Race Recap: Rock ‘n Roll VA Beach Half Marathon

Just so you know, “you may become emotional during the race or when you cross the finish line, & that’s completely normal”. Those were the words of my same-aged niece April when she & I ran together for the 2010 edition of the VA Beach Rock ‘n Roll ½ Marathon. That race was my 1^st half marathon & I certainly did get choked up. Official time: 2:27:40.

Thinking back, what a silly decision for this particular race to be my first half! Go big or go home, right?! RnR VB has a reputation for being hot, humid, & utterly uncomfortable. Everyone who has run it knows it really isn’t a PR kind of race. The 2^nd time I ran it, last year in 2013, I stuck with my running partner who had a 3-month old baby at the time & we trudged through the miles together. Official time: 2:14:15.

Yesterday, for my 3^rd running of this beloved, yet hated race, I only had a few of goals in mind: 1) require no medic support—either during or after the race, 2) don’t stop for any walk breaks—it is very hard to re-start on this course after you allow yourself to walk, & 3) treat it like a normal long run & try to finish in under 2 hours—I did this pretty easily just weeks ago during a 13-miler.

Leading up to the race, my goal was to have a laid-back Saturday so that I could rest my legs for Sundays’ big race. Ha! Best laid plans. After a busy morning with two 2-year olds, including a picnic with a group of friends, we hurried home only to head right back out. After plopping the silly monkeys in their beds for naptime, on our bikes we went (no need to call CPS—my sister was home with them & they were not unattended). We spent some time with our DC friends at the ODU game, & then spontaneously decided to attend the first half of the football game when someone gave us their extra tickets. By the time we left, biked home, & got cleaned up, it was time to prepare dinner & get the sweet boys back to bed, this time for the night. My legs were sore & tired; quite the opposite of a restful day.

Grub for the evening was my pre-race staple—Chicken Piccata with Fettuccine. I laid out my clothes & prepared all the essentials; then was asleep by 11pm.

Race morning began with a 5am alarm. After hitting the snooze button for 10 minutes like I didn’t have anywhere to be (insert eye roll here), I popped out of bed & readied myself for the race. I picked up my running partner Julie, then her friend Andy; & we all headed to the oceanfront. After parking & walking about 10 minutes to the start, we happily used restrooms at the Rescue Squad where Andy was employed—so much nicer than the disgusting port-a-potties! Thanks Andy! A 7am gun time started the race. I was placed in corral 4, with Julie in corral 1—we ended up starting somewhere in the middle.

At a mile in, with sweat already pouring, I knew a sub-2:00 half would mean a little bit more of a push than a long easy run would entail. I would need to make sure an 8:xx stayed on my watch for the first 6-7 miles at least. I had purposely not looked at the weather for that morning. If I would have seen the dew point of 73, I knew that I would have mentally given myself an excuse for running extra slow. I didn’t want an “out” & I really felt trained for an easy 2 hour RnR VB. The first few miles ticked by pretty steadily. Aside from wanting to turn & be done at the 5K spot, it was an average half marathon start.

Mile 1 – 8:38

Mile 2 – 8:47

Mile 3 – 8:58

After the 5K, I knew the rest of the race would be long. Running by feel, I could tell my body felt more comfortable with nine as the first number on my watch. Coming over the bridge at Rudee Inlet between miles 3-4 wasn’t as brutal as I remember. I kept a steady pace & pushed on. Along the long straight stretch of road down General Booth, I recall during my first year seeing the winners coming back past & them giving me a well-needed boost of energy. Being closer to the front half of the pack, I didn’t get to see them this time; but I did enjoy seeing the 1^st few wheelchair runners pass by! About this same time, there were oranges handed out. I passed on them, as I really wanted to end the race with a happy belly. I would stick with my Nuun water & Honey Stinger energy chews.

Mile 4 – 9:08

Mile 5 – 9:12

Mile 6 – 9:24

Mile 7 – 9:24

After the halfway point, I recall a couple of miles where I just wanted to walk, but also at the same time, I wanted to kick it into high gear & just be done with this humid day. I happily obliged myself with a steady mid-9s pace. Sometime shortly thereafter, the 2:00 pacer slowly ran past. Surprisingly, I was not unhappy nor did I feel mentally defeated. This was after all just a long run with nearly 10,000 friends! I felt 10 times better when I saw the 1:45 pacer walking on the side of the road—anyone can have a bad day!

Mile 8 – 9:27

Mile 9 – 9:39

Somewhere in the lovely Camp Pendleton area of VA Beach, my toe began to throb. I had a blister from last week’s long run that just didn’t go away. I knew regardless of pace, it would hurt, so I just pushed on through. About this time I also saw a very inspiring shirt that helped me to get lost in my thoughts for a couple of mile. Personal Best is Temporary. I thought long & hard about this & I completely agree. Although running is not ALL about the numbers, we all are human & strive to improve daily. I certainly do! I decided that this particular race needs its own PR category—aside from all other ½ marathons.

As I approached mile 10, I saw the familiar face of Drew Midland—the Running Etc. Ambassadors coordinator. He jogged over & gave me an amazing cold towel, which was a godsend! The company he provided for the minute he jogged along side was a much needed break from the completely solo long run I was enjoying. Thanks Drew! Shortly after this, I saw the other side of the road still lined with runners who were pushing just as hard as me. The orange peels covered the ground, but there were no volunteers handing out fresh ones. Internally, I was upset & recalled an article about the “back of the pack” runners who basically get the shaft on race day. I coach some of these girls & I want the same for them as the top 10% of racers experience. This lack of oranges was infuriating to me. They certainly deserved the refreshing oranges, just as much as the 1:05 runner & the 2:35 runner—maybe even more.

Mile 10 – 9:40

Oh mile 11. You made me smile. As a veteran of this race, I knew that the return into Croatan would mean the POPSICLES! They are the extra boost you need to get back over the bridge, then down the boardwalk. I happily ate a half one—offered at mile 11.1, then again when new ones were offered at mile 11.25. Yummmmm! Speaking of that bridge, thanks to the pacer who ran over at the same time & yelled encouraging words to everyone around. You never know who you might be helping! Oh & did I mention the sprinklers?! The city of Virginia Beach patrons certainly know how to do it right! Thanks for your continued support as spectators each & every year!

Mile 11 – 9:31

Mile 12 – 9:54

As we turned off of Pacific & headed towards the boardwalk, I kicked it into high gear. I had held back long enough & met all of my goals except the time one. While I knew I would not finish in under 2 hours (have my mentioned my math skills are out of this world—which can be hurtful during a race!), I did have to honor my hubby’s request of kicking it at the end. My last mile was my 2^nd fastest & I felt great. I am sure as I ran the 0.8 miles down the boardwalk, that I “chicked” at least 20 guys & probably 10-15 girls. I heard Julie in my head at this point & knew our speedwork was paying off!

Mile 13 – 8:45

Final stretch 0.22 miles – 7:43

 

GARMIN TIME (13.22 miles): 2:02:06 (9:14/mile)

OFFICIAL TIME (13.1 miles): 2:02:06 (9:18/mile)

 

Division Place: 80/709

Gender Place: 410/4353

Overall Place: 1287/7750

 

Overall, I am very happy with this performance. I finished the race, with only sore feet as a compliant & did not need the medics (plenty of people do each year, hence why it was a goal, ha!). While I was just over 2 hours, I cannot complain as I later learned that this year broke the record for the hottest heat index year yet. I got my long run in & I am one step closer to my Richmond Marathon. I am also happy to have not heard of any deaths associated with the race (sadly, many years there have been awful stories of someone’s passing). I cannot thank enough the hundreds of people who volunteered at water stops, medical tents, popsicle stands, & bands along the course—they truly help make this event special each year. I’ve even considered taking advantage of the cheap-o, throwback price of $45 to register early for next year. Hmm… decisions, decisions!

The night ended with a yummy dinner at Mahi Mahs, followed by a beach concert with Train as the headliner—alongside my awesome hubby, Scott. I could never fully express my gratitude to him for supporting my running & picking up the slack at home when I am away racing or getting my miles in. Love that man!

Up Next For The Running Blonde: A Friday evening + Saturday morning duo in a few weeks…. Larchmont Rat Race 5K + Heart of Ghent 10K

 

What has been your most miserable race due to weather?

Have you ever started a race with the intention to finish at a longer distance than you actually do (i.e. turn off for the 5K finish when you’re supposed to do a 10K)?