Tag: race

Race Recap: San Jose Shamrock Run 2019

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The inaugural San Jose Shamrock 5k & 10k Run/Walk & Leprechaun Kids Run did not disappoint! The race benefited the San Jose – Dublin Sister City Scholarship Program and had an awesome O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub & Five Points post-race party. Can’t wait to run this one again next year!

What: San Jose Shamrock Run
When: March 17, 2019
Where: San Jose, CA
Distance(s): 5K/10K

Bib Pickup

The pickup locations were hosted at the Decathlon store in San Francisco and in San Pedro Square in Downtown San Jose. The race series also offers receiving your bib by mail for $10 – always super worth it but I never remember.

Parking/Logistics

Everything was easy as it usually is with the Represent Running races. The race started at 8AM and I arrived around 7:30AM with more than enough time to spare to use the bathroom, take pictures and warm up. I would also note that if you care about your time, make your way to the start line at least 15 minutes before. It didn’t seem like runners cared about the corrals and there were also a couple dogs near the front – I heard a few runners complain.

The Race

The course was flat and fast with a couple minor hills. Due to the rain, the 10K course was updated at the last minute and was two loops of the 5K course – that didn’t affect me as I was running the 5K. The 5K included a “chase the leprechaun” competition – any runners who beat the leprechauns would win a Decathlon gift card. The leprechauns immediately took off and were out of sight. I started out way too fast in the first 100 yards but was able to settle into a pace that felt pretty decent. The course had a few turnaround points that were difficult to do in my VaporFlys but I managed. In the end, the leprechauns finished in first, I finished in 3rd place for overall women’s division with a new 5k PR of 20:18! My only caveat is that Strava tracked the course as 0.2 short.. but I’ll take the new PR and the new backpack that I won. Thank you!

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Post-Race/Swag

The post-race festivities were cool – after all, it’s St. Patrick’s Day and runners got a free Guinness! Additionally, runners received a race shirt from Decathlon, a race medal and FREE RACE PHOTOS! Always super worth it, IMO.

Up next in the series: Silicon Valley Half Marathon & 5K – sign up with code RepresentKH to save 10%!

Race Recap: San Jose 408K 2019

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Finally, my first time running the San Jose 408K in person! I opted for the virtual option for the past two years so I was excited to be able to actually run it this year with the rest of the Represent Running/Decathlon ambassador crew. It did not disappoint!

What: San Jose 408k
When: February 3, 2019
Where: San Jose, CA
Distance: 8K

Bib Pickup

The pickup locations were hosted at the Decathlon store in San Francisco and in Santana Row in South Bay. Unfortunately I couldn’t make either of the pickups, but luckily I found a friend to help me out! The race series also offers receiving your bib by mail for $10 – always super worth it but I never remember.

Parking/Logistics

Everything was easy as it usually is with the Represent Running races. The race started at 8AM and I arrived around 7:20AM with more than enough time to spare to use the bathroom, get to gear check, take pictures and warm up. Side note: the race is point to point so I had Cade drop me off at the start line and then drive to finish line to wait for me. For those who drove themselves, they had the option of running back to the start line or taking a shuttle.

The Race

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I think this was my first official 8K so naturally it was a PR (lol). The course was flat and fast going from Downtown San Jose to Santana Row. We lucked out and missed the rain; I was even running with direct sunlight in my face for a bit (that part wasn’t so lucky). The course got a little boring to me at times, especially since my music cut out after the first couple miles, but it was an overall good race. I finished in 4th place for my age group, missing 3rd by only 6 seconds!

Post-Race/Swag

The post-race festivities were cool – after all, you’re in Santana Row! The race provided special offers from the restaurants that were specifically for runners… like bottomless mimosas. Additionally, runners received a race shirt designed by Cukui, a race medal and FREE RACE PHOTOS! Super worth it, IMO.

Up next in the series: San Jose Shamrock Run – sign up with code RepresentKH to save 10%!

The Runner’s Holiday Gift Guide

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The holidays are coming and it’s time to start thinking about what to get that special runner in your life. Here are 10 unique gifts for runners that will hopefully make holiday shopping a little less stressful this year!

img_15811. RaceHerBox

Can’t decide on a present to buy? RaceHer Box is a subscription box catered to women runners and their newest holiday box is the perfect gift for a runner this season. The price is $34.99 plus $6 shipping – use code RUNHAPPY10 for 10% off!

milesandpace_tank2. Miles & Pace Tank

This ‘Miles & Pace // Run Because I Can Muscle Tank’ is one of my favorite tanks. The design is awesome and the fabric is super comfortable. Tank top prices range from $19.99 to $24.99. Plus, use code KELLI20 for 20% off!

img_67573. Momentum Jewelry

Everyone needs some extra motivation when it comes to working out. Momentum Jewelry is workout-friendly motivational athletic jewelry and I am a huge fan! Prices can range from $9.99 to $26.99.

4. Run Ink

How awesome is that design that Run Ink sent me after finishing The SF Marathon?! These make awesome gifts and you can even make custom maps. I can’t wait to order more! Prices start at $13.

SIDE_0016_Flamingo-Side-View5. Goodr Sunglasses

Now these sunglasses are the real deal for any runner – I have 3 pairs in different colors! The colors are fun and they definitely stay on your face. Priced at $25.

IMG_00886. Race Registration – Run The Bay Series

My fiancé loves to use this gift and I’m not complaining! I recommend the Represent Running Run The Bay Series – you can run in person or remote. The first race of the series, San Jose 408k is coming up on March 4, 2018 and you can use discount code RepresentKH for 15% off!

 

mparadiseblue_1024x10247. Pro Compression Socks

Every runner could use a new pair of compression socks, especially a special edition holiday sock. Pro tip: keep an eye out for the release as they sell out quickly. Plus you can use discount code PRO17 for 40% off!

milesandpace_hat8. Miles & Pace Trucker Hat

These hats come in a variety of colors and designs so there is a hat perfect for every runner. Prices range from $19.99 to $24.99. Plus, use code KELLI20 for 20% off!

addaday9. +addady Massage Roller

Give a toy this year! This massage roller was a lifesaver when it came to rest and recovery days. Prices range from $42 to $47 depending on the model.

oofos10. OOFOS Sandal

These sandals may look a little chunky but runners rejoice as these are known to reduce stress on sore feet, knees and lower back. In addition, $10 from every Project Pink Collection shoe purchased will go to breast cancer research! Priced at $59.95.

Pre-Race Countdown

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With a little over 72 hours to go until the Berkeley Half Marathon this weekend, it is almost countdown time! These are some of my favorite tips to follow but more importantly, always follow the golden rule: do not try anything new on race day.

Thursday – 72 hours to go!

  • Go for a run but don’t push it too hard by trying to cram in last minute runs.
  • Check the forecast for Sunday, read through the race guide and start to finalize your race day plans.

Friday – 48 hours to go!

  • Choose to take the extra rest if you need it or try for a short, easy effort run.
  • Start adding in small amounts of extra carbs to your meals. For me personally, I also start adding more salt to my meals.
  • Might want to check the forecast for Sunday again, especially if there is a chance for rain. I’m crossing my fingers that Sunday will be dry!
  • Rest up for a good night’s sleep – the nights leading up to the race are crucial!

Saturday – 24 hours to go!

  • Sometimes I prefer the extra rest day and sometimes I prefer a shakeout run the day before a race – up to you!
  • Go for a higher-carb diet today but be careful not to overdo it. The last thing you want is to show up to the start line feeling sluggish and full.
    • Pro tip: Choose foods that have worked in the past, remember nothing new!
  • Avoid spending unnecessary time on your feet, meaning try to avoid spending too much time at the expo.
  • Pack your bag and lay out your outfit, plus any additional items that you need on race day. This will help to cut down the stress and nerves that you might be feeling the next morning.

Sunday – RACE DAY!

  • Eat something small unless you normally run without eating anything – it is not the time to try something new.
  • Arrive early to find parking, chill out and even make a trip to the bathroom before the lines form.
  • Warm up with some jogging and dynamic stretches.
  • Have fun!!!

Also, make sure you check in next week for our Runner Holiday Guide!! (Discounts will be included!)

5 Reasons to Sign Up for The Berkeley Half Marathon

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Maybe you have never heard of it. Maybe you never venture out to Berkeley, CA. Or maybe you just need some extra words of encouragement to register. Whatever the reason, here are my top 5 reasons why you should register for The Berkeley Half Marathon today (or the 10k and 5k).

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  1. Run Berkeley – I don’t know about you but I have never run through Berkeley. A race is my favorite way to run through the best parts of a city. As the race site says, “experience iconic Telegraph Avenue, vibrant Shattuck Avenue, serene North Berkeley streets, the picturesque waterfront, and more in this loop course“.
  2. Explore Berkeley – I don’t make the trip up to Berkeley often but when I do, it is usually either for food or a football game. So why not take the opportunity to get to run and eat? Most people know Berkeley as home to the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s, but what they may not know is that it is also home to some amazing restaurants. I highly recommend taking a look on Yelp or Trip Advisor’s Berkeley 2017: Best of Berkeley to make the most of your trip.
  3. A Distance for Everyone – Make this your first half marathon or maybe even your 50th half marathon. Maybe you don’t even feel like running a half marathon – try out the 10k! Bring your family, friends and coworkers to join you. You can even form a team and compete in the Team Challenge.
  4. The SF/Berkeley Challenge – I ran The San Francisco Marathon in July so by running The Berkeley Half, I will complete The SF/Berkeley Challenge and earn a third medal! If you ran TSFM, definitely sign up for this race and complete the challenge. If you didn’t run TSFM this year, don’t worry! You can run The Berkeley Half in November and still earn the challenge medal when you run TSFM next July. Find more details here.
  5. Discount Code – Yup, that’s right. You can get $10 OFF using the discount code: KELLI for the half or 10k events and $5 OFF with discount code: KELLI5K. So what are you waiting for? Sign up and run with us in November!
Hope to see you all out there on the course!

Race Review: 2017 East Bay 510k

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Yay, officially completed the Run The Bay Challenge (San Jose 408k, Across the Bay 12k and East Bay 10k)! Check out my review and be sure to mark your calendars for this series in 2018!

What: East Bay 510k
When: September 17, 2017
Where: Berkeley/Emeryville, CA
Distance: 10K or 5K

Bib Pickup

Bib pickup was extremely easy and quick. The pickup locations were hosted at multiple Sports Basement locations around the Bay Area so it was convenient to choose the one closest to you.

Parking/Shuttles

Parking was easier than bib pickup was! The race started at 8:05 AM so we arrived at 7:00 AM and parked in the IKEA garage as the race instructed us to do. There were many parking spaces and we had more than enough time to board the shuttles to the start line.

Pre-Race


We met up with the Represent Running crew at the start line because we had to get our pre-race picture first, duh! But also, if you check out the start line signage behind us in the picture, you’ll notice that it is being designed THAT morning. SO COOL, major props for a totally unique idea!

The Race

Well I can’t say it was the easiest 10K that I’ve ever run, but did you really race if you found it to be easy? The race sets out on a dirt path at first.. careful here since there were many ankles that were rolled. Then you find yourself running next to the bay with views of San Francisco – very cool but windy. Shortly after, you’re running along 880 and then over the freeway into Emeryville. It was my first time running in that area so it was a cool experience. I set the bar too high on my first 10K so while I don’t expect to ever PR for a 10K, I did come in 2nd for my age group so I’ll take the victory.

Post-Race


Can you say photo ops? There were a lot of places for an awesome post-race photo (#forthegram). There weren’t many vendor tents but we did get to go to IKEA for breakfast after the race.. so overall, it was a fantastic Sunday morning.

Race Review: Not So Normal 3/4 Marathon

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1/4 Marathon? 1/2 Marathon? 3/4 Marathon?!

Yes, you read that right. I ran a 3/4 marathon distance (19.65 miles) as a training run for my marathon – placed 6th Overall, 2nd Gender.


 

What: Not So Normal
When: April 2, 2017
Where: Carrboro, NC
Distance: 3/4 Marathon

The best part about running this race is that it is truly local. That being said, you do get the feeling of being part of a community but you don’t get all of the swag and support that you would get from a large for-profit race. The race also supports amazing local non-profits – Orange County Rape Crisis Center, First Pages and TABLE.

I have had the pleasure of volunteering and running this race for the past two years. While it is small, I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re available and in the area!

It’s TAPER Time!

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To be honest, I have been MIA on blogging for the past few weeks. I was exhausted and worn out almost every day BUT I finally made it to my taper! That’s right, I only have 18 days until the Big Sur International Marathon (WOOHOO!).

I don’t think I have ever been so happy to make it to taper week… but then again, it is only the first week so there will probably be a future post on taper-crazies coming in the next few days (ha!).

Even though tapering generally means running less and resting more, it takes a lot of work – like any other part of a marathon training plan. Assuming you already have a pretty good idea of how to taper, here are a couple of my personal tips.

  • Don’t worry about gaining weight.

Practice what you preach, right? I hate to admit it but I’m the first to panic whenever I gain a pound or two when I step on the scale. My first instinct is to always cut back on my calorie intake. It is crucial that you do your best to ignore your instinct and those initial feelings otherwise you risk losing the benefits of tapering.

  • Pay attention to what you’re eating.

As a second part to my first tip, it is also important to continue eating a healthy diet. You might want to splurge but don’t, your body will thank you in the coming weeks when you run your race.

  • Reduce weekly mileage, maintain intensity.

Tapering is all about balance. You don’t want to go too easy but you also don’t want to push yourself too hard. By maintaining intensity while cutting mileage, you can work to balance your workouts.

What are some of your favorite taper tips?

 

Race Discount Alert!

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Okay, I may have some exciting news if you happen to be looking for something extra to do on March 5, 2017!

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What: San Jose 408k Race to the Row
When: March 5, 2017
Where: San Jose, CA or ANYWHERE! (Yes, that is correct. There is a remote option so you can run this anywhere! I will also be running remote and would love to have others join me!)

My discount code: RepresentKH will get you 15% off and the opportunity to run an awesome race with some really awesome swag!

Find more information here: http://run408k.com/