Race #12: Athleta Iron Girl Half Marathon

The Iron Girl Half Marathon was my final traveling race. It was a mere 2 hours away in Santa Rosa which is known for its famous wineries. I highly anticipated this race because it was hosted by Athleta and strongly supported and recommended by my fellow Black Girls Run team members. I planned to spend a weekend in Santa Rosa to enjoy my last and final non-local race of 2013. Yet, it was the same weekend of the Annual Green Festival in San Francisco. My heart wanted to be at both but being that I’d already made a financial investment and goal commitment to the race- I did what I always do when I cannot make a decision. I chose both.

The first half of my Saturday I walked around the Green Festival trying samples, listening to lectures, and meeting new people. I had so much fun that the one hour time limit I gave myself turned into 3 hours which meant I risked missing the Iron Girl race expo and packet pick-up. Traffic was a stand still to Santa Rosa but somehow I made it in the last 10 minutes in time to get my race bib and chip YAY!!!!

I had high hopes for the race expo and immediately started to feel bummed that I might have missed it. The race was expensive so I foreseen a lot of vendors, samples, massages, the works. But sadly, the race expo was very intimate there were only two vendors and only 300 runners were registered and projected to run (one of the smallest races I’ve been in). The race location was at a local community center with onsite bathrooms which was a plus.

The next morning bright and early at 6:00 a.m myself and 299 other women were ready to run like an Iron Girl. There were 6 pacing groups which I love 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, and 3:00. I was debating if I should run with 2:15 or 2:30. I decided to be adventurous and begin the race at 2:15. Yet, by mile 4 I was with the 2:30 group and by mile 11 the 3:00 group was gaining on me. Once again my knee was killing me and gradually slowed me down. The race was full of Black Girls Run runners. It was so encouraging to see other women who look like me striving toward a common goal. We smiled, high-fived, and pushed each other to the finish line.

The race course was beautiful. It was by far one of the most beautiful courses I’ve ever run. The water stations were lightly stocked (for being an expensive race), the volunteers were friendly, the course markers were legible and well placed. But, the post-race expo was the major disappointment. The food was minimal, stale, and dry. Most of the runners left so it was a large space of empty chairs and a dj speaking to a partially empty audience.

Thank goodness for Black Girls Run who truly made the event a success. We had the largest turnout of any running group. We had our own tent with post-race snacks water, oranges, bagels, and even cake. We took post-race photos, congratulated each other, hugged, and said our goodbyes. Some women were planning to run another race that very day, while others were racing again next month together.

Black Girls Run made my Iron Girl Half Marathon experience fun and worthwhile. I am honored to have been amongst women of different ages, sizes, and athletic levels who were courageous enough to take on 13 miles both for themselves and as a team; representing to a city that is void of color and culture that Black Girls Run and we love it.

Race #3: May 2013 Divas Marathon Series

Posing like a Diva

My most anticipated race ever. I had heard so many good things about the Diva’s Half Marathon I had to do it as apart of my “12 Race Challenge”. This is a race for SUPER girly-girls who aren't afraid to sweat. Most races hand you a medal and some water at the end. This race, hands you a Princess Tiara, a pink feather boa, a red rose, champagne in a flute, and your Medal is put on you by a handsome shirtless firefighter. And of course you get water and post-race snack food.

Me Posing w/ race bib

I just completed this race a couple of weeks ago. I got a hotel a few blocks from the start/finish line which made commuting easier. Packet Pick-up included a Health and Fitness Expo which was extremely crowded. I was hoping to get a new shirt from Black Girls Run, but they were out of product. Although, many vendors had some cute things nothing truly caught my eye. So, I left with my packet and a mini-container of chafe balm.

Pre-Race Carb load dinner

Although, I like nice things I am also conscious of being money wise, so being that I spent money on a hotel I knew I could at least make my own carb load meals for the trip. I packed Oatmeal and raisins for breakfast, bananas and a pro bar for snack, fresh beet, kale, apple juice for lunch,  a heaping portion of pasta with pasta sauce filled with veggies, and a large portion of garlic bread for dinner, and a cookie for dessert. (I was so stuffed I never got to the cookie). After dinner, I did a light 30 minute exercise in the hotel gym (I love hotel gyms).

6:20 am- Leaving for race

Later, I laid out my gear, soaked my feet and gave myself an at home mani/pedi and face mask, while watching the Food Network. I drank 10 cups of water and 4 cups of coconut water throughout the day (for electrolytes). I was so excited for this race and was somehow under the impression it would be full of fun Diva activities-so I was prepared to stray my usual goal of cutting 2 minutes from previous race time (which was 2:30).

I awoke on time ready to conquer 13.1 miles, I left the hotel in my first semi-costumed race outfit: black tutu, pink race shirt, water belt, ribbon and bow in hair, mascara and bright pink lipstick (1st time I've ever worn makeup to a race-but hey it was a race for Divas :).

Brittany and I post race (She made this cute sign)

Costume and make-up. I was ready. Outside so were other runners, thousands of women flooded Burlingame streets headed to the race in pink tutus, Super Woman Capes, crowns, tiaras, running skirts, multi-colored socks and arm warmers. I was dressed down compared to these ladies. The race began at at 7:01 am. I was expecting race attractions as my excuse to slow down and take pictures but there were none, by mile 4 I realized I’d have to stick to my goal of improving my 2 minutes from previous race. My goal time was 2:28. The course was very narrow and sometimes dangerous many women stopped and walked leaving little space for runners to pass safely. The pavement was also very uneven at points, which was hard on my feet, and knees. Running group Black Girls Run were representing in mass numbers and each time I seen them I got a dose of motivation to keep going.

Handsome, shirtless, firefighters hand us our  medals 

At the infamous mile 12 I became weak, my legs were cramping, my stomach hurt- I was struggling. Close to the end, I spotted my friend Brittany holding a sign that read: “You can do it Diva Anjalee” I felt so much better. It was just the extra push I needed to get to the finish line. At mile 13 people passed out feather boas and tiaras in  just few more steps I’d be at the finish line. My legs began to lock, I could hear Brittany yelling “you can do it woooo”, my inner voice telling me to keep going, my legs saying “we are going to fall off”, and then I seen the time clock: 2:27:53. I ran as fast as I could with only 7 seconds to make my goal time I ran and counted with the clock- with my hands up in the air I completed- 13.1 miles at 2:28. I made my way to the handsome shirtless firefighters who put my medal on for me. I got a rose, took more pictures, a bagel, some champagne and it was over. I did it. I returned to my hotel for some rest and continued to wear my tiara and medal for the rest of the day. It was awesome being among so many fit, supportive, and girly-girl women. It was fun and cute race. I can't wait until next years.

My time: 2:28

Race Bling-Super heavy medal- I love it! 

Post race awards: Roses, medal, feather boa,  tiara 

Race #2: April 2013 Running of the Elk, Half Marathon

Based in Elk Grove, CA this race was very well organized and supported children with learning disabilities. Runners were encouraged to wear Elk Antlers in support of the theme "running of the Elk" and to represent city pride.

This race had a nice course a lot of wide roads to support walkers/joggers/runners and many nature highlights. While running I met a 2:30 pace group hosted by the Running Zone shoe store. My actual goal time for this race was 2:33 (2 minutes less than my last race time) I decided to stick with the pace group until the end to make my goal a reality. At mile 5 we had a large group of 20 men and women yet, by mile 9 we were a small group of 5 women. 

I began to struggle at mile 12. Being that I went to this race alone without friends or family the lack of visual support got to my head. As I neared the end I realized there will be no one to meet me at the finish line, take my picture, drive me home and listen to my race stories. I get a little glum which isn't the best mood for a runner on their last mile. I gradually got over the mile 12 hump by visualizing a warm bath and relaxing with my new medal. I pushed through, shaving off not only 2 minutes but 5 minutes from previous race time. Yay! me.

My time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

I try to reward myself after each race. Rewards can be great motivators, super relaxing, and the extra push needed to get past the mile 12 hump. My go-to rewards always include some form of pampering, shouldn't it be required after running 13 miles? I love massages, facials, and manicure/pedicures. I know these treats don't come cheap. Enlisting a friend or family member should cut down the cost or search for online deals on groupon and livingsocial to reward your efforts.

I have yet, to reward myself for this race- I was in a rush to an event directly after. so IOME. Can hardly wait.