Rock'n'Roll Gear Review

Here I am the morning of the Seattle Rock'n'Roll 1/2 last Saturday. I'm going to admit I broke a major rule X 7.

Don’t try anything new on race day

This is not the time to experiment with things you haven’t already tried on several training runs.

• Don’t wear new shoes, but your existing shoes should have no more than 500 miles on them.
• Stick to the same clothing that you have been wearing during your training. Anything new may cause discomfort and prohibit you from running your best.
• To avoid discomfort or upset stomach, don’t eat or drink anything new close to or on race day.

Here is what I wore new on race day ~ Nike Hat, Strappy Sports Bra (Running Skirts), Running Skirt, Compression Shorts, iFitness Running Belt, CEP Compression Socks, & Asics Shoes. I decided I'd do a review of all these items. I've had lots of questions regarding my socks. Here it goes.

Besides the photo of me above I don't have another pic of the hat. Hats are one of my main running accessories since I sweat horribly and I hate having my eyes sting. Even though this hat felt light, for some reason my head felt a little warm around 2-3 miles. I'm pretty sure it just has to do with me naturally starting to get hot as I run. I didn't notice anything negative after that. It kept the sweat and any sun that peaked through the clouds out of my eyes.

Strappy Sports Bra in Surf/Size XS ~ I already own 2 of the strappy sports bras and I love them. They have removable pads that are great to prevent embarrassment on cold mornings and for added support. They wash and wear well. No pinching or rubbing. They are considered medium support so if you are looking for maximum strapping power or if you are bigger than a C cup you might want to try something else. I don't know if I'm happy or offended by the fact that I wear an XS.
Running Skirt in Surf Pool/Size 3 ~ I now have 2 Athletic Skirts and 4 Running Skirts including this one so I have ran in them before. They are all made with sweat-wicking material and are super light and comfortable. They have two pockets with velcro closures. These are great for your iPod, gels, etc. I wear a size 3 in the running skirts and a size 2 in the Athletic Skirt. The Athletic Skirts have attached compression shorts and run a bit larger.

Since I was wearing the Running Skirt I also chose to wear some black compression shorts I bought for cheap. I didn't want to have to worry about possible chafing. My skirt felt fabulous the whole time and the shorts never rode up or caused any issues. Together it was the perfect match for the run.
iFitness Neoprene Running Belt/Race Number Holder ~ There were several options for running belts available at the Expo. I decided to go with this one after trying them all on. This one fit great and didn't bounce at all. It is waterproof which is a huge must for me. Besides being a sweaty runner I live in Washington, nuff said. I was also looking for something that would hold my race bib. It's painful getting a new running shirt/shorts and having to stab it with safety pins and spend the time trying to get the bib even. The toggles for the bib worked great and took seconds to attach. For race day I had my ID, some cash, salt tabs, and two bags of GU Chomps in it and barely noticed it was on.

Here's what their website had to say~

Water resistant pouch will keep your iPhone or Blackberry safe from rain or sweat. An inner pocket will hold your ID and credit cards safely. Two reflector strips in the front and one in the back for your night time runs. This belt will not bounce, chafe or ride up while you run! Also featured are two toggles to hold your race number, under the pouch.

There are many colors and options to choose from.

CEP Running Progressive Compression Socks/Womens Size 3 ~ I have wanted these forever, okay, for a very long time :) I want the green ones but they were sold out at the Expo. I decided to go ahead and try them on. The guy at the booth was very helpful and gave me hints on how to get them on and off. As soon as I pulled the first one up I was sold. I loved how it made my leg feel and it fit my foot great. I couldn't leave without them. Plus, as a bonus if you wear them during a race and submit your photo at the finish line they will send you a second pair. As much as I dread spending money on myself it was a win/win situation.

Race morning my legs and feet felt great in them. With the few hills on the course I worried about them rubbing my feet but they stayed put the whole time. I also wondered if they would make my legs feel too hot, itch, or pinch but I had zero issues. My legs and feet felt amazing the whole race. I look forward to wearing them again. This was my favorite race day item.

Here are the website details ~

Give yourself an edge with CEP Running Progressive Compression Sports Socks featuring 18-25mmHg compression. All the same great features as the original CEP Running O2 Sports Socks, but with a sleek new design. Used by professional triathletes around the world, CEP running socks are the first scientifically proven compression running socks to maximize power, boost energy, and speed recovery time. See what all the buzz is about and try CEP Running Progressive Compression Socks today. With a 30-day money back guarantee, you have nothing to lose. Available for men and women in white or black. Sold per pair. CEP Running O2 Sportsocks maximize muscle oxygenation and boost energy with CEP's unparalleled scientifically optimized ultimate compression technology for all-day benefits. You’ll run with less effort, increased speed, decreased recovery time, reduced fatigue and optimized performance. The days of wearing socks “solely” to protect feet from blistering are over. CEP compression sportsocks are the first truly functional compression sport socks with a patented pressure flow technology that provide a scientifically proven increase in blood circulation and a consequent increase in performance. In addition to blister prevention, CEP socks provide more oxygen, more energy, an improved metabolization of lactic acid, and faster recovery so you can return to training quicker than ever. Sizing - To determine your size, measure the circumference of the fullest part of your calf. Advantages & Features:

	Pre-exercise - muscle activation and reduction of injury risk
	During Exercise - optimized performance and stabilization, reduced muscle strain
	Post-Exercise - quicker and shorter recovery phase
	Achilles heel support - additional support of the Achilles tendon protects and prevents irritable tendons.
	Ventilation channels – create a pleasant foot climate.
	Padded sole - special support of the foot sole prevents blisters.
	Anatomically-shaped inline seams – CEP socks come with a left and right model and, as a result, adjust to the anatomy of the foot for a perfect fit thanks to medi’s three-dimensional manufacturing process.
	CellTex ® Fiber finishing - a new refinement of thread (without chemical additives) facilitates the biological activation of skin cells and provides a comfortable, skin sympathetic and climate-regulating wear.
	iPS® Integrated power system - a defined compression with scientifically patented pressure profile improves blood circulation and enhances performance.

	Shin protection
	Material - 85% Polyamid, 15% Elasthan

ASICS Gel Foundation 9/Womens Size 10 ~ I was able to wear these to my last physical therapy appointment but I never had a chance to actually run in them before the race. I have never had an issue putting on a new pair of Asics and going on a long run so I was hoping to have the same luck. They felt great on my feet with the combination of my CEP socks. No rubbing or issues throughout the race. Another great pair of shoes. The balls of my feet were a little tender later that day and the next. I don't think this had anything to do with the shoes. I'm pretty sure it was just from going up and down the hills on the course.

These shoes are designed for moderate to severe over-pronators. It is considered a maximum support shoe which was recommended for me to help stabilize my knees as I run.

Overall I am very pleased with my outfit and race results. I was feeling badly about not getting the training in I usually do. I was also worried after my experience last year with getting sick/cramps from the Cytomax on the course. At least I did that right and didn't try anything new food/drink wise. I loved the whole experience this year. The only bad part is that it's over.

Any of you try a running item that you loved? Suggestions? Questions? I'd be happy to hear from you!!!

Seattle Rock'n'Roll 1/2 Marathon Race Report

I kept with normal night before race tradition and barely slept. There was one moment I remember being woke up by Jason's snoring but mostly I was looking at the clock as each hour ticked by. I tried everything to fall asleep. I was completely exhausted so I was hoping it wouldn't be an issue. I was awake when the alarm went off.

I went against everything you are supposed to do on a race day. I had barely gotten enough rest all week, I wore new shoes, new CEP compression socks, new skirt/sports bra from Running Skirts, and my new hat, even though I doubt a hat could cause too many problems :) I just felt confident that it would work out. Of course, I had to have my favorite green polish on for race day.

Jason, Emilio, Neely(E's Girlfriend), and I got ready and headed over to E's friends house (Chris) to meet up with other runners to carpool to the start.
Here's a pic of me and the guys :) Left to right ~ Ed, Chris, Emilio, Me, & Jeff. I also bought a new iFitness running belt. I was tired of the safety pins for my bibs and I needed something to hold my stuff that stayed in place. It's also waterproof which is a huge bonus since I tend to sweat just a little.

We lucked out last year and was dropped off in a great spot and barely had to walk. This year they had many of those roads blocked off. Once we got close enough we ended up having to walk over a mile to the start of the race. I was stressing out a bit but tried not to let the guys know. I had missed our bloggy pre-race photo. I'm still pretty bummed about that. I REALLY needed to use the porta potty's and I only had a few minutes before race start. I was also worried about finding my friend Melissa. She was running her first 1/2 today and we were supposed to meet in Corral 18 to run together. I finally found a fairly short porta potty line and started to freak when they started the first wave. I have NEVER not been in line for the start. I knew I would be chip timed no matter what so that wasn't my biggest concern, finding Melissa was. I finally took care of business and leaped out to run like a crazy person to find my corral. I wove my way through everyone and hopped up and down in search of Melissa. I made it in my group as Corral 15 started. Once Corral 17 took off and my group moved up I scrambled to get my iPod and Garmin ready. As our Corral started, I weaved in and out of the runners in search of my buddy. I stopped a couple times in the first mile quickly to see if she was behind me. Around mile 3 I just hoped I would find her and tried to refocus on the race, I cranked up my iPod and away I went.

I'm going to be honest, I'm a whimp when it comes to hills. Last year I had a terrible experience on the course when I got too hot and had a horrible reaction to the Cytomax. Never again. It made every hill last year miserable and I walked several parts of the course. I was determined not to let that happen. I ran (it feels like running to me) and never walked any part of the course this year except for the slope going up to the tunnel and speed walked through the water stops. It felt great to not let any of these areas bother me like last year. I ended up just doing salt tabs and a few Gu Chomps along the way plus the Gu Gel at the 7.5 mile point. No cramps, thirst, or issues.

I was happy to see Lake Washington at mile 6. The bridge looked so far away but I just kept thinking I only had roughly a 5K to go to get to the tunnel. I remember walking at a few spots along the water last year so it made me even happier as I kept running along and enjoyed it.

I made the climb up to the tunnel. I noticed pretty quickly that it felt muggy. The weather was still overcast and pretty much perfect for running with a slight breeze. I was missing that in the tunnel. I stuck to running along the left outside edge and focused on finding daylight again. At this point I was getting excited. I actually caught up to the 2:22 pace runner. There were a few small hills between mile 10 & 11. After 11 you have a slope that takes you down into the city. I love that part of the course where you can see everything, including the finish. Plus, you end up back to where there are a lot of family and friends cheering on their runners. It's such a cool experience.

I trudged up the last hill to get on the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Once it leveled out I was getting even happier. Once I ran down the ramp the last part seemed to take forever. I made the last turn and saw the 13 mile marker. I so wanted to just go as fast as I could but I knew if I did I'd get sick and be light headed at the finish(I didn't want to cause a scene.) I wanted to enjoy the end as much as the rest of the race so I just focused on keeping steady and started to look for Jason.

And here I am when I finally spotted him. I was just so EXCITED, HAPPY, THRILLED, to not be in pain or having any issues this year. Notice the guy to my left and the girls to my right. I was so happy that I did end up picking up the pace.

And I beat them to the finish. The guy actually thanked me for helping to push him to the end. That's never happened before :)

Here I am looking like a dork in my happiness as I raise my arms and give some peace signs or bunny ears depending on how you look at it :) I'm really hoping there will be some good shots from the race photographers this year.

17593 Finishers - 5033 M / 12560 F

Stacie Dahlin #18386

Chehalis, WA

Age: 34 Gender: F

Distance	HALF MAR
Clock Time	3:02:49
Chip Time	2:36:23
Overall Place	11509 / 17593
Gender Place	7571 / 12560
Division Place	1558 / 2317
Age Grade	42.5%
Pace	11:56
Ttlrace	17593
Ttldiv	2317
Ttlsex	12560
5 Km	34:16
10 Km	1:09:29
9 Mile	1:43:11

OFFICIAL TIME ~ 2:36:23

Here I am when Jason first found me after the race.

Here's Emilio and I at the finish. Emilio had spotted several bloggy friends but they were no where to be found when I arrived. I kept looking and was hoping to see Harmony or Melissa too. Harmony had already left and Jason said Melissa was still running. Emilio and the rest of the guys wanted to leave to get changed and find some food. I looked around hoping to spot someone before we left but I didn't see anyone.

We walked to the car and did a quick change and headed off to eat. Afterwards we headed back to Emilio's. We needed to pack up our stuff and start heading back to pick up our girls. Instead of fighting traffic, we took the ferry to Bremerton and had a much shorter drive. Much more relaxing.
Goodbye Seattle!!! It was great. Considering I've been doing physical therapy for me knee and I haven't had a "normal" training schedule I'm very happy with today. I'm hoping to be back next year to set a new course PR. If I'm lucky I might even have someone else to run with. I'm determined to get Jason registered for 2011.

If you are interested you can check out my Garmin stats below. Need For Speed said I ran 13.24 miles.

Garmin aka Need For Speed's Results

Seattle Rock'n'Roll Expo/Bloggy Meet Up

Friday morning Jason and I were up early and on our way to Seattle. Our girls were with Jason's Mom. We stopped quickly to grab some chocolate milk and bagels. We made it to the Expo right before it opened. We only had to wait in line for a few minutes and then we were in. My plan was to hit a few of my favorite booths before it got crazy busy. Before that, I quickly headed to pick up my packet. On the way to pick up my shirt I had Jason take a pic of me in front of the countdown :) Added bonus ~ the shirts were GREEN this year!!!!

Brooks had quite the interesting set up.

If only that could really be my finishing time :)

The fabulous Cindy & Christy at the Running Skirts booth. I bought myself another skirt and sports bra. I couldn't help it. These girls are so friendly and helpful. I have had nothing but a great experience dealing with them. Wonderful customer service. I saw them several times throughout the day :)

Meb

Jason and Emilio, one of my best buds from high school, braved coming to the bloggy meet up and carb load dinner at The Spaghetti Factory. Emilio let us stay at his home last year during the race weekend and saved us again this year. It takes a lot of the stress away when you hang out with someone who knows how to get around Seattle.

The guys hid back in the corner and were relieved to see a few more guys show up.


Here are a few shots of our group. I had a few more but this is a good sampling. I figured the more shots to share, the better :)



Here's a shot of our table. Harmony was there for a bit too but had to leave early. I think the guys ended up having a great time. It was awesome getting to know everyone. There was a lot of laughing happening at our table. Left to right ~ Amanda, Red & Sarah.

Me & Melanie

Me & Harmony

Me & Zoe + 1

Kerrie made these awesome name tags for everyone at the dinner. So cute :) Thanks Kerrie!!!
I didn't get a chance to get one on one with all of the women but I already knew we had a great group of ladies :) I'm so thankful to Melanie for setting this up and getting the chance to finally meet my running buddies that I share so much with and who inspire me every day.

Thanks to everyone for a great night!!!