I am so excited to share the details of the 2016 Shamrock Hakf Marathon with y’all. Warning: my Shamrock Half Marathon Recap will not be short – so grab a cup of tea and settle in. If you just want the short version, here it is: terrible weather conditions, 8 minute PR, and the Hanson’s plan works. Now on to the details!
The plan for the weekend was to head to Virginia Beach Friday afternoon to grab our bibs because a couple of us were running the 8k Saturday morning. Traffic was a bit of a mess and we made it to the expo with just 15 minutes to spare before they closed.
We grabbed dinner and then turned in fairly early. I planned to use the 8k as a shakeout run and take it nice and easy. The weather was a bit chilly and windy on Saturday morning, but it wasn’t awful. I ran the 8k easy – just running by feel and not paying attention to splits. We ended up running at a 9:48 average pace, which was great. Fast enough to get the legs moving, but not so fast that it felt like work. After the race, we dived into a huge breakfast at the legendary Virginia Beach establishment, Pocahontas Pancakes, and went back to the hotel to shower, warm up and NAP. It was glorious.
We went back to the expo to browse since we’d hadn’t had a bunch of time there Friday night. We got to chat with Bart Yasso, who I always enjoy. He’s just so nice and such a great guy. He told us a couple of hilarious stories from some of his previous marathons and we wished him luck on the full marathon the next day. Then we took a “Bartie!” 🙂
Sunday dawned cold, windy and rainy. And it was not awesome. We lucked out in that our hotel was just a few blocks from the start so we waited in the lobby until about ten minutes before the start. I didn’t know this at the time, but the winds were around 20mph, gusting up to 30mph. It was intense. I wore a long sleeve Oiselle mesh top, my singlet over that, my favorite Oiselle distance shorts, a hat, throwaway gloves, Zensah calf sleeves and my Mizuno Wave Riders. While I was definitely cold from the rain, I felt like my outfit choice was solid.
As I mentioned, when the race started, the weather was pretty awful. High winds, cold rain and chilly temps made me a bit unsure of how the morning would go. However, I kept thinking to myself “a bunch of people are going to run sub-2 today…why not me?” My race plan was to try and run in the low 9s for the first 6/7 miles and then to let the pace drop into the 8s for the final 10k. As you’re about to read, I generally followed my plan, with a couple of slight variations. On to my recap by the miles!
Miles 1-4 (9:30/9:04/9:22/9:07): We headed out and were instantly soaked and cold. As we began running, I was focused on my form and just getting a little room. The first mile was a bit congested, but things cleared out shortly afterwards. I was running with Christina and Becca, though we lost sight of Becca early on in the congestion. The first mile was a little slow, but I intended that to be the slowest mile of the day (and it was!), so I didn’t freak out. We trucked along in the cold and just kept running – until we got to mile three and I realized my shoe was untied. This has NEVER happened to me during a race EVER. And the irony is I had asked Christina if her shoes were tied before starting as a bit of a joke because her shoes came untied a couple of weekends ago. Ugh. I had to pull over to stop to tie my shoe and then we kept moving. Even with that stop, we ran a 9:22 but I was a tiny bit concerned about making up that time. About a mile later, my OTHER SHOE CAME UNTIED. I’m not even joking y’all. I told Christina to keep running and that I’d catch up. I moved to the side (AGAIN) and stopped (AGAIN) to tie my shoe. At that point, I chucked my gloves (I’d bought them for $2 at the expo) because they were soaking wet and weighing me down. I quickly caught up to Christina and in my effort to catch her, I’d quickened the pace quite a bit. After that mile, I pulled ahead a bit and lost Christina. However, she and Becca later found each other and ran 6-10 together, which makes me happy. Oh, and mile four when I had to stop again to tie my other shoe? Ran a 9:07. I was kind of proud of that and it may have actually been a blessing in disguise because when I picked up my pace after tying my shoe, I never really backed off and it set me up for a good race.
Miles 5-8 (8:54/8:44/8:48/8:47): Right after I lost Christina, a runner passed me and said “head up, wings out”(which is an Oiselle thing). When I caught back up to her a mile later, I asked if she was on the team. She wasn’t but liked the brand and knew the course really well. I told her I was trying to go sub -2 and we chatted for the next couple miles before I pulled away. She helped distract me during some intensely windy middle miles and I was intensely grateful.
Miles 9-13.1 (8:50/8:36/8:34/8:35/8:37/8:00 [last .1]): Mile 9 was the last crazy windy mile as we came off Fort Story. I knew we’d have a tailwind (or at least no more headwind) for the final miles and so I got ready to work. I met another runner who wanted to best her 1:59 PR and we decided to work together. We dropped pace by about 20 seconds and each of the final three miles was in the 8:30s – I was working hard, y’all. At some point I realized I was going to go sub-2 big time and that I could even top my A goal if I kept working. Around mile 11, I saw my Oiselle teammate Leeanne cheering and that was awesome! I then saw Sue of This Mama Runs for Cupcakes and Erin. Sue was in serious pain and I hated seeing that but she pushed through and finished strong. I kept pushing and before I knew it, I was back on the boardwalk and the finish line was in sight. I gave it absolutely EVERYTHING I had left (which was not much, to be honest) and pushed forward towards the finish line. I stopped my watch after I crossed and knew I had gone sub-2 by quite a bit!
When I finished, I felt a bit like I was in shock. I think that was more due to the fact that I was frozen and slightly in disbelief that I’d finally, finally gone sub-2. I got my dry bag from bag check and made my way to the after party tent (thank goodness, they set up a tent!) and waited for my friends. I pulled out my phone and was so overwhelmed to have TONS of encouraging text messages! Including some from friends who texted me a picture of my time – I appreciated that because I wasn’t exactly sure what my finish time was. My friends amaze me with their support. Thanks to all of you who prayed, thought about me, wished me well, texted me, left a kind note on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. You are appreciated more than you know!
Final time: 1:56:44. I was 95th (out of 620) in my age group and 486th female (out of 4109). My average pace was 8:55. I’m working on a post on my final thoughts about the Hanson method, as well as a post about coming down off a big PR and what’s next for me. Stay tuned!
What are the worse race conditions you’ve ever run in? Shamrock takes the cake for me, for sure!
Congrats Courtney! You worked hard for that PR, and more than earned your sub-2 bragging rights. The shoe story is a bit ironic, but maybe was just the push you needed after those first couple of miles.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2016 Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon Recap
Yes, I just had to laugh at having to tie BOTH my shoes!! Thanks for the kind words!
Congrats again…you crushed your goal! The worst weather I raced in was RNR DC last year. I missed sub 2 by 2 seconds…I was so mad!
Ah yes. I was out cheering at RNR last year – a yucky day for sure!
Love this so so so so much! You worked so hard and earned every bit of it! Your NC pals were furiously texting back and forth tracking you for the last half!!
Aw, thanks. You gals are the best – it was so nice to finish and have so many texts! This is the year of PRs – I was just following your lead 🙂
WOOHOO!!! So excited for you! Hard work pays off, yo! Great attitude about the weather. Shamrock seems to be plagued with tough weather. We had very intense in 2014 when I ran my sub-2 as well. That Ft Story trek can be so brutal with the wind. Congrats Courtney!! 🙂
It’s a volatile time of year weather wise, but that course seems to be made for a PR!
YAY I was so excited to read this recap!!!!!! I’ve been waiting for it! I am so so happy and excited for you! Your race strategy was super smart and clearly worked well for you. I’m excited to read your recap about the Hanson’s method. My next half marathon is in May–the St. Michael’s half, which is a nice flat and fast course, so I’m hoping to beat my 2:05 time. I’m actually thinking about working with a coach! Congrats again girl, let’s run soon!
Jen@bubblyrunner.com recently posted…Weekend Wrap-Up + Dallas Rock n Roll Half Marathon!
Oh yeah St Michael’s should be perfect!! How’s that knee??
Knee is fine and good to go!
Yay, that’s so exciting! Sounds like a great race in spite of the weather. And that you made that time even with the bad luck of the shoes coming untied is extra impressive! I think my worst weather race was RnR DC, or I guess the Wine and Dine Half since the weather wasn’t bad when we ran but bad enough earlier to actually shorten the race to less than 7 miles.
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Yes to RNR last year. I cheered and it was not awesome! 🙂
Congratulations!!!!! You accomplished your goal and surpassed it! In spite of the weather and the shoes, you did it and that’s the best part! I was so excited to see your race report was up! Congrats again!
Thanks so much – it was a crazy, but great, day!
That is an awesome recap and PR. When I saw the weather I remembered you were racing but knew you could do it. After following your training recaps for this race it has encouraged me to use Hansonsbtontrsin for my fall marathon and better my time so I am excited about that. Congrats again.
Woohoo! Hanson training is legit – I really loved the plan!
Woo-hoo! I’m so happy for you! I know you trained HARD, and alot, for this PR and it is totally, totally deserved!! Also the fact that you were able to pull off a massive PR in thos awful conditions – all I can say is two thumbs up girl!
Thank you so much. I did work hard & I was thrilled with the result!
Courtney, my wings out Shamrock friend, I am so happy one of my friends shared this post with me. I so hoped to see you after the race as I knew you were going to crush your goal. Great work! Congrats and thank you for lifting me for a few miles as well 🙂
Ahhh hi! You are a rock star and I was so grateful to run with you. Best of luck with the rest of your races!!! Thanks so much for the boost!
Congratulations on a huge PR and crushing your sub-2 goal! That definitely shows how much hard work pays off. I was out there on Sunday too – funny enough my shoe came untied around the same spot, first time that’s ever happened to me too…I was like doh, who doesn’t make sure their shoes are tied well before they start? It was a tough day for sure. I’ve run a few halfs in similar conditions, and I think those were worse simply because it rained the entire time. The wind wasn’t as bad for those as it was on Sunday though. I can’t decide if wind or rain is worse!
The wind was crazy. I think the weather trifecta of cold, wind and rain was the tough part. Congrats to you as well!
so, so awesome! congrats!!
Thanks!
Mission accomplished! So proud and happy for you. As a fellow race recap lover..one of the top ones this year. Oh my word with the shoes! Has that ever happen to you before? Glad you were able to overcome that and not let it bother you. The conditions sound like the 2014 Love Run Half (which you will need to do one year), but yours was probably slightly chillier since it was close to the beach.
Jennifer recently posted…Gate River Run 15K Training Week 11 – 3/7-3/13
Thanks for the recap love 🙂 and the sweet card and support!! And no, my shoes have NEVER come untied while racing before – and certainly not twice!!! It was crazy. I’m so happy about the race outcome and excited about Chicago this fall 🙂
congrats!! that must have felt SO GOOD! hope you’re still riding that PR high for as long as possible.
Thanks Shawna — I am still on that PR high. I keep re-reading this recap because I’m still kind of in disbelief, haha 🙂
Congratulations!!!!! I love Shamrock and can’t wait to get back there and even more so for post-race Pocahontas Pancakes!
OMG THE PANCAKES. The.Best. Shamrock 2017 is probably a go – let’s do it!
congratulations! I know you worked hard on this one. Worst race conditions for me ever was the sleet in last year’s St. Pat’s double – so crazy they took the finish area down and mailed medals!
Thanks – it was a crazy day. Good luck next month!
Congrats! I’m a huge believer in the Hanson’s plan. Now I need to just get back on it LOL.
At the race I was running, the woman who was first female was wearing Oiselle. I had to wonder if she was on the team…
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…To shirt or not to shirt
Ooh fun. I’m always the crazy one shouting out “go Oiselle” to anyone wearing it! 🙂 The plan works, right? Even with some deviation (my knee injury, etc.), it made me such a stronger runner!
I’m so proud of you, Courtney!! WHAT A DAY!!! YOU CRUSHED IT!! GAH! Reading this recap, I feel like I was right there beside you; I very distinctly remember running my first marathon in this weather (after the first attempt, when we were pulled off the course due to bad weather) in December 2014. It’s such a disaster but, like you’ve mentioned, once you get your mind right goals can still be accomplished. You put in the training and your body was ready to do it…and WHOA! It was so fun to track you during the race; I was jumping up and down. CONGRATULATIONS!!
Thanks Tara – the support is so appreciated. I’m excited for your next half – you are going to DOMINATE!!!!
That is awesome, and big congrats! The worst conditions I ran in was similar to yours, without the rain. Wind can be just awful, and if it hadn’t been for the wind, it could’ve been a good race. I was under so many layers though, and never felt like I warmed up out there.
Wind is brutal because it just cuts right through you! Thanks for the support, Lesley!
EPIC RACE RECAP FTW!!!
epic weekend FTW!!!!
Congrats on crushing your goal!!!! You rocked it!
My worst weather condition race was the 2011 LA Marathon with heavy heavy rain and bitter cold wind. Which we’re not used to at all in Los Angeles. It was also my first marathon.
Oh yeah that sounds like my race! But worse because it was a full!!
Way to go! You did it! Not only did you PR big time, but you did it in horrible conditions. Yay! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Hansons.
Alaina @ The Simple Peach recently posted…Why I’m Ready To Run The Chicago Marathon Again
Thanks – I’m super stoked to see how the plan will work with a full!
You worked hard and deserve that PR. To PR in those conditions is incredible and I have no doubt you’ll be even faster at your next half.
Thanks Hollie! What a crazy day! 🙂
Awesome job in those conditions! Love your excitement and enthusiasm! Huge congrats on that awesome PR! I have only run that course once-the VA Run-Rock-Roll, was my first ever half marathon. VA Beach Labor Day weekend was too hot me. Looking forward to reading more about the Hanson training!
Oh yeah that heat is something else!!! It’s always crazy hot that weekend!
Okay, I nearly teared up reading this. I’m so tremendously ecstatic for you, I almost feel like I’m the one who got the big PR! You worked so hard in training, and I’m thrilled that it paid off so beautifully on race day. Those splits! A thing of beauty! Awesome, awesome job. Huge congratulations to you, Courtney! You earned that awesome PR!
You have been such a support system – I truly can’t thank you enough. I honestly thought about all your advice so much through the second half of the race. I’m excited we’ll both be training for marathons this summer 🙂
I LOVE THIS RECAP SO MUCH!! I am so insanely proud of you and those splits are amaze-balls. You deserve that sub-2 for working your ass off the last few months. My favorite part of that race is when you make that turn onto the boardwalk and can see that finish line but damn that finish line feels like it is forever away! CONGRATS 🙂
Haha, yes to seeing the finish line but it’s still SO far away!!! It’s like a mirage in the distance 🙂
A bunch of my friends were there doing the half and loved the course. Congrats you worked really hard the past few months nice job
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Triathlon Pre-Season To Do List Be Ready To Swim Bike Run
Thanks! It was a hard earned PR for sure!
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH! I love so much that you worked so hard and trained so well and got to show what you had! You kept your spirits high even though the weather sucked. congrats again!
Thank you – it is incredibly rewarding to have hard work pay off 🙂
Wow Courtney!!! What a super time, especially in crappy weather conditions!! Congrats! I know you’ve been working hard. I’m just dying to try out Oiselle. It seems like between their running gear and mantra they have super running powers… I’m looking forward to reading about the Hansons method. I’ve read a little bit about it but still curious. And how cool is it that y’all got a photo with the man Bart?!? What a fun weekend. 🙂
Jess @ run Pink recently posted…The Best Running Tips Ever 1.0
Thank you – it was a great weekend and certainly one to remember with the weather 🙂
Best.
Recap.
Ever.
My friend you already know how much I think you are a badass for smashing sub-2. The work can WORK when you have the mental and physical aligned on race day.
Taking the conditions as part of the course and keeping calm and focused was killer. Congratulations on the hard earned freaking 8 minute PR! Much love!!!
Aw you are the best, friend. Thanks so much for the encouragement and for setting the bar high with your badassery 🙂
WOOOOO Courtney! Way to go! I’m SO happy for you! I know you worked your butt off for those 8 minutes and it PAID off! Congratulations and welcome to the sub-2 club!! I can’t believe your shoes came untied! That’s crazy!
Omg my shoes! I was truly in disbelief!!!! How crazy is that?? Thanks for the support, friend. We need to catch up like whoa!
Congratulations on your PR! You rocked it, even with untie shoes, awful winds and wet conditions! WOWHOOO!
Thank you – it was a weekend to remember 🙂
1:56!!! Amazing! Your pace was fantastic. I’ve been so impressed with your training cycle and am so happy you surpassed your goal. Congratulations on a solid race in crazy weather! 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…ORRRC Half Training Week 3
Thank you – I trained hard and it was nice to see the rewards from the work 🙂 the weather was so nuts!!!
Congrats on the PR and in those crappy conditions ! So proud of you, especially in those conditions. I did a 20K once in the pouring rain and wind, and 50 degree weather. It took me 6 months to recover, my joints stiffened. It was the worse racing experience of my life and I still have nightmares about it. I HATE running in the rain, so I am doubly impressed by your performance. Way to go girl !
Omg that sounds very similarly awful!! Are you getting excited for Paris?!?! You are gonna rock it!
CONGRATULATIONS! I cannot believe you had to stop and tie your shoe twice! That is hilarious. I hope you are taking some time this week to celebrate your great race, you deserve it!
I can only laugh when I recall the shoe tying debacle! That never happens to me so it was nuts!
Awesome! You have worked really hard to reach this goal and you crushed it! Congrats Courtney!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Thursday Thoughts – Odds and Ends
Thank you so much Michelle. Will you be spectating Boston? I’m going to be there and would love to meet up!
Congratulations! You worked hard for this one! This is one race event I need to run…. maybe in better weather though 😉
Lisa @ Lisa Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Friday Five: Spring Break 2016 Edition
I love the thought that others will PR so why NOT you?
Congratulations, Courtney! As a fellow DC runner (with at least one mutual friend), I’ve been following your blog for awhile, and I truly could not be happier for you!!! (Sorry my comment is so delayed…I had one of “those” weeks at work and am finally getting a chance to catch up on blogs!). You worked so hard for this and, it’s such a great accomplishment!!!
As for the worst conditions I’ve ever raced in, it would have to be last year’s Boston marathon. Snow for the first 4 miles, cold rain for the 22 after that, all of which was accompanied by a 22mph headwind (which never let up or turned into a tailwind because of the point to point race)! For my first Boston, I was a little bummed! Hopefully it’ll be better this year. Fingers crossed!
Thank you for the kind comment. I am going to Boston to run the 5k and cheer this year — I’m hoping the weather is awesome for all the runners!!
Oh what a difference a day can make – weather wise that is. Congrats again on your amazing PR!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Teaching, Training, Celebrating
Thank you so much – it was super windy the day before but we had a bit warmer temps and no rain!
I’m a little late but wanted to extend my congratulations! An 8 minute PR must feel so satisfying. I also enjoyed your write-up on the Hansons plan.