Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Shamrock Prep & Giveaway!

After a long winter, I am excited to once again toe the line of a race. This weekend, I'm heading to Virginia Beach to run the Dolphin Challenge (8K on Saturday; Half on Sunday) at the much-hyped Shamrock Marathon. I've heard so many good things about this event and its organizers that I can't help but have high expectations for a fun weekend.  It's been almost four months since I've colored in a new state, so I'm pumped to make Virginia #20 in my quest to RaceAll50.

If you remember, I was registered for the full marathon and had to downgrade after pneumonia and plantar fasciitis derailed my training. It's still a disappointment in my heart, but I know it was the right thing to do. I'm nowhere near ready for 26.2 right now. My goal this weekend is to finish, but also to run consistent splits and then test what I have left in the last mile - just to see where I'm at.  I want it to feel like a tough training run, but not an all-out race. With 18.1 miles on tap for Sat/Sun, the Shamrock weekend will wrap up Phase 1 (base building) of my yearlong training plan for Milwaukee. After Shamrock, I'll reincorporate speedwork into my weekly repertoire.

There was no taper for Shamrock. In fact, I hit a peak last week when most people would taper... 35 miles! That was my highest mileage week since last October. Combine the miles with yoga, swimming and Spinning, and I was pleased with how my body handled it all with relative ease. Oddly enough, I also had two complete rest days. Unplanned, of course. I hate rest days.  But it has me rethinking my training plan going forward...

So now the details of our Virginia trip begin... weather stalking and the packing. Of course, the weather forecast keeps changing, but safe to say we'll have temps in the 40's for race time on both days... that is my favorite run temperature! Now I just hope we can avoid rain... especially since I'm looking forward to Shamock's grandoise post-party! Weather determines a large part of raceday clothing, so I will be packing a variety of options... layers, layers, layers. With hubby there as a spectator, it'll be easy for me to drop as I run if need be.  (Note: My hubby was registered to run the 8K, but he now has a torn meniscus in his knee. So instead he's looking at surgery the day we return from Virginia. Serious Boo.)

With the help of Runner Decals, I created this Boston Strong emblem to make a festive green outfit for one of the Shamrock races...
Boston Strong iron-on from Runner Decals
Compression Socks from ProCompression
Sparkle Skirt from Sparkle Athletic

I've worked with Runner Decals on a number of projects now and always love the result!  While some view the "run outfits" as tacky, it's the fun part of pre-race for me. I enjoy creating outfits that are festive, but yet I also want them to be comfortable on the run. By using Runner Decals, I'm able to pick the perfect-fit shirt for me and then iron-on the design. I've washed the shirts multiple times and never had a problem with it peeling off.

Look - My pal Patty and I used custom iron-on decals from Runner Decals last year too!
So excited that Patty is meeting me in Virginia Beach this weekend.
She moved to the East Coast last year and I miss my run buddy so much!

GIVEAWAY!
Runner Decals was nice enough to send me some extra BOSTON STRONG iron-on decals. So let's have a quick fire GIVEAWAY!!  The randomly-drawn winner will receive their choice of...

WINNER MAY CHOOSE FROM....
Lime green short-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt (size Large) 
dark green BOSTON STRONG on front; RunWithJess.com on back
- or -
Black long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt (your choice on size)
white BOSTON STRONG on front; RunWithJess.com on back
- or -
Your choice of white or green BOSTON STRONG decal 
and you can iron it on a shirt you already have at home

You have 24 hours to enter!! 
Winner will be drawn via the Rafflecopter app below 
at 12noon on Wednesday, March 12.  Good Luck!!

This BOSTON STRONG iron-on decal is also available to purchase at Runner Decals.com


a Rafflecopter giveaway

78 comments:

  1. Depends on the weather.. If it's nice, I plan something.. if it's cold/rainy/super hot, I go with what will be comfortable!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have only made a big deal about race outfits a couple of times. I usually get a new one from inknburn for a big race in the summer here in Maine and I did dress up like a turkey for the turkey trot this year, but other than that, I haven't.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love making shirts for race day! MY 14 yr old daughter started running with me in fall and it makes it fun to wear matching shirts and coordinate!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Usually pick a theme with my sole sisters and we dress up most of our races.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am running , well more like, attempting my first marathon this weekend. The shamrock as well. I was going to defer it. but I am so excited about it, that I could not allow myself to. Changed my goal from 5 hrs to finish, and have fun! :D

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love it and would be perfect for my St. Patrick's Day birthday. I usually dress for a race in my favorite colors unless it is a theme race.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Depends on weather and if I have something new! For Shamrock I always make a point to wear a color like hot pink as you really stand out in pics in the "sea of green" plus it makes it easier for people to find out after race. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Weather is always the biggest determinator of what I wear on race day. I like inspirational or funky type shirts.
    Have a great time at the race. I'm about 60 miles north of VA Beach and want to run the Shamrock Half next year. I will send positive energy to you on both days. BTW, you will feel right at home down there because it's such a military area and everyone is so positive. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. So cute! I wish I could get special outfits, but things are tight as an one income family. Someday I will invest in those special outfits. :) Thank you for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Usually I just dress for the weather, but the St. Patrick's Day races (Gaelic Gallop and Blarney Blitz) are the exceptions where I'll dig up something resembling a costume.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh and the fact I haven't a clue to what I am going to wear... I do know that I will be using my green SPI belt, so far little progress.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I always try to find the pieces of gear that are most comfortable. I don't want to feel constricted or itchy on race day!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey hey! I usually plan for the weather, unless its a themed race then I will dress up in something fun to go with the theme or the holiday!

    see ADRIENNE run

    ReplyDelete
  14. I tend to wear whatever I have that works with the weather. My running gear is still kinda limited. I do add a tutu for some flare!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Weather always determines what I wear running and for races I like to be creative and look fun and festive

    ReplyDelete
  16. Please give Patty a hug from me <3 I would love again someday to join you both in a run <3 Sole Sisters 4EVER

    ReplyDelete
  17. So cute!! I would LOVE to win one and would wear it proudly! Thanks for the chance, Jess!! :D

    ReplyDelete
  18. <3 your ideas and how you make running fun for us! you are a inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Usually just wear something that would go well with the weather

    ReplyDelete
  20. Usually I just wear something that I trust and know won't cause me any problems. I haven't gotten into the whole costume running thing...yet. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am just building up my runner's wardrobe! I wear whatever works with the weather. Thanks for keeping up motivated!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love that outfit! I wish there was a St. Patrick's day race around here!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I usually wear an outfit that I have previously worn on a long run so I know that I will not have any issues!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I usually wear a technical long sleeve shirt because I am always cold and usually a pair of running pants. I don't create outfits or custom shirts for races.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Just like you... depends on the weather! I don't usually create custom shirts but I love the idea of it. I do usually pick festive compression socks depending on the theme.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I am not confident enough to wear crazy outfits yet. Just pick out the normal training wear and run.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am a tried and true clothes person on race day. I don't like surprise chafes.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Green just in time for St. Patty's Day runs!

    ReplyDelete
  29. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oops sorry for the double post tried to delete. .. I wear my lucky AMR shirt and my favorite bottoms at the time.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Pretty cool...I'll have to check them out!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Weather and comfort are always the biggest factors. I try to plan something approoriate to any race that has a "theme"...Diney, XMas, Shamrocj'n, etc. I have two suspicions that I always follow: 1. NEVER wear the event t-shirt during the event itself....I feel its bad mojo to wear a shirt for an event you have not completed, and 2. my toenail polish is always matched to my raceday outfit. Even though no one sees them, my knowing makes me feel more "together" and (I think) brings me luck!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am a grabber :) I don't give much thought other than making sure my ruffle skirt is clean :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Running a race is FAR MORE FUN when you can do it dress up in some funky green!!! :) I cannot wait for all the recap photos! Enjoy, have a great time!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Depends on the weather. I've never really created a special outfit, I'm just happy to get to race that I don't give what I'm wearing much thought. Enjoy your race!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Depends on the weather. I've never really created a special outfit, I'm just happy to get to race that I don't give what I'm wearing much thought. Enjoy your race!

    ReplyDelete
  37. These are really cool! Way to get in the season and Go Boston Strong.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love race day outfits...my friends usually have me come up with our outfits :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love decals to custom shirts. Plus Runner Decals are great! I have receive some in the past from Jess for my first marathon. LOVE IT!

    ReplyDelete
  40. just getting my butt back into running and trying to figure out what my first race will be...

    ReplyDelete
  41. Depends on the race, weather, and who I'm going with. If it's a marathon, I wear something I KNOW will be comfortable. Anything less and I will wear what's comfortable or make an "outfit" of some kind.

    ReplyDelete
  42. for races, i've ran with groups of others and we decided on outfits together. it's so much fun to plan out! i would love to wear one of those tops up here in boston :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. I always pack way to many outfits, with a minimum of five!!!! I have to choose my outfit the night before so I am not stressed race day!. It is a tradition of mine to take pictures of my outfits with the number already attached, as well as of my fellow running mate(s) - husband and nephew. They think I am NUTS!!! That I take so many pictures of just clothes - but it is FUN!!!
    I try to wear a different shirt, so I will be pictured in a different shirt :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Love it!!! Shuffle w your Shamrocks girl!! Haha! :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. I try to match my running shoes, it is very important! :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Good Luck! I'm running the St. Paddy's Half in Tacoma on Saturday and the New Bedford Half in Massachusetts on Sunday. My first Double!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Good Luck to you on your race!! :)) I always have something planned out for sure on race day, some bigger than others. If I get something new I save it for a race first. then wear it lots after!! Love dressing up and planning my race outfits! so much fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I LOVE the decal. I'm always dressing up for races - either alone or with friends. Linda from Lansing

    ReplyDelete
  49. This is a great race - it's nice and flat and the last mile or so is right on the boardwalk - just be careful where you park - I parked at 19th street one year and the start was at 35th or so - so I walked almost 2 miles just to the start!

    ReplyDelete
  50. These are awesome decals!! Good luck on your races this weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I usually end up wearing a shirt that I received at a previous race.

    ReplyDelete
  52. definitely depends on the weather, usually compression socks, skirt, and tank if able!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I go by the weather and what's in my closet. I don't have the budget for fun race-wear like this.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I plan my outfits in advance, especially for Holiday runs. Fun outfits make for a fun run.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Comfort. Cute. Custom. That order of importance.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I usually wear the same thing.. something comfortable.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I ran this half last year and it was freezing! We had low 30s! Be careful it can be windy at times, layers are definitely a good idea!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Awesome giveaway! Crossing my fingers I get picked. Would love to wear for my Shamrock Half Virginia Beach this weekend & meet you, your such an inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Awesome giveaway! Crossing my fingers I get picked. Would love to wear for my Shamrock Half Virginia Beach this weekend & meet you, your such an inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I'm all about a fun costume ... if appropriate and I can talk a friend into joining me.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Weather determines what I wear on race day but I like to color coordinate if it works. ;~)

    ReplyDelete
  62. The race theme and weather determines what I wear. Theme is first always!!!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I let the weather determine what I wear, but I try to wear something bright so my family can find me.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I always pick out something fun and colorful to wear depending on what my choices are based on weather!

    ReplyDelete
  65. I pick something colourful from my closet :)

    ReplyDelete
  66. Depends on the weather and the race...I like to try and coordinate my hat/socks/shirt etc.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I lay out my outfit the night before

    ReplyDelete
  68. I love your page. Best of luck with your race!

    ReplyDelete
  69. I usually wear what I wear in training! I am boring. Haha.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Weather and Themes are how I decide!!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I like to wear a shirt with a good slogan. Run with Jess, is the BEST!

    ReplyDelete
  72. I wear as bright of running clothes as possible as often as I can.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I usually pick what I am most comfortable in for the distance. I'll try to coordinate my outfit if I can for the event (colors). I think the most I dressed up for a race was the electric run in lots of glow sticks and a tutu

    ReplyDelete

I appreciate your feedback and comments!