Showing posts with label Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Vancouver Half Marathon and Cunningham Seawall 10k. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Vancouver Half Marathon and Cunningham Seawall 10k. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

2015/2016 Race Schedule

I'm still working on fully updating the blog but I thought I'd let you in on my race schedule as it's starting to come together. Many are still tentative until I make the leap and register (my credit card can only handle so much LOL).

September 26, 2015:
Mudderella Whistler (Registered)
I literally just found out about this earlier this week and I am so stoked to take part in this unique event. Stay tuned for more information tomorrow. I'll be joining a couple family members also taking part in the race.

October 24 - 25, 2015:
The Rock 'n' Roll Vancouver Cunningham Seawall 10k (Tentative)
The only reason this is tentative right now is because I don't have confirmed childcare on the Saturday but I got to do it right, I mean 3 medals...

The Rock 'n' Roll Vancouver Half Marathon (Registered)
All registered and ready to go! Can't wait :)

February 2, 2016
Vancouver First Half (if I can get in, registration opens early November)

May 1, 2016
BMO Vancouver Half or Full Marathon 
I am 95% sure I want to do the FULL, there I said it... Stay tuned.

June 28, 2016
Scotiabank Half Marathon OR Run for Water Half in May
I'd like to beat my current half PB from Run for Water in 2013. I'm leaning towards Scotia because of all the downhill but I can't decide.

August 13, 2016
Lululemon Seawheeze Half Marathon (Registered)
I registered today. I'm totally excited I got in but a little disappointed that my mother in law didn't get in. I was really looking forward to running it with her.

There may be a few more additions but we will see how things go. A while ago I said I was going to focus more and do less races but the truth is, I do better when I have more on the schedule, it keeps my motivation up.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Hey, I'm still here!

Just a small update with hopefully more to come.

Happy fall to you. My favorite season is finally upon us! I took a big break over the Summer and readjusted some of my priorities. There's some big changes happening in our family and fortunately/unfortunately blogging has taken a backseat...


That's right, I'm pregnant!!! My first trimester was pretty darn horrible with severe morning sickness... I'm glad to be in my second trimester now and you can expect an update on how that's going soon.

As far as running, it hasn't happened. There were many days where I could barely shower or get my clothes on without throwing up, I actually ended up losing weight. Now that I'm mostly feeling better, I'm looking ahead to the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Vancouver Half Marathon and Cunningham Seawall 10k and devising a plan to get back on track. I won't be racing for a personal best, but I can't wait to be out there and celebrate this great race with everyone, even though I might be a lot slower now.

Don't forget, if you haven't registered yet, my discount is available until online registration closes:


How was your summer?

Friday, March 28, 2014

How to tackle a Rock 'n' Roll Race Weekend

As we approach the Oasis Rock 'n' Roll Vancouver Half Marathon and 44th Annual Cunningham Seawall 10k in October, I, along with my fellow Rock 'n' Blog bloggers will be sharing some tips and information to help you have the best experience possible. Since I've traveled to 2 Rock 'n' Roll races in the past (Rock 'n' Roll Seattle & Rock 'n' Roll Portland), and I'm headed to 2 more this Spring, I've decided to share some tips on managing/planning your weekend here in Vancouver, but in general, these tips would apply to any Rock 'n' Roll race weekend.

If you are traveling, make sure you pack all of the appropriate gear for the race as well as the days leading up to/after the race. There's nothing worse than wearing improper footwear leading up to race and having blisters before you even reach the start line! A raincoat, your preferred method of hydration, and compression wear are also things you may want to consider having readily available. I'm sure you've heard this before, but don't plan to try anything new on race weekend, wear comfortable previously broken-in shoes!

Bring your camera!
A race weekend like this is sure to have some amazing photo ops, so be ready, you won't be disappointed!
A photo op with my bib at the Portland Rock 'n' Roll Expo
Nikki took this of me during Rock 'n' Roll Seattle!
Plan out your eats!
It's a great idea to do some research beforehand and have what you need all ready to go by the time the weekend rolls around. If you are attending a race in your own city like I will be, you might want to consider planning your meals the week prior and being sure to have all your grocery shopping and meal preparation done in advance of the weekend. This includes preparing healthy snacks so it won't be tempting to make bad choices. Power cookies (click for recipe) are my favorite, but there are lots of ready-made options out there! I will also be looking at restaurants closer to and hopefully making some reservations because even though I live here, it's always fun to meet up beforehand with your fellow racers for a carb-loading dinner! With Gastown so close to the expo, there are tons of great pre-race options! Also, consider what you might want after the race? It's always great to have something in mind for a little extra motivation to get to the finish line. I myself, will likely be headed to Cartem's Donuterie post-race... yum!

Budget accordingly.
With great restaurants, an amazing expo, and the opportunity to buy some stellar race photos, it is important to know how much you want to spend in advance. I don't always purchase my photos, but for a Rock 'n' Roll race, I always have. They're just too good not to. Marathonfoto will be in charge of race photography at Rock 'n' Roll Vancouver, just like their other races.

Research and leave lots of time to visit the EXPO!
When I first started running, I'll admit I didn't understand what an expo was and why it was so exciting... but now, I've come to look forward to it, especially for a Rock 'n' Roll race, they truly never disappoint. With over 60 exhibitors and the brooks official merchandise store, there will be lots to look at and some great souvenirs for purchase. There's usually a chance to preview the race medal as well as all of the other Rock 'n' Roll medals. I would set aside at least a few hours for the expo so you get to see everything. Hopefully, you'll have a bit more time to see some speakers/entertainment etc. and maybe even visit the waterfront area in Vancouver! Having said that, Rock 'n' Roll is always very organized about Package Pickup so if you need to be in and out, that shouldn't be a problem.
A free photo op from Brooks!
A look at the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon expo from above!
We will have more details to come for the expo, but for now I can tell you it will be taking place at Canada Place on:
Friday, October 24, 12pm – 6pm & Saturday, October 25, 9am – 5pm
 
Don't overdo it.
Vancouver has so many amazing sights to see and things to do, but I wouldn't overdo it the day before the race with too much walking. Typically, I plan to walk the expo and then do something relaxing for the rest of the day, if possible. Why not come to Vancouver for a whole week so that you'll have lots of opportunities to see our beautiful city without compromising your race legs!
Making time to put my feet up in some Pro Compression socks and Barefooters!
Be prepared. 
Organize all of your race things the night before just to be sure you're not missing out on anything crucial like your bib, timing tag, watch, or ipod.


Plan to get to sleep early.
It's so easy the night before a big race to let the excitement get to you and before you know it, it is way later than you intended to stay awake. Make sure you are home/back to your hotel early enough and try to do the same you would do any other night to get ready for bed. And in case you're staying with friends in a hotel the night before... It's okay to have a little bit of Rock 'n' Roll fun, but just don't go too crazy!
Pajama party anyone?
Enjoy it! 
You trained for it, enjoy everything the race has to offer and have a great time! Don't forget to celebrate your new bling and take in some of the post-race entertainment and perhaps even a treat or 2!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

I'm BACK baby!

So I finally went for a run and the verdict is... no pain! I'm baaacckk!
I'm trying not to celebrate too much yet, as it was only 5 kilometers and I have a lot of mileage in front of me still...
But here's my plan moving forward:

1. This injury has humbled me and reminded me how fragile our bodies actually are. I will certainly be paying a lot more attention to recovery and prevention than I ever did before.

2. I've decided to listen to the doctor and downgrade to the half at BMO so I don't damage myself for the Calgary full marathon. As he put it, I could probably run a half marathon in my sleep at this point... well I don't know about that, but yes it's lot simpler than a full marathon at this point. This will give me the time I need to work up to the full distance again safely.

3. Going forward, what training schedule am I following?
A modified schedule for Calgary Full Marathon on June 1st with 3 half marathons and a trail race in the mix! See below for the latest addition!

4. Blogging has opened up lots of great opportunities over the last year, but one really exciting one has been being part of the Rock 'n' Blog team for the Oasis Rock 'n' Roll Vancouver Half Marathon & Cunningham Seawall 10k. Today, they announced that runners who complete their Portland, Seattle, & Vancouver events will be eligible for a new limited edition medal called the Cascadia medal and guess what? I'm doing all 3... commence happy dance NOW! I had already planned to do Seattle and obviously Vancouver, but Portland is my latest addition!

I will receive a total of 7 medals for completing 3 races, can you say WOW! Here's a peek at a few of them below! Rock 'n' Roll Seattle & Rock 'n' Roll Vancouver have yet to reveal their medals...





Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Blogging for Rock 'n' Roll including a giveaway entry to #RnRVAN!

I made an announcement a couple of weeks ago in my blogiversary post about how I've been invited to blog for 2 very cool races this year. One of those races is the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Vancouver Half Marathon & Cunningham Seawall 10k. They introduced me on their rock 'n' blog site today:
RACE DETAILS:

Distances:
Half Marathon & 10k

Date:
Sunday October 26, 2014

Location:
Vancouver, BC (Route TBA)

Cost:
Half Marathon: $85 until June 1st & 10k: $45 through July 1st

I'm so stoked that this race series is coming to Vancouver and to be part of the inaugural event is truly an unexpected honor. I mean the Rock n' Roll series is kind of a big deal and to be able to blog for them is a REALLY big deal for me. Last year, I took part in both Rock 'n' Roll Portland and Rock 'n' Roll Seattle and they were some of the most exciting races I attended last year. You just can't beat that kind of entertainment during a race!

A few of my favorite bloggers and friends are also a part of the #RnRVAN Rock 'n' Blog team:


Tina @ Fabulosi-T


Even though I was planning to wait to do this giveaway, I'm so excited I just can't! Also, just in case someone from out of town wins, I want to give them lots of time to plan their amazing trip to Vancouver! The winner will receive a code to redeem an entry into the Half Marathon or the 10k Race which must be redeemed by July 26, 2014.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
To keep track of all the latest Rock 'n' Roll Vancouver news, make sure to like them on FaceBook and follow them @RunRocknRoll on Twitter as well as follow me in my journey towards this exciting event!

Saturday, January 4, 2014

2014 Race Schedule

So here it is, my 2014 race schedule:

1. Chilly Chase Half Marathon – Vancouver, BC - January 26, 2014

2. Vancouver First ½ Half Marathon – Vancouver, BC - February 16, 2014

3. West Van Run 10k – West Vancouver, BC - March 2, 2014

4. Golden Ears Half Marathon – Langley, BC - March 9, 2014

5. Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Half Marathon – Las Vegas, NV - April 19, 2014

6. BMO Vancouver Full Marathon – Vancouver, BC - May 4, 2014

7. Run for Water Full Marathon – Abbotsford, BC - May 25, 2014

8. Calgary Full Marathon – Calgary, AB - June 1, 2014

9. Seattle Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon – Seattle, WA - June 21, 2014

10. Vancouver Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon – Vancouver, BC - October 26, 2014

So as you can see, so far I have only 10 races on the schedule and I still need to pick 4 more for the 14in2014 challenge but I figure, just like last year, a few more will come up along the way! 

I've highlighted my 2 premiere races for this year! I'm so ecstatic to be joining the #SCMForerunners team for the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in June. And I'm quite honestly still in disbelief that the Rock 'n' Roll race series will be landing in my city for the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Vancouver Half Marathon and Cunningham Seawall 10k in October and I'm so honored that I have been invited to join in the festivities. There will be lots more on these to come, so stay tuned!

As always, you can find my updated race schedule and completed races here.

My ProCompression giveaway runs until Thursday!

Are you doing any of these races? What are you most excited about for 2014? Lastly, do you have any suggestions for my 4 other mystery races?

Friday, January 3, 2014

Happy Blogiversary Read.Bake.Run.Repeat!

One year ago today I decided to revive a blog that I had previously used as a tool to raise money for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in 2010.  Over the past year, the blog has grown in popularity and become something I never could have imagined. 

As part of my 1 year blogiversary I decided it was time to finish off my logo/design! When I first had my logo created, I liked it, but it wasn't quite what I had in mind, Amber at Amber Mabe Design created this one for me and she really captured what I was going for.
 
I've been alluding to some big announcements in conjunction with the blogiversary for a while... drumroll please...!

1. My mostly complete 2014 race schedule will be posted on the blog tomorrow! Until, then check out #2 and #3 for some BIG hints.

2. I have been invited to officially rock n' blog for the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Vancouver Half Marathon and Cunningham Seawall 10K! Keep an eye on the blog for more information to come and a giveaway for an entry into the event!

3. I will also be blogging for the 50th Anniversary of the Calgary Marathon in June which will be part of my quest for Marathon Maniac status THIS year!

4. After a successful experience doing the 13in2013 challenge, I have decided to join 14in2014!

5. Lastly, to celebrate the blogiversary and a very exciting year ahead, I'm holding a ProCompression giveaway for a pair of marathon socks. Here is my previous review of the socks! They are a recovery must-have.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
  Happy Blogiversary Read.Bake.Run.Repeat.!