance shirt, super soft, limited sponsor ads, I wear this all the time!

Exhibit B - 2012 Mizuno shirt, lots of sponsor ads, very thin, extremely small neck opening, headed for the donation pile!

Lots of Alma runners were out there today, this was the goal race for Nicole's half clinic and many clinic participants made it to their goal! Congrats to: Dave (another PB), Nicole, Christine, Troy, Susan, Andy, Glenda, Sandra, Dorothy, Karen, Julie, Bob, Phil, Bette, Anna, Jennifer, Susan, and me (and sorry to everyone I missed). Thanks to the cheering squads, Kerri, Dwayne, Harvey and every person out there who cheered on their friends, family and lots and lots of total strangers.
This wasn't my best race, but then again it wasn't my worst, 2:18:31. I'm happy :) I've been feeling like I've been coming down with something for the last few days, felt rather flushed for the first few miles. I'm also struggling with a niggling ankle/achilles issue - have to get that fixed. This also included an emergency pit stop at second beach (easily 2 minutes right there). Started out too quick (trying to keep up to Nicole), happy with my pace up to about mile 10 when I really slowed down (where was Ken when I needed him). I really need to work on the mental aspect of these races and push myself those last few miles.

Only two more events to go! Three weeks will see us in Phoenix, Arizona running the inaugural Phoenix half marathon. Can't wait - should be a fun weekend with spring training baseball, a Phoenix Suns game and oh yes a net downhill half marathon :)
My final event will be the Fool's Run from Gibsons to Davis Bay, April 1st on the Sunshine Coast - please join me for the celebration!

Me and my running twin :)

Nookachamps Winter Run

Since I missed out on registration for the Disneyland Tinkerbell half I had to settle for a slightly more local run for January's event. Mount Vernon, Washington (you know the place just past Bellingham with all the daffodils) was the location for the aptly named Nookachamp Winter run.
Friday night as Dave came to bed, he let me know that "it has started to snow". Great - I then spent half the night wondering just how much snow was coming our way. Awoke in the morning to about 3 inches of the white stuff. Weather checks for Washington, showed freezing rain in Bellingham (yuck) and overcast in Mount Vernon (yay).
Ken and I were on our way by 7:30, sailed through the border - I've never seem that many lanes open and that few cars. The roads were clear and it was a beautiful drive to Mount Vernon, snow on the trees and dissipating completely by the time we reached the start line at Skagit Valley College. This event has a 5 km, a 10 km and the half marathon. Probably no more than 500-600 people in total. Picking up race numbers was smooth in the college gymnasium which was also a nice warm place to wait. As the 10:00 race start neared, we noticed people coming in with noticeable wet jackets. And, as we headed out to stow our bags in the car, we saw that the weather had changed dramatically, from overcast with high clouds to driving rain, mixed with sleet - what fun. We took refuge in the car until 9:55, headed to the start line and then took refuge under an awning until the race actually started, no timing chips but we didn't care, we were not at all concerned about not being right at the start line :)
The first few miles were pretty darn cold and wet, saw a number of innovative running outfits, from the space blanket used at the start rather than the finish, plastic ponchos, and the best was a two piece garbage bag ensemble, one for a skirt and one for a jacket. This runner wore her lovely outfit for the entire run.
The course took us through farm land, horses, cows, old barns and houses with lots to see. The rain died down by about mile 3 or 4, and from then on the weather cooperated with the odd little snow squall and finishing up with sunshine.
Around mile 7 we chatted with Richard from Bellingham and got a recommendation for where to have lunch (with good beer), the Boundary Bay Brewing Company was to be our destination! At mile 9, Ken decided it was time for me to stop slowing down (as I usually seem to do) and pick up the pace. Thanks Ken for pushing me through those last 4 miles (which also included 2 or the 3 hills on the course). A final little push into the finish and the clock said 2:16 something. I think this is probably my second fastest time for this 12 month adventure and I wouldn't have achieved it without the encouragement of my running buddy!
We claimed our medals, headed into the gym to shower (yay!) change and not get any food - the only downside of this event was that there was nothing left to eat when we finished - oh well we headed off to Bellingham instead.
Richard's directions were spot on and we were soon enjoying the beers of Boundary Bay Brewery. Curiously enough the brewery was across the street from the finish line of the Bellingham Half marathon and I suspect it was the same beer Dave and I enjoyed back in September. After lunch, a brief stop at REI and we were back in Canada by 4:00. Funnily enough the customs officer seemed to think we were a little nuts for having run a half marathon today - can't imagine why.....

Bellingham Bay Blonde ale and my medal :)

Ken's taster lineup

Running Buddies

Well that's it for number 9! Next up the First Half in Vancouver on February 12th. Can't believe there are only three more to go. For anyone that wants to join in the fun, number 12, the official end to this adventure will be the Fool's run, on April Fool's day in Gibsons - it would be great to have a bunch of running friends come to share in the fun!

Vegas Baby!

The last event of 2011 is done! Las Vegas run the strip at night was a fitting end to the year. Dave and I have done the Rock n roll Las Vegas half for the last three years, 2009 was the inaugural year, started insanely early at something like 6:30, it was cold cold cold, but a great experience. 2010 had a slightly more sensible start time, and we had a wonderful time with friends Ken and Corrine. 2011 had a much later start time, 5:30 p.m. and was a half marathon experience like no other. Thanks to very generous friends, Dave and I had the weekend to ourselves as Michael spent the weekend with his buddy Andrew. We arrived in Vegas Friday early afternoon, checked into the Mirage and headed across the street to the race expo at the Sands convention centre. A Rock n Roll expo is huge, after making our way through the many exhibtors we emerged with new shoes, soxs, and best of all new Gu flavors: peppermint stick and peanut butter - can't wait to try them out.

An advantage to a Sunday evening race is that you have much more time to enjoy the city. We finally got to see a show, and for the first time Beatles Love was not on blackout, Dave has wanted to see this for a number of years and the last two it has been on blackout the first week of December. A disadvantage is you have much more time to contribute to the Vegas economy, the lights won't be dimming anytime soon.

Sunday was such a different experience, to be able to sleep in on race day was a treat. Brunch at noon, and around 2:00 we headed out for the 2 miles trek to Mandalay Bay and the start area. 45 minutes later we arrived, easily checked our gear bag and once again contributed to the flagging US economy. In past years Vegas has had a post-race concert, this year was pre-race featuring Cheap Trick, they may be old but they still put on a good show. It was a chilly evening, so one last trip inside to warm up a little before we headed to our corral (8) around 4:30. This is a huge event, there were 44,000 runners (or walkers) and at least 35 corrals. The corrals were chilly but we warmed up quick, 5:30 saw the elite runners take off and we followed about 7 minutes later.

Running the Vegas strip at night was great, the lights and the spectators made it a very different experience. With 44,000 runners it was a crowded course and since the corrals were not overly well monitored there were people of every pace out there. Dave had a great race - even with stopping for multiple photo ops he came in at 1:58! My 2:27 was just fine for me - happy to be under 2:30 considering multiple porta potty breaks :)
The finish line was super crowded, within minutes of my finish I'm sure people were having to wait to actually across the timing mat! Once past the finishing photo op station, things opened up a bit, grabbed snacks and water and found Dave patiently waiting for me at the P/Q sign. Dave had already retrieved our gear, we headed in to get warm and were very lucky to be on a shuttle headed back to the Mirage by 8:30.
While we had a great time from the reports on facebook it sounds like many others didn't. Apparently the water supplies didn't last, the support on the course was limited, the finish area got completely out of control. Many many people are very unhappy with the race organization - while be interesting to see if they make changes next year. If you are considering Vegas, you may want to take a look at the feedback that's out there.

So that's the end of 2011, only 4 more months to go. What's coming up......

January 14th Nookachamps Winter run in Mount Vernon Washington another little race, Ken Hamilton will be keeping me company on this one, if anyone else is interested in a day trip to Washington, here's the link: Nookachamps Winter Run

February is the Vancouver First Half

March we are considering an inaugural half marathon in Pheonix

April will be the Fool's run in Gibson's - come along to celebrate the conclusion of this adventure!