This year I was lucky enough to be picked as a social media ambassador for the Shamrock Marathon. Although my race entry was free for this race, all thoughts and opinions are my own. You know I always #keepitreal!
Happy Wednesday! This weekend I participated in the Shamrock 8K and Marathon. It was a fun whirlwind weekend full of races and miles. Let’s discuss!
On Friday morning we headed out to the airport to kick off race weekend. After a very annoying Delta flight (we had to switch planes and left almost 2 hours late) we arrived in Virginia Beach around 11am. Luckily we were able to check into our hotel early so we dropped off our suitcases and headed to lunch. After lunch, we walked over to the expo at Virginia Beach Convention Center.
The expo was a decent size (not super small, but not big either). I found the booth for the Whale Challenge. I loved that I was able to go here to get both my race bibs for the weekend as opposed to going to two different booths.
After picking up our race shirts, my mom and I did some shopping and took a few photos. We weren’t at the Expo that long, but I did get a chance to hear part of Bart Yasso’s talk (always great to see him at an expo!) and I was able to try a sample of the beer that would be available on the course. It was the Yuengling Golden Pilsner. Now I’m not a huge beer drinker, but this stuff was good! Here are a few fun photos from the Expo 🙂
Friday night came and went, and then it was time for the 8K! After a short walk to the race start we were off and running!
I really enjoyed the course for this race. We started out by running down Atlantic Avenue so there was tons of crowd support. After mile 2 we turned onto the boardwalk. I can’t put into words how pretty this part of the course was – I liked looking to my right and seeing the water, it was so peaceful! During this part of the race I just found my groove and stayed there. After mile 4 we went off the boardwalk and back into streets for about half a mile and then turned back onto the boardwalk for the finish. You can check out the course map here.
Of course it was time for a mini-photo shoot after the race.
Since this was my first 8K race, it was an automatic PR (dontcha just love when that happens?)!
I spent the rest of Saturday off my feet and relaxing. My allergies were acting up a little bit so I tried to get that under control as well. I hydrated like a boss, enjoyed some pasta for dinner and then went to bed. The big day was tomorrow!
I woke up around 5:45 and started to get ready for the Marathon. Luckily my friend Jacinta and her mom were also staying in my hotel so we all took an Uber over to the race start. The weather was picture perfect! This race has been notorious for horrible weather (super cold, snow, sleet, torrential rain, etc), but we REALLY lucked out this year! There weren’t many corrals (I think there were 12 or 13), which was nice because that meant we would not be standing outside for too long. I crossed the start line at around 7:50 and it was go time!
Miles 1-3 were great! I settled into a good pace around mile 2 and I was able to take in all the energy of the race. I really focused on not starting out too fast since I seem to ALWAYS do this! These miles through a few neighborhoods and the scenery was great.
Miles 3-13.1 were primarily on Shore Drive. There were tons of trees and great scenery, but not any crowd support. Thankfully by mile 10 we left Shore Drive and we were back in areas where we could see spectators. I don’t necessarily need a bunch of crowd support, but it is nice to have words of encouragement from time to time. We split from the half-marathoners around mile 12.5. I was SO tempted to go left but decided too right and finish the marathon, haha. The amount of runners dropped dramatically and it felt like I was only running with a handful of people. It was a weird feeling! I hit the 13.1 mark and still felt pretty darn strong. I had run a very good first half and still didn’t feel tired.
Miles 13.1-16 were great because we were on the boardwalk. Unfortunately my back started to act up around this point. This was not a surprise since I have been experiencing back pain during my long runs right about this time as well. It was more uncomfortable than painful, so I was able to power through it. Luckily I saw my parents and sister a little past mile 13 and that was a great boost! I also saw Jennifer around mile 14. It was awesome to finally meet her in person! I was so thankful that she came out to cheer me on – it was so nice of her!
Mile 16-23 were where the wheels fell off for me. I was plugging along, thinking that I might get a very unexpected PR, but then mile 17 happened. Somewhere between miles 17-18 my legs were like “no thank you”. First I got a cramp in my right calf and then I got a cramp in my right glute. I’ve never experience cramping during a race so I was not only surprised but confused on what to do, lol. I tried to run and rub out the areas. Then I moved to a run walk method. Then I stopped and tried to massage the areas. Nothing worked. I hobbled along for a few more miles and watched as my miles got slower and slower 🙁 That was disappointing, but I only allowed myself to be sad about it for a minute. I wasn’t going to dwell on something that I couldn’t control. Around mile 20 a very nice spectator was giving out pretzel sticks and those were awesome! I felt a little better after that so I’m thinking that maybe I needed salt for the cramping? Besides the cramps, I found this to be the most boring part of the race course. It was an out and back so I was sad to see people on the other side of the line because that meant they were about 5 miles ahead of me LOL. We were near army barracks for this portion of the race so it was super quiet and there wasn’t much to look at in terms of scenery. We also had to go up and over Rudee Bridge twice. Now granted it wasn’t a huge bridge at all, but any incline at that point in the race feels like climbing Mount Everest.
Miles 23-26.2 were slow but a little better. We were back on the boardwalk (my favorite part of the race) and looking over at the water and the beach helped me not to focus on the amount of pain I was in. Around mile 24 I came down wrong on an uneven part of the boardwalk and felt a sharp pain in my hamstring. I thought that I had pulled a muscle. I literally had to walk for 5 minutes straight before I was able to run again. I’m just happy that it wasn’t anything more serious. At mile 25 were off the boardwalk again and I ran past my hotel. My mom was there and she ran a few minutes with me to give me some encouragement. Man was I hurting bad! I knew there was only a little over a mile left so I shuffled along and before I knew it, the finish line was in sight! Anytime I see a finish line, it’s cause for a celebration. This was especially true this time after running 31.2 miles over the course of the weekend (ouch). Here’s a link to the course map if you want to check it out.
Honestly I didn’t go into this race expecting a PR because of my back and knee issues, so overall I am happy and proud of myself! I ran a really strong first half and based on that, I should have PRed by about 30 mins, but you know that they say – you’ll never know what will happen on the day of the marathon. I started slowing down a little bit around mile 15 and then those leg cramps at mile 17 were ultimately too much to come back from. Even though I was deep in the pain gave from mile 17 onward, I still kept a positive attitude and just focused on putting one foot in the front of the other.
Too me, this race was never about a PR. It was about proving to myself that I could actually run a marathon. After Chicago, I had a lot of doubt and didn’t know if I could do it. Sure, the leg cramps sucked, but mentally I didn’t give up and that’s the big takeaway from this race for me. A positive mindset is everything! I have really worked on that these past few months and I’m glad that it paid off. I even finished the race with a smile 🙂
After I showered and rested up a bit, I walked down a few blocks to Ben & Jerry’s and treated myself to this lovely cup of deliciousness.
With any race there are always Pros and Cons. Here’s my list!
Pros
Race photos – You could purchase digital downloads of all your race photos for $30-$50. Since I ran both races, I received my 8K photos for free by buying the digital package for my marathon photos. I got 20+ photos for $50. Compared to other big races, I think these prices are very affordable.
Generous Beer Tickets – Do you like beer? Then this is the race for you! The bibs for all the races came with 4 beer tickets! The beer was also delicious 🙂
Race swag – OMG…so much race swag! For the 8K I received a cotton long sleeve shirt. For the Marathon I received a tech long sleeve shirt. After completing the marathon, I also received a beach towel and a hat. At the Expo, you received free beer koozies with any purchase, so I picked up two of those. I also received 3 medals – 8K, Marathon and Whale Challenge (for doing both races).
Hotels – There’s an abundance of hotels for this race. My hotel, Hyatt House Virginia Beach, was within walking distance of the 8K start. It was about a mile from the marathon start so I did take an Uber to that race start. The hotel was literally a 2 minute walk from the 8K/Marathon finish (both finish lines are the same). I can’t tell you how awesome it was to finish both races and be SO close to my hotel!
Restuarants – While I didn’t get to venture out as much as I would have liked (wanted to save my legs), there were tons of restaurants within a 1 mile radius of the race. A lot of those restaurants also offered delivery if you didn’t feel like leaving your hotel room.
Blue Bracelets for Beer at Expo – At the expo, there was a section to receive blue bracelets. Volunteers checked your ID and then gave you the bracelet. These bracelets served as acknowledgment that you were over 21 years of age when going to get beer after the race. I thought this was really smart and definitely saved time. It’s so annoying when I have to dig into my SpiBelt for my ID after a race so that I can get beer.
Virtual Goodie Bag – We received the virtual goodie bag the week of the race. It had some great coupons and offers for other races in the area. If I was local to Virginia Beach I would have definitely taken advantage of some of the offers.
Cons
No Heat Sheets – While the weather for the race was great (no rain or snow), it was still under 50 degrees. I definitely would have appreciated a heat sheet at the finish.
Runner tracking – While I didn’t personally experience this, my friends and family told me that the tracking was not good. It was very delayed and just overall really annoying to use. For instance, my mom saw me at mile 25 and the tracker told her I was at mile 22.
Gear Section at Expo – I picked up a few items at the expo but I wish that the gear section was a little bigger.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading my LONG recap! If you’re looking for a Spring race, I would definitely recommend the Shamrock Marathon. The race was super well organized and all of the volunteers were simply amazing and so encouraging when we were out on the course. As long as the weather is decent, it’s also definitely a nice fast and flat course for a PR.
Thanks to everyone for all of your encouragement throughout this training cycle and on race weekend – I really appreciate it!
Question – How do you recovery after a marathon? I’m taking the week off running but I still want to do some low impact exercises starting today (Yoga, etc).
I’m linking up with Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice, Erika from MCM Mama Runs and Patty from My No-Guilt Life for Tuesdays on the Run.
I’m also linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
..and last but not least, I’m linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Lora from Crazy Running Girl and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
The Accidental Marathoner says
OK first of all, you look exactly like your mom, and you are both so beautiful! But I digress…this sounds like a great race weekend! Glad you were able to finish despite cramping with so many miles to go. You look so happy in your pictures!
kookyrunner says
Awwe thanks so much – you’re so sweet!!
It was definitely a very fun race weekend and I was overall very happy with the results!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Congrats again on your race! It sounds like it was such a fun race weekend. Im sorry things fell apart for you at the end but you still did great. I would love to run the Shamrock marathon some day!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Lisa! The leg cramps sucked but I was happy to finish with a smile. If you can do Shamrock one day, I totally recommend it!
Patrick@looneyforfood.com says
Haha! I made it to the end. Sounds like a great time and you should be proud!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Patrick!
Virjinia @ With Purpose and Kindness says
Congrats on doing the races back to back! I haven’t done that yet but I know it’s a feat! I cramped back due to needing electrolytes. Mine is usually in the calves so maybe that might have been the case for you. Hopefully you’re feeling better and able to move around by now! Stretching and walking sound like a great way to recover. I think I attempted to run a few days after my marathon but it was a very short and slow two miles lol. Great job!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much for the kind words! I agree that the cramping was probably due to electrolytes/lack of salt. It’s something that I will definitely consider if I do another marathon. I’m feeling much less sore today and will probably either walk on the treadmill or pop in my yoga DVD for a workout!
Deborah Brooks says
You know I love that you do these races with your mom! an 8K is always a fun distance to do and that course sounds fantastic. I have never experienced cramping in a race but lots of our MRTT members chat about it. They also think pretzels or salt tabs work well.Do you think running the race the day before impacted that at all? I hope you are proud of all you accomplished!! I am always in awe of all that you do!
kookyrunner says
You’re so sweet – thanks so much Deborah! It was a very busy weekend but now I’m enjoying a lot of extra down time which is definitely much needed!
I do think that running the 8K affected the marathon. If I absolutely had my heart set on a PR, I probably would not have done the 8K. Since I was running this marathon more for “piece of mind” I didn’t mind doing the 8k the day before and getting some extra bling!
Kimberly Hatting says
Congrats on another 26.2 finish line! And. congrats to you and Mommy Dearest for the 8K race 😉 YOU have such great pics, and your outfits look awesome. Although you had some unfortunate struggles, I’m glad to hear you still finished with a smile. Just remember, all your training prepared you for the race, even all the “obstacles” that tried to block you from the finish line didn’t hold you back.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Kim! You know I did’t think of the training preparing me for difficult moments but you are absolutely right!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
CONGRATS on two great races! Unexpected leg cramps are the worst. That’s what got me at my last marathon.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Nicole! The legs cramps were horrible. i had never experienced them before and I really hope I don’t get them again.
Good Luck this weekend at RnR Dallas!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Congrats on a great race weekend! You know that I love that she was out there with you for the 8K. I’m sorry about the leg cramps, but I am so proud of you for not letting them stop you. 31.2 miles over two days is amazing and to finish upright and smiling is a victory!
It’s been great following your training. Hope you enjoy some down time this week before diving into Cleveland training 😉
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Michelle! I’m taking off running this week but will do some light activity like yoga, etc.
Teresa says
Awesomeness!!! I’ve loved following along on this journey and so happy you had a much better experience this time around! xoxo
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Teresa. I have really appreciated all you support through my training journey!
I hope that your marathon training is going well!
Marcia says
Congrats Kim! Way to slay those demons that put doubt in your mind. Of course you CAN run a marathon! Sorry the cramps got you but it sounds like you prevailed anyway. How much do I love that you and your mom do these race weekends together? In my wildest fantasies I’d so love if one/both of my girls would run with me, although the teenager ran in Dublin so I guess I should shut up. Haha! No heat sheets? That’s so odd. Otherwise it sounds like a wonderful race and weekend. I’d definitely take the week off from running. I do yoga and even with that I notice my balance is way off after a big race. Rest up and congrats again!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Marcia! I definitely needed to slay those demons about running a marathon. I hope that you can do racecations with both your daughters in the near future!
I’m taking off this week from running but will start doing some light workouts – like yoga, etc. My legs actually feel back to normal now which is great!
Coco says
Congratulations!! I love all your pictures- the ones with your mom are great and your finish ones too. Too bad about the cramping but you’re awesome for pushing through!
You really lucked out with the weather.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much! My mom and I really love using races as a chance to visit new places 🙂
I can’t even put into words how happy I was about the weather!
Annmarie says
You are a BEAST! I cannot imagine running an 8k before a marathon, that is insane. Way to get it done and make the most of the weekend! Congrats, friend!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much friend! It was a lot of miles but I figured, go big or go home right?!
Also, I hope that you are feeling better today
Jenn says
What a wonderful recap!
I am SO sorry about the cramps. Those are awful, and I make sure to load up on salt before and during longer races, especially when it’s warm. Once they hit, its’ really hard to keep moving – it hurts to walk and it hurts to run.
You pushed through beautifully, and I’m so glad you were able to get some redemption!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Jenn – I know the recap was rather long! You’re so right about the cramps. Even though my legs felt better after a while, it was still super painful. It’s so hard to recover from them, but I have now learned my lesson and will always have a salt pill on me for long runs, or at least pretzels.
Rachel says
I had a similar experience when I ran MCM in 2016. It was much more about the experience and having a good time than a PR. After my first marathon experience, I just wanted to have fun and enjoy it. Despite injury, I managed to do just that and had an amazing time. Good for you for keeping a positive attitude. SEE YOU IN MAY!!!!
kookyrunner says
Yup, I was totally in the same mindset for this marathon. Maybe one day I’ll try to PR but that won’t be this year. Cant wait to see you in May!!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Sounds like overall it was a great weekend. And great that the weather cooperated — I know the weather for that race can be pretty awful.
About 5-6 years ago or so we were there visiting friends, so I’ve run that boardwalk. I always thought I’d do that race for VA, but now I’m not so sure. I’m thinking something more scenic maybe.
Unfortunately, I am prone to cramping. And that’s just for a half! It’s such a literal pain.
And how sweet of Jenn to come meet you! I’m jealous!
Great job, Kim. You showed amazing mental fortitude — truly.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Judy. I never really understood when people would say that running is mental, but now I totally get it.
Seeing Jenn was awesome! I was so honored that she came out just to cheer me on. Running friends are the best!
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
I loved reading your recap and felt like I was right there with you! Congrats on completing the Whale Challenge! It sounds like you had such a good start to your marathon – what a bummer that you got cramping in your legs. I love that your mom travels with you to races! 🙂
kookyrunner says
Thanks Debbie! Yup, total bummer about the leg cramps, but I was happy that I was able to finish the race 🙂
Wendy says
Great recap–you made me feel as if I was running it with you. Congrats on finishing strong and powering through those cramps. Mentally, that would have taken down most people. You proved once again that finishing is winning!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Wendy! I know it was long but I wanted to make sure that I included everything 🙂
Chaitali says
Great job persevering and keeping that positive attitude through the pain! That’s great that the pretzel helped out. It sounds like a great race overall.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Chaitali!
Shathiso says
I have probably said this to you before, but I just love that your mum runs too!! What an awesome experience that must be to have her out there, if not running, then cheering you on! This was such a great read – I loved that you got your confidence back in this marathon, yes there were hiccups but you stayed positive, you didn’t let those cramps pull you down, you just kept going. Your first half was so strong – what a champion. As for that smile at the end, that just says it all. Well done. A well fought battle.
kookyrunner says
It’s definitely really fun and I’m happy that she enjoys running as much as I do! Thanks so much for the kind words on my marathon!
Madhuri says
So amazing Kim. Just catching up on your post. Greattttt job on keeping your head up high. That’s what running is all about. To many more happy running weekend for you.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Madhuri! Overall I’m happy with how mostly everything went last weekend.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
Congratulations!!!!
I’m sorry that you had cramping issues. I sometimes get an unpleasant feeling in my calves on long runs and I think it may be due to lack of salt as well. Regardless, you still pushed through and got it done! I’m glad you enjoyed this marathon experience. I’ve heard such great things about Shamrock – love all the swag and free beer!
I hope you enjoy your well-earned recovery, though I see you’re already gearing up for your next big race! 🙂
kookyrunner says
Thanks Janelle! Now that I’ve had time to think about the race,, I do think it was a lack of salt. I may start bringing mini pretzels with me on my long runs.
If you want to do another Spring marathon, definitely consider Shamrock!