Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Final Race Prep for Myrtle Beach

The time has finally arrived.  In less than 16 hours, I will be on a plane with my honey to Myrtle Beach for 6 days of adult fun.  Oh, and a little thing called the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon!  This morning, I had a great 3 mile run and a hard 40 minute swim.  Besides one more shake-out run at the beach, I'm now on active REST to save it up for the starting line.
THE OUTFIT
Thanks for all of your input via Facebook on the race outfit.  I think I've decided to go with PR Purple!  Of course with me, it's always a game-time decision.  I have so many different accessories to add on to the outfit pending weather... arm warmers, leggings, headband, hat, etc.  My toughest call now... do I go with the compression socks or no?  I'll just pack it all!

THE INTANGIBLES
I've been weather-stalking like an eager runner girl.  The forecast has nearly driven me batty, changing drastically every day. One thing is certain... I probably won't know the true weather until that morning.  Race begins early at 6:30 am, so it will still be dark and cool temperatures to start the race.  Of course, Myrtle Beach "cool temps" are like spring weather for those of us in the Midwest.  Rain is expected on Saturday, but hopefully I will be done before it rolls in.  Lastly, if the wind goddesses could keep it under 10 mph, I'd be eternally grateful.  After running parts of the route on my iFit treadmill, there doesn't appear to be much tree cover should it be windy.

TIME GOAL
It's no secret that I've been trying to nail a sub-2 half marathon for the past year... 1:59:59 would make me through-the-roof ecstatic. That's a 9:09 pace for 13.1 miles... no small feat.  My training has been really good the past 6 weeks, but I'm not quite sure I'm ready for the sub-2 yet.  I feel like I need about 4 more weeks.  Unfortunately, this is a course that can deliver (flat and fast), so I plan on giving it all I got.  I used to live in Myrtle Beach (for a brief year).  I tend to race well in cities that I previously called home... something about it gives me that little extra push.  

I won't lie... I will be disappointed if I don't PR, but it won't be easy.  My current PR is 2:03:58 from the Illinois Half-Marathon (race recap) last spring (9:27 pace).  I remember it being a tough run, where I challenged myself every single mile.  My latest mantra has been "A PR is gonna hurt."  It pushed me through some tough training runs and has prepped me mentally for a tough race.  The Myrtle Beach Half Marathon will NOT be a pleasant vacation run... it will be hard fought and pure work.  Hopefully the finish line will prove victorious!  

I will update my race result on Facebook Saturday morning.
Other than that, I'm over and out for a vacation... until next Wednesday!!
Have a great week peeps and THANK YOU for all your support & encouragement!

* * *

While I'm gone on vacation, don't forget to enter to win {here} 
a FREE RACE ENTRY for the Dirty Girl mud run (location of your choice!)
Already entered? Remember you can tweet about it once a day for extra entries!


20 comments:

  1. Um, yes for the compression socks! That purple outfit is great. I didn't realize your race was on Saturday. I lay over in SLC on the way to Austin, and will be checking your FB the second the plane lands...
    You got this, and PRs do hurt.

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  2. Wow--weather is looking perfect for you! PR here you come. And doing it in style with that outfit, too. Good luck!

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  3. purple outfit is awesome! I love that color! I'm hoping to get a sub 2 1/2 this year as well. I miss it by 2 minutes last fall.... Good luck!

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  4. wow, weather looks awesome and LOVE the outfit...super cute! Good luck hitting that new PR!!! can't wait to hear the recap :)

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  5. The purple PR outfit will prove to be lucky I hope! Good luck this weekend! I know you are going to set a new PR and catch the elusive sub-2 half!

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  6. Good luck!! I have a feeling you are going to get that PR!!

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  7. Good luck & enjoy your vacay! You totally deserve it!!

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  8. Good luck this weekend. I hope the weather turns out great and that you get that PR. My husband will be at there doing the marathon!

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  9. Good luck this weekend!! You are going to have a great trip!

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  10. Good luck! You're gonna rock that half! Great outfit choice, good call to bring it all! You'll never know!

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  11. Ok, so I'm pretty sure that is my most favorite race outfit ever and when you get tired of it, you can send it my way. Can't wait to see the post-race pics of you in that cuteness, beaming with you new PR!

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  12. I do believe you WILL indeed PR, Jess. And in PuRple...PeRfect :)

    Really...I know you CAN nail it...now go get 'er done! And have a great time :)

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  13. Good luck! You are right, a PR usually hurts...but that's okay, it will be over soon!

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  14. Great outfit, looks like a PR outfit to me! Good luck!!!

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  15. Love the Outfit, You are going to do great!! Best of Luck!! :)

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  16. I just found your blog and love it! Best of luck this weekend!!!

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  17. good luck! i will be cheering you on! :)

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  18. Hope your race went well! Awesome work!

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