WORKOUT –
Piloxing Class -
55 mins
HR: 128 avg. bpm
Ran on TM -
7.0 miles/62 mins
1.0% incline, easy
HR: 147 avg. bpm
It’s that time again… where I haven’t run a race in a couple weeks, I see all my friends doing races, I get supremely jealous and go on a race registration binge. I know Emily knows what I’m talking about.
Here’s what’s new:
CHICAGO MARATHON
If you follow me on twitter, you might have read that I finally signed up for the Chicago Marathon. I really enjoyed the race last year, but to spend that much money and have the registration be such a screwball affair was a tiny bit off putting.
Maybe I’m just being a race diva, but come on, ChiMarathon, this isn’t your first rodeo. When you charge $175, at least have a computer system up and running that will let us crazies easily and quickly depart with our 175 big ones.
So what did I do?
I signed up for some more races, some smaller-town races where if you email, an actual person will respond and you don’t have to choose between paying for college or one race.
SLO MARATHON
I just this morning signed up for the San Luis Obispo Marathon on April 7th. If you didn’t get into Boston, looking for a fun, friendly race or are just plain crazy like me and like to double up, check it out.
I ran this race last year and loved it (my recap + review); it’s a small town race with superfriendly people and big time amenities, like a huge after party with food trucks, concerts and great post-race food.
Plus, Dean Karnazes is running it (check out details here) and the race finishes at the Madonna Inn, my heaven on earth.
If anyone is running SLO (there’s also a half, 5k and kids fun run) let me know and maybe we can get dessert at the Madonna Inn afterwards or something… ahem, Sarah….
SAN DIEGO HALF
If you’re looking to run the SD Half (I think it used to be called the Petco Half?) I have a code for $10 off: SKINNYRUNNER. The race is March 10th and it’s 90% sold out so register quick!
I ran it last year with Pam and had a lot of fun finishing at Petco Park and trying to chase her down (I didn’t). San Diego is one of my favorite cities, in fact, we’re headed there for a race this weekend.
ARIZONA DISTANCE CLASSIC
On March 24th I’m going to run a new-to-me race outside of Tucson called the Arizona Distance Classic; there’s a half marathon, quarter marathon and 5k.
I was originally supposed to run a marathon in Phoenix last weekend, but some work stuff came up for my hus and we couldn’t make it. So I’m bananas excited to get out there and run this race. Everyone I’ve talked to is super friendly and it looks like a downhill finish. Wahoo to that!
If you want to sign up, use the code SKINNYRUNNER2013DISCOUNT for $5 off registration.
Also, if anyone is running it and wants to meet up afterwards for coffee, etc, let me know!
This weekend I’m thinking about doing a little double race action since I haven’t ran a marathon… in at least two weeks. We’ll see.
What are you running next or contemplating putting on the race schedule?
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{ 112 comments… read them below or add one }
I have the Lower Potomac River Marathon in a couple of weeks. When I registered, the race director emailed me to thank me for coming all of the way from CT to race. Now that’s what I call customer service!
After that, I don’t have many racing plans. Though, I did promise a friend that if we broke 3:50 at LRPM, I’d run a 50 miler in May.
nice!
I just blogged this morning about needing to take a break from training/racing but reading about all your races makes me jealous and want to sign up for a million things! ggrrrrr
I am running a local hooters race that starts and ends at Hooters. Free beer and wings! Although, I don’t eat or drink either. After that, I may run the Marco Island half. I hear it’s hilly, which is unheard of in FL. After that, maybe a local half in the fall. The Mr. and I run one marathon a year and are contemplating between Miami, Disney (again), or A1A in Ft. Lauderdale.
I agree with you on Chicago. I’m not even planning on running it and I was still disgusted with the race. I’ve always gotten the feeling that the marathon looks at runners as dollar signs instead of loyal fans of the event. I ran it twice and most likely won’t be going back.
Ahhhhhhhh that’s me!! I’m a celebrity now!! Shin splints be damned, I’m going to sign up for the SLO half!! The pink champagne cake from the Madonna Inn is SO. GOOD.
Haha, thank you for the giant font on that coupon code. I’d like to think you did that for me and my coupon code missing self.
Doing the Phoenix marathon next weekend! Excited!
Running the rock n roll New Orleans half this weekend! Hoping to catch a glimpse of Kara Goucher, Shalene Flannigan, Mo Farah, and last but not least, Monica from runeatrepeat!
I’m running the Distance Classic too for the third year in a row. Good times- see you there!
I’m running the Chamberlain Half Marathon in Bangor, ME on March 9. We live in the middle of no where and races in the winter here are hard to come by!
I think that sometimes smaller local races can give you a better experience than huge races. And I agree, the Chicago Marathon registration debacle is just awful. Active.com needs to get their stuff together. My first race of the year is in March, but I’ve been thinking about signing up for a half (smaller local race) the week before and using that for a training run. I’m also trying to figure out my race schedule for later in the year. If only I had unlimited money for race entries.
Up next is the LA marathon on St. Patty’s day! Then Hollywood half April 6th, OC half May 5th, and contemplating RnR San Diego half vs full June 2nd. I live in Santa Monica and I know you are closer to San Diego, but do you drive down and stay overnight before the San Diego races? I think I will do that. Also, I’d consider doing SLO half day after Hollywood half just for dessert at the Madonna Inn. How can anyone pass up good post race sweets???
I’ve had it my mind for over a year now that I wanted to run Chicago. So, I was super excited to sign up on Tuesday…what a mess! I was one of the luckies who got in, but seriously put a damper on the “fun” of registering. Anywhoo, I hope I run into you there!!!! Looking for it to be a BQ race for me
I agree about Chicago! My bf and I were planning on running it together. I got in but he hasn’t (yet). It was a disaster. My next race I think is a local small town half in a few weeks.
I’m doing RnR New Orleans on Sunday! It’s my first full. I’m more than slightly nervous and praying it doesn’t rain.
Phoenix marathon next weekend! My first!!!
I’m running the Shamrockin’ Half marathon on St. Patrick’s Day, and the Oakland Half Marathon the following week.
My husband and I went on a race signing up binge about a month ago! It is exciting to have a bunch of races to look forward to!
what a cluster… A race that BIG and that expensive should NOT have these kind of issues. Although, Active.com takes blame in this mess too.
I have a half marathon on March 24th, Boston marathon in April, Pittsburg marathon in May and Ann Arbor marathon in June.
I’m normally a small race type girl too but I’m in for Chicago 2013. It’s in my backyard, can’t pass that up! Love the race too. I’ll look for you this year. Last year I was injured and missed Zooma Great Lakes and CHI Marathon.
I am currently healing from a stress fracture. However, I’m putting together a tenative race schedule for my return. Going to work my way up and work on speed.
5k, 10K, 15k, Half marathon – easy spaced out 3 weeks apart.
No race binge for me. Presently sitting on the DL
I’ll live vicariously through you.
But all I could really think about was “Holy shit! She has her name on a coupon code!” I think we all aspire to such greatness.
Big time huh. that is until my husband yelled at me from the bathroom (door open, natch) to come check out “the show”.
hmmmm no thanks.
I have to say I am so glad to know my husband isn’t the only one who does that. And similarly glad to know that I’m not the only one lacking the temerity, or interest, in doing so! Looking forward to watching your racing adventures
I need a fall half marathon {sub-2} goal race and right now I’m between Wineglass & Mohawk Hudson River. Both are kinda in the middle of freakin’ nowhere so that’s making pulling the trigger a little difficult.
Anyone have a fast, cool weather half marathon they’d recommend in Oct or Nov?
I’m running the NYCRuns Central Park half-marathon this weekend, and in April I’m running both the More Magazine half-marathon and the Eugene Marathon in April! I can’t wait!
Doing the SLO Half marathon! It filled up before I could register last year, so I’m excited they opened it to more people this year! If anyone is a Cal Poly Alum use the code “MUSTANGS” to get $10 off your entry! p.s. They don’t actually check that you are an alumni, so I guess the discount is good for all the Cal Poly wannabes too
Holy registration binge! I initially told my self I was only signing up for 1 half, a trail half, and a full for the year but in the last week signed up for 2 more. I am not doing the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in DC for the second year in a row (4/7) and the Mid-Atlantic Tough Mudder on 4/20! Fun stufffff.
I literally pray every night for God to help my jealous tendencies! Glad I’m not the only who has workout envy!
I did the same thing when I didn’t get into the Nike women’s half in DC – my runcations runneth over this year! I’ll be headed out to Cali for the Disneyland Dumbo Double Dare and to Vegas for RNR – hope to run into you one of these races!
I live in SLO and do that race every year!! This will be the first year since I was a freshman in high school that I haven’t done it. It makes me sad! It really is the best town on earth! Let me know if you need any food or hotel recommendations, I know all the best!
My next half is the St. Luke’s 1/2 on April 28th in Allentown, Pa. In June I’m running the Run for the Dream 1/2 in Willamsburg, Va. In September I am running the Bird in Hand 1/2 in Bird in Hand, Pa….have you hear of it? it is in the runner’s world magazine every year. Amish people give you drinks along the way and a horse and buggy starts the race, and the town has a pretty cool name don’t you think?! thennnn I was thinking about running the Marine Corps marathon in October but I heard it sells out quick so if I don’t get in then I’ll run the Philly marathon again.
Oh I had a question what do you think about hot yoga and marathon training? I heard mixed reviews.
I’m on the opposite spree — a no signing up for anything else spree. My kids can finally eat again! And thanks for putting up my ugly pic with the reader round-up.
I am training for my first half marathon. It’s coming up May 18th, and it’s in Fargo, ND. It’s the earliest they can have it, because the glaciers finally recede by mid-May.
You seem to do a lot of training on the treadmill. How does this affect you when you run a race?
I just die.
im of the opinion that you just have to get the miles in, however you choose. you can push yourself outside, on trails, on a treadmill, alone, in a group, with music, without, however you decide to best push yourself and your limits, thats good training.
AMEN.
I am doing the SLO Marathon! Can’t wait!
Hope to see you at the SLO race I’m doing the half again.
Waiting you to come and do Marathon Bahamas
I WOULD LOVE TO!!
I got in Chicago…must have done it right when they opened it because I didn’t have any trouble! Too bad lots of others did!
If we all need a meet-up, let me know!
I started a new blog…so mine is just getting going…again.
I hate those pricey races, such nerve…wish I lived on west coast, so many more races to choose from year round. I think I’ll be doing the more mag/fitness mag women’s half in NYC in April and the Long Island half in may. The rest I need to plan out but will def be back at Hershey park in October, that I know. No matter the cost, any race based around chocolate is worth it to me!
I’m running the half at the Memorial in Oklahoma City, end of April. Great race. Humongo amounts of people. Anyone else running it?
I am running the Gasparilla Distance in Tampa this weekend. I need another job to pay for all the events I want to do. It seems like Skinny Runner gets to run a lot of events and I am so jealous! I try to do one event a month but my husband thinks I am crazy.
I have a St. Patrick’s Day 5K to run on March 16th. I’m actually going to have to run it & then run some more, because I’m in full on training for the Nike Women’s Half on April 28th. 3.1 miles won’t cut it when you’re 5 weeks out!
I’m running Chicago as my first marathon!!! Thankfully, got registered on Tuesday, but am still waiting for another friend to get in!
Super excited for it…now I just need to really get my butt in gear for training for my Half Ironman…
My next race is only a 5K. Race for the Cure on March 2nd in Baton Rouge. After that I’ll start training for my first half!
You’ve been cross-training lots, that’s cool!
I wish i had lots of race options around me, or travelling was an option..bahh..
i have a fun and random 10k in April, and either a half or my first full in May! (still too freaked out to sign up for the full..)
I just signed up for my first half marathon! It’s the Whidbey Island Half and I hear it is beautiful because you get to run along the water the entire time.
I also just started a blog so I will actually feel accountable and get my butt up to do it
I’m doing the Louisville Triple Crown: Anthem 5k on March 9th, Rhodes City Run 10k on March 23rd, and the Papa John’s 10-Miler on April 6th. Then, if I don’t wimp out, I’ll do the Kentucky Derby miniMarathon (a half) on April 27th. Let’s hope this 49-year-old body can hold out!
I found out that I can register early and get a discount for Chicago, but I’ve decided to wait till next year…kind of expensive for me to go out there. If I had to deal with the regular drama, I think I’d pass. I’m running a St. Pattys 5k with my son and sisters, the Hollywood half and then mountain2beach. I went on a binge a month ago
I am VERY excited (and even more VERY underprepared) to be running the Mt. Kilimanjaro Marathon next Sunday!
Wow!! Very cool!!
I’ve heard people say birthing a child is kind of like running a marathon, so that’s my next “race” coming up in april. Other than that, I am signed up for a half in august that I hope I am in good enough shape to finish! I am super jealous of all your races and workouts!
The first half I’ve ever registered for was canceled so I’m searching for a new race now
awh bummer!
Holy smokes, your race schedule looks awesome!!
You have me thinking about doing the SLO half. I LOVE that area & we have a beach house in Pismo. Might be a good timing!
come on, girl… theres starbucks nearby….
Land of Oz Garmin Marathon in Olathe, KS on April 20th. Can’t wait – you should come do it.
I was on the waitlist (#133)for the Way Too Cool 50k in Cool, Ca. and just got word that I’m in!! Super excited for my 3rd WTC on March 9th. After that its the AR 50miler on April 6th, Colfax marathon in Denver May 19th (I’ll be stalking SUAR), Wipro San Francisco marathon June 16th and then a break until NYC November 3rd.
I got in for Chicago…it will be my first!
Right now all I have on the books is Rock the Parkway half in KC and Chicagoland Spring Half. I’m on the fence about a Disney 5K in November since we will be there anyway. We’ll see.
Love that you’re doing the SLO half and that it’s getting so much love!! I am a pacer again this year – 2:30 so it will be a bit behind you but it’s such an inspiration group with many first timers. Good luck!
I went on a race binge recently too. I really want to do SLO. Dang, maybe I need to. This is only the 2nd year they’ve had the SD Half. I’m pretty sure if was the same name last year too. Petco does sound a little more fun though.
i think i just call it the petco half…
April is a mega binge for me…Cherry Blossom 10 Miler 4/7, Blue Ridge Marathon 4/20 and NWM 1/2 in DC 4/28
I am running the Nike Women’s half marathon in DC in April! So excited!!
Just dropped my application in the mail tonight for Boston. I got a waiver through a friend of mine. $350.00!!! Boston is so worth it though. It will be my 3rd and I would love to PR this time!
Good luck with all your races. I don’t know how you run so many back to back marathons! You are awesome!!!
Wow, that’s a lot of races! Looks like you have a lot of fun stuff coming up. I get on “race binges” sometimes, but it usually results in me desperately looking for upcoming races that are driving distance from where we live. I try to avoid overnight travel for most of our races.
You should come out and run the Blue Ridge Marathon on April 20th in Roanoke, VA! It has 3,620 feet of elevation gain and 7,232 total feet of elevation change. I will be running the half and it’ll be my second year. This race kicked my butt last year so I’m out for revenge…..
The SD Half is expensive so I just might use that code!
So, you mentioned in a previous post leaving CA! Where do you two (three, sorry Marni!) plan to move?! TELL US MORE! Or did I miss something? I mean, I know you’re tough and all, but can you really handle winter again? That would suck!
My next race is Nike’s Women’s Half Marathon in DC. Feels like it’s been FOREVER since I’ve raced!
I’m running Pittsburgh Marathon in May and hoping for Marine Corps in October.
I have a few other 5ks, 8ks, etc that I’m already signed up for but I’m looking for a half or two as well.
Oh geez. Reading all about your upcoming races is making me catch the race bug now. I might just have to sign up for a race soon!
I registered for Chicago as well. It will be my second full marathon and I can’t wait! The process – that was stressful – there are a few of us going and we were worried that only some of us would get in!
I’m also doing Market to Market which is a relay in Iowa – not as long as Ragnar but a similar idea. Super exxcited to do this with my buds! A few more – Drake Relay half marathon, Dam2Dam 20K (you must do this some time!), Steelhead 70.3 ( Half Ironman Tri)……oh and the Glow Run and Color Run 5K races with my kids….
hmm – now that I put it all out there I’m thinking it looks like a lot……oh well – it will keep me motivated!
I did my first Half in Key West in January and my 2nd in Daytona Beach last weekend. I am doing the NC Half in March, Kentucky Derby Half in April, and the Festival 500 in Indy in May. I am also doing the Warrior Dash and Mud Ninja over the summer. I am looking for a few others to do as well.
I’m excited to see that you are running the Arizona Distance Classic! I will be running that one as well. I’m new to Tucson and am excited for this race. It would be awesome to meet up afterward.
I’m doing the Hot Chocolate 15K in Seattle and a half marathon the next weekend! Have you done any of the hot chocolate races? I am so excited for the sweatshirt and the bowl of chocolate-y goodness at the end
I did the hot chocolate 15k in san diego last year. it was fun, but a littl warm for hot cocoa afterwards. i feel like the idea would work better somewhere else.
Hi Sarah, It is Julie from Paso Robles. I am running the SLO Marathon as well. I would love to eat some cake afterward! I will not be finishing quite as fast as you but I will look for you.
Chicago Marathon debacle – That is what I would like to call it. I was at work trying to register and finally just gave up.. My friend registered twice! Anyway it made me sign up for the LA Marathon because it is in line with my training.
hey julie! im running la too. lets def meet up for SLO!
Eugene Half!
My next race isn’t until the Eugene half and it’s killing me. I will be soooo ready to race by late April. I signed up for the full but my lazy and wimpy butt has been avoiding the dark, cold, rainy early mornings of the PNW, so I haven’t been able to get in enough midweek mileage.
I am also signed up for Chicago! I’m really excited. It will be my first huge race. I was lucky–I went to the registration page a few minutes early and was going to just hang out and refresh at 12:00 CST, but the “Register” button was already there. I feel really fortunate because it was uncomplicated for me. I can’t believe that despite that mess, 30,000 people still managed to register in the brief amount of time registration was open.
I hope the readers posting in about their problems with the registration process end up getting in. My tip: check the page about 15 minutes before registration officially reopens and keep refreshing the page to try squeaking in early.
I am currently signed up for an Eggshell Shuffle (where there is an egg hunt for the adults) and the Fox Valley Half Marathon. There is a full Marathon too. You should come and do it!
Looks like you’re back in the game of running every weekend (or almost)! You’re scary! LOL! Anyway, looking forward to reading your race recaps.
I am running the NJ 1/2 Marathon for the Boys and Girls Club in May! And I am thinking the Philly Marathon in November – but the last full I ran I landed up getting injured and it took months to recover – I think I just have to get over that fear of getting injured again.
I just got my next three races lines up. I’m doing a 5k in March, a half marathon in April, and my first full (Green Bay) in May. I’ll look at fall races after the marathon.
I wish I was signed up for that many races. Right now I have a St. Patricks day half marathon and the SLC marathon April 10th! Oh, and you inspired me. Wednesday I turned 30 and ran 1 mile for every 2 years of my life (couldn’t pull the 1 mile for every 1 year like you did) – http://dailyvitaminf.blogspot.com/2013/02/long-run-for-my-birthday-1-mile-for.html
thats awesome! congrats and happy birthday!
Chicago should definitely have their act together in a more organized way, especially since its 45,000 people! I was a lucky one and got in at 12:03 CST and was done, but all the debacle is raining on the excitement of my FIRST FULL MARATHON. I’d probably feel differently (anger, resentment, etc.) if I wouldn’t have gotten in easily, but now I just want to continue getting more excited (and freaked) for my first full marathon! Let the registration craziness end! (I’m not stalker-like, but I was secretly hoping to meet you and RER in Chicago… I’ll still keep my fingers crossed!)
You got my mojo running and my best friend and I are finally nailing down some of our races! Signed up for the RnR Half in Portland in May, going to do the Helvetia Half in June and entering the lottery for the Nike Women’s Marathon!!! Crossing our fingers we get in, if not we’ll do a local marathon in fall. Plus a few local 10k races, do you have one you are looking forward to more than others?
Do you do races on the east coast at all? We are pretty cool over here too
im doing boston, chicago and nyc. thats sort of east coast, right? or more east than i am at the moment. its just that its a long, expensive trip from socal so i do a lot of local, cheaper races.
I signed up for the Chicago Marathon too! It’s my first one and I was also really upset by the website snafus. The site literally crashed as I pressed submit and I didn’t know for hours whether it had gone through or not. I’m hoping this isn’t an indication of how the rest of the race will be; I’m too excited to have a bad experience!
I’ve been contemplating the AZ distance classic but a discount code and u being there concretes it for me… I think ill do it. If u do a meet-up, I’d love to go but with the time difference between my finish and yours, it’s probably not worth it for u to wait
are u gonna be in town the night before? There’s some great restaurants and, hey, at least you’d get free dinner 
ha… Anyways! Have great races!
im not sure if we’ll spend the night before or not, but im thinking so since its about 90 miles from phoenix.
I am running the Seattle HOT Chocolate 15K next weekend.
I also signed up for Chicago…but a friend did it for me..and I owe her big because she was online for HOURS!!
fun schedule! So wait, quarter marathon?! are you doing that distance or the half? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that! Im super excited for my upcoming race schedule; first ones post baby (save for an 8 k in nov)-baby is ten months now. half mary on my bday (april 14) in central park ny! broad st run (HUUUUUGE phila race; 10miler down hill SO many prs) may 5 then rock n roll half in philly…woooooot! soooo psyched!
I’m running the Arizona Distance Half. Although if my heel injury doesn’t get better, it might just be the Quarter!!
I would love to meet up with you. I think you’re awesome <3
Hey Sarah, I’m running the ADC — I live in Tucson, probably 20 minutes from the race.
Hi Katerina, I’m about that far away too. I live really close to Oro Valley.
Oops! Lots of Sarah’s! @Sarah I’m down in the city — have you run ADC before? I haven’t — obviously if its in Oro it’s going to be major hilly but the weather should be epic. You’re local?
Maybe we could all coordinate dinner the night before the race? Invite readers from this blog and all get together? With out of towners, I always think Cafe Poca Cosa, which is a little south of Oro Valley, but so wonderful and different.
Katerina, yes I’m local now. Moved here a few months ago from Louisiana.
Nicole, that would be great! I’d love to meet some new people from the area and I haven’t been to cafe poca cosa yet but I hear it’s good.
Nicole, email me!!
My next race (hopefully) is the Get Lucky Half Marathon in Chicago. It is scheduled for March 16th so there’s the potential for COLD & SNOW especially since it runs up Lakefront Trail. You know that path up Lake Michigan that is know for lake effect snow and killer winds. So…I’ve got my hotel booked but am waiting until I get a better look at the extended forecast. In 2011, it looks like they were in shorts & T-shirts and all smiles. But photos from othere years have them all bundled up!
Sounds great too – I’m down for that! Cafe Poca Cosa is great but sooooo far from that area? At least for you guys? I’m down by the U so I could care less. E-mail me at katerina@papoutsiscompanies.com and I’ll get you guys on a group email so we aren’t blowin up this comment section .. LOLOL ..
Do you know of any discount code for the SLO marathon? I’m looking for an April half in Cali. Thanks!
ill email and ask!
I just registered for the AZ Distance Classic and heard you were also registered. My first thought, “OMG, I would love to meet SR.” My next thought, “I hope I’m not too scared to see her if I do see her” and my final thought, “It’s like the tortoise and the hare…by the time I get to mile 6, she’ll be done!” I am also from Phoenix and will be staying overnight in the Tucson before the race. Really hope I see you and am not too chicken to say hello!
Could have sworn I saw you on the SLO marathon course today. Wonder if you were up here getting some home court advantage. Anyway, if so, good luck with your race. I was the red jacket guy white hat.
Nope, sorry im in phoenix bu t I hope you yelled out “hey sr!” to the person.
And that is why I love California. There are blonde SRs everywhere. Even at 6am in the rain
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