[50] Wilde Strawberry

Race: Strawberry Festival Half-Marathon Series 5-Mil

Distance: 5K (3.11 Mi) [ Course ]

Date/Time: Sunday June 26, 2011 at 11:00 AM

Weather: Sunny, mid-60s, a bit of wind

Bib#: 701

[Times]
Clock Time:56:46

Chip Time: 56:33 (155/180 Finishers)

Nike+ Time/Splits: 56:34 (Pace: 11'15"; 565 Cal)

• Mile 1: 10:08 (10'07")
• Mile 2: 22:41 (12'33")
• Mile 3: 34:21 (11'40")
• Mile 4: 46:07 (11'46")
• Mile 5: 56:24 (10'17")

[Event Atmosphere] 

Though it received the monthly spotlight in Irish Runner Magazine's "Fixtures" summer race compilation, the event matched the town: small but meticulously organized and welcoming. I got a sample of the local culture when I went to pick up my race packet at the National 1798 Visitor Centre. There is something organic and comforting about the simplicity of their organization. Simple type written bib-number list divided by event. Hand-written names on the race packet. "No need to show ID, dear. We trust you," mentality. 

I was Dorothy in Oz, but it looked suspiciously like Kansas. 

[Fashion Choice]  

lululemon athletical run: skirt (Tango Red), UnderArmour Baltimore Running Festival 5K Semi-Fitted heatgear tech shirt* (dark gray), Asics military style hat in green. Arriving at the race, I realized that my look was distinctly American, or at least a far cry from Irish countryside running. Save for a handful, all of the women wore black bottoms. Capris and cropped running tights were in first place, followed by loose fit shorts. The ladies rocked their racer back tanks and technical shirts, but in subdued colors and loose fit fashion.

I felt like the Molly Malone of Running-- the tart with the bright red running skirt.  

This was round two for the Nike+GPS SportWatch, and thankfully it fully cooperated this time around, including accurately mapping out the route I ran. I am still gutted that it did not properly function in Edinburgh, but it appears that I may be able to create my own map using NikePlus.com Route Boss Mapping Tool. Linking the Polar WearLink+ still eludes me. When I have time at home, I am going to figure out how to do a factory reset for the HRM and link it to the SportWatch.

[Race]

Imagine the quaint town Cameron Diaz goes to in The Holiday, but plopped in the southeastern Irish countryside (and minus Jude Law walking through my door drunk) in the summer time. Rolling hills, winding roads, and friendly locals who take pride in their local culture. Though the event ran in tandem with the 2011 Strawberry Fest, many still came out to cheer the runners. Families sat outside their houses. Children playing in the yards stopped to cheer passers by. Even the national police, the Garda, were wishing runners well as they directed traffic.

Though it may be significantly smaller than my races back home, a race like this is like a splash of cold water: refreshing like an Irish Spring commercial. What took some getting used to was sharing the road with the local traffic. Unlike races which shut down parts of Manhattan, the locals of Enniscorthy have only so many roads out of town. Starting at the back of the pack, I was startled when I heard a car drive up behind me without sounding like it was stopping. Thankfully, there was a sidewalk to hop up onto, but it gave me a new appreciation for the 'no headphone' rule.

As promised, there was a single water station after mile two. Small bottles of CelticPure spring water were available for the taking, and the sport bottle style made it handy to sip while running. It did upset me to find some bottles discarded along the route as it meant people were littering in the name of sport. I did enjoy the water as its softer than some I am used to drinking in the United States. 

I lucked out and the majority of the route was shaded, courtesy of all the lush trees and beautifully landscaped yards. The sun came out to play, but the temperature remained cool. Prior to the race, I summoned my iPod Genius to generate a playlist based upon "That's Not My Name" by The Ting Tings, and I wound up with a solid 25 for running. Other artists included: P!nk ("Bad Influence", "Crystal Ball"), Lily Allen ("22", "LDN"), MIKA ("Any Other World"), and Lady GaGa ("Speechless", "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich"). Britney ("Blur") and Ke$ha ("Dinosaur") also wiggled their way into the mix, but with tunes which aren't overplayed by radio back home. The highlight was closing in on mile four and "Hella Good" by No Doubt started. I never really liked the video, but the song is great to pace against.

Closing in on the last half-mile, I passed a couple of boys on their way to the open air market. One of them looked like a cross between Harry Potter & Nevile, especially when he smiled and said "Best of Luck to Yah!" I wish I could have stopped to take a photo with them. My only fear was breaking momentum. Pulling into the hairpin turn and seeing the finish chute, I heard something I wouldn't have ever expected:

"Here comes Karen Peterson, number 701..."

This will most likely the be the first and last time my name is ever called out in a race, unless I become massively famous, something crazy happens, or I set some bizarre World Record. Clearly participating in a smaller race, starting near the back, and being one of the last finishers in the event has its perks. After having my B-tag clipped off my shoe, I ambled through the finish tent to get my tech shirt, medal, snacks, and most importantly-- my voucher for tea and sandwich at the host hotel. After some decompressing outside in the breezy and some light stretching, I packed up and walked back to my host sister's house. With the roads being congested from the races, open market, and the music festival, walking home was much quicker and a great way to work out those last post-run kinks. 

All in all, I had a fantastic time with it. 

Oh, and by the way, the gent announcing called my name twice. ;)

[20] Destination Running - Japan Edition

After Summer Program finishes, I'll be throwing myself onto a 12 hour flight to Japan as soon as possible, and looking forward to roughly two weeks worth of relaxation... and running?! Unfortunately, August is as beastly in Japan as it is here in the US, especially where stifling humidity is concerned. Naturally, searching for races to participate in this time are impossible with the exception of the Hokkaido Half-Marathon at the end of the month (when I need to be back in the US).

Being a Nike Geek, I checked out the Nike Running Club Japan site, as well as the Nike Running Japan Facebook page. Thankfully, there are several Nike Stores, including Harajuku (Tokyo), Fukuoka, Kyoto, and Osaka. Nike Harajuku has a girls' night run which looks really cool, as does Nike Fukuoka. From what I gather from their homepages (as I am being lazy about translating at the moment), like the US clubs, the Nike+ Run Clubs in Japan are also free. Looks like I have yet another reason to kick up my training and language learning up a notch! Of course while I am in Tottori, I will make a loop of the city, and try my best not to stop at Mos Burger or Mr. Donut while I am out!

When I lived in Japan, I loved watching the Nippon TV 24 Hour Charity Telethon. In previous years, a famous comedian would run 100+KM over the course of 26 hours!! That can't be right... can it?! That's the equivalent of two ultra-marathons in just over 24 hours! Most recently, Ayako Imoto (from Tottori!) and Harumi Edo are two women who took the challenge on and completed it! I remember watching them and being completely floored. Simply watching them triumph over their pain, and pushing themselves in the name of charity was inspiring. At the time, running wasn't even a thought in my head, but I told myself if I ever became famous, I would willingly subject myself to such torture in the name of charity-- provided I could have all my friends flown to Japan and have Arashi (or better yet, Masaharu Fukuyama) waiting for me at the finish line. Thank goodness, I live in obscurity or I might have to put my money where my foot is!

Once summer gets closer, I'll need to start planning where I intend on visiting and running. Summer in Japan is hot and humid, but my running clothes will dry out quickly in the heat. I'll just make sure I pack items I am not too fussed about leaving behind, just in case. I have some old t-shirts that are on their last threads, but that's about it. I doubt I will buy any gear while I am in Japan unless they have the Nike+ GPS watch available by then, but most likely, I'll just use my SportBand+ & HRM+ and tag the runs later. I have an inkling that the Nike+GPS may not work on runs outside of the US, but I could be mistaken. I will need to research that a bit further. It would be awesome to be able to map my runs while I am abroad. It might encourage me to lace up while on vacation!! As much as it would pain me to buy gear while in Japan, I may have to buy one shirt from Nike if I participate in the run clubs, and have it personalized while I am there.

So much to think about! I better get planning... and running!!

[o7] Winter Traincation

Come Monday, I'll be getting outta Dodge, and flying down south for the holidays. Looking at my suitcase, my running gear appears to have taken over my every day clothes. Having no big plans scheduled, I haven't given much thought to my casual wardrobe.

Preliminary packing has resulted in the following:

• Two Pairs of Nike Sneakers (Free Run+ & Zoom Vomero+ 5)
• One Pair of Nike Benassi JDI Sandals
• 2010 NWM Storm-FIT Jacket
• Two Pairs of Nike Tempo Shorts
• Two Technical Running Shirts: NW1/2M Finisher & Asics ING NYC Marathon
• Women's Impulse 1/4 Zip Shirt (Orchid Purple) by The North Face
• UnderArmour Long-Sleeved HeatGear Base Layer & HeatGear Capri Tights
• Two sports bras, socks, 
• Oakley Polarized Sunglasses
• Speedo Bathing suit, goggles, swim cap, and HydroTowel
• iPod, Nike SportBand+, Headphones, and Polar WearLink+ Heart Rate Monitor

Although, I am running a 5K on the 26th, I am not too concerned with packing all the additional necessities like fuel, snack and such. Those can be picked up when I arrive at home. I am hesitant to avoid packing my muscle balms in case I over train, and need to treat myself to a little extra TLC (and rest). Towel, water bottles, yoga mat, and fitness DVDs are also getting left behind as they are readily available at home. My goal is to travel as lightly, yet prepared for weather shifts, as possible. I want to avoid any unnecessary shopping or borrowing of clothes.

With the start of my training for the Disney Princess Half-Marathon on Sunday, I am quickly realizing that it was much easier to pluck items out of my closet for running than for socializing. I think perhaps the lack of access to a vehicle while I am home is putting a damper on my creativity. Additionally, I am more focused on relaxing and exercising than anything else. Thinking ahead toward summer, I also want to travel to Japan again, so saving money from here on out is priority number one.