RACES
From February 2009 on, you can click on the title of the race and it will bring up the full recap. Yeah, I’m a giver, I know. and completely awesome.
10.19.08 Nike Women’s Half Marathon San Francisco — 2 hrs 15 mins
This baby started it all, by “all” I don’t mean very much, but I had a really fun time. This was the first long run I’d ever done and definitely first half marathon.
11.01.08 Santa Barbara Newspress Half Marathon — 2 hrs 2 mins
I was visiting a girlfriend in Santa Barbara and decided to run it on a whim. The course is along the beach and passes all the gorgeous megamansions like Ty Warner’s, who started Beanie Babies. I single handedly paid for a couple bricks on his patio because I am guilty of buying over 200 of those little stuffed animals. Give me a break, this was a long time ago. Like last week.
11.27.08 Dana Point Turkey Trot 10k — 50:19
This was not a fun run because it poured down rain the entire 6 miles. Of course, I wore a white t shirt. I was SOAKING wet and actually worried that my ipod sensor in my shoe would quit because of all the water. Husband J was so sweet and stood under a store awning the whole time waiting for me.
12.14.08 Make Room for Santa 10k run in Irvine — 47:o2
This was a good run for me and a flat course, but a guy pushing a double stroller blew by me. At one point I saw him feeding his kids and grabbing a falling blanket. Wanted to quit or trip him, thankfully did neither.
01.10.09 Kaiser Permanente SoCal Half Marathon — 1:46:20
I once again got passed up by a new and different guy pushing a double stroller. Maybe there’s a little motor under the babies in those things… But that theory wouldn’t explain why all the 5th grade boys passed me up either.
01.18.09 Rock n Roll Arizona Half Marathon — 1:45:45
This was a HUGE race, about 40,000 people. It was probably my favorite of all my races. I just had a really good time running; two years ago I would have never uttered those words and still can’t believe I just did… don’t tell anyone.
02.08.09 San Dieguito Half Marathon — 1:49:49
This was a really difficult race for me; I wasn’t prepared (what’s new?) and the course was quite hilly. Ok, it super sucked and I hated it the whole time I was running but once I finished, I wanted to sign up for next year.
02.15.09 Palm Springs Half Marathon — 1:42 :33
This was my first time ever running without any music, and I was scared that I’d peeter out and die. In a weird twist of fate, I set a new PR. Thank you, Lord!! It was a really flat course, small run, and great weather which all helped… and the wheelies in my shoes.
03.07.09 45th Sue Kren 15k in Mission Bay — 1:10:44
This was my first 15k. I like the distance, but I think I might prefer the half. It was a gorgeous route and beautiful weather which always makes everything easier.
03.22.09 Newport Beach Spirit Run 10k – 58:37
I ran with my girlfriend for fun, not for time. We ran at her pace and she did awesome for never running 6 miles before! It rained on us which made everything super sexy and steamy. Or cold, drenched, and drowning. However you want to look at it.
05.03.09 PCRF Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon (injury) – 2 hrs 2 min
I ran this half with a friend and also some not-so-friendly butt/thigh pain (piriformis). So it wasn’t that fun at all really, but I can’t wait to run this event next year because it was beautiful weather, great crowds, and a fun expo that included a puppy petting zoo with little yorkies. HECK YES, I’ll be back for those even if I can’t run at all.
10.04.09 RocknRoll San Jose half marathon – 1 :44:11
This was my first race back after being injured and taking 4 months off. I was really surprised by my time and how good I felt. I guess those doctors and physical therapists might actually know what they’re talking about…. maybe.
10.11.09 Long Beach Half Marathon — 1:42:08
Set a personal record by about 2o seconds. Happy with that but still dealing with some leg pain.
10.18.09 Nike Women’s Half Marathon San Francisco — 1 :47:34
A year later after the race that started it all… this course is hilly and hard, and it was fun to run it again, but I’m not completely satisfied with how I ran today. Oh well, at least I got a Tiffany necklace out of it!
10.24.09 Huntington Beach Distance Derby 10 miler — 1:21:28
My absolute worst race. I had diarrhea and actually threw up at mile 4. The only good thing I can say is at least I didn’t quit. And I didn’t wear a white running skirt.
11.07.09 Santa Barbara Newspress Half Marathon — 1:41:05
I ran 21 minutes faster than last year’s race. And most importantly, beat Andrew Firestone by a butt ton!
11.15.09 Siver Strands Half Marathon — 1:40:55
Had a Hammer Gel for the first time during the race and wanted to take it to Vegas and marry it. So good.
12.06.09 Rock n Roll Las Vegas Full Marathon — 3:40:35
This was my first full; definitely an experience. But it was a great event. It would have been even better if I have won some money at the blackjack table….
01.09.10 SoCal Kaiser Permanente Half Marathon — 1:39:56
This was a weird race that I wasn’t even taking seriously, had to stop and use the pooper and still ended up PR’ing. Not even sure how that happened….
01.10.10 13.1 Series Los Angeles Half Marathon — 1:46:16
I ran this race for fun, the day after PR’ing. Good times were had by all, especially me since I didn’t have to stop and use the porta pooper.
01.17.10 Rock n Roll Arizona Full Marathon — 3:29:05
I started fast, kept up a good 7:59 min pace, and surprised everyone, especially me. Everything came together for a really good race. And this was the first race my parents were at so that was fabtastic.
02.21.10 Birch Bay Marathon — 3:23:40
Tiny, small race but absolutely gorgeous as well. Tougher course than what I’d ran before. Was the 2nd place finisher for women. How’d that happen?? Must have only been 3 women running.
03.14.10 Dallas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon — 1:36:51
It was a gorgeous course, good weather, and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders were there. Honestly, what more could you ask for in a race?!
03.21.10 LA Marathon — 3:28:58
This was a tough race for me; I really, really wanted to quit. I had a little mental breakdown but made it. barely.
03.27.10 Chesebro Half Marathon — 1:41:07
This was my first trail race, and it was hard! But really fun too. I finished in the top 10 women, but I can’t guarantee there were more than 9 women running.
04.17.10 Camp Pendleton “Hard Corps” Marathon — 3:35:33
2nd in my age group, a really “blah” race for me, nothing exciting went on except for running by lots of cute Marines. I love running.
05.02.10 PCRF Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon — 1:37:49
1st in my age group and 3rd woman overall. A fun, kid-focused race. So why didn’t Jaybob run?!?
05.15.10 Palos Verdes Marathon — 3:31:17
Very scenic, gorgeous route but very hilly. very hilly. Did I mention it was a bit hilly? I paced myself really well and finished strong despite the course being hilly. very hilly. 2nd in age group, 4th woman overall. small race.
09.25.10 Say No to Drugs Half Marathon — 1:53:55
My first race after the fishing season. Tough course in Pasadena and hot. I’m definitely not back in marathon shape though…. Saw the Lakers Girls there and that made everything better. 1st place in age division.
10.03.10 Camarillo Half Marathon — 1:44:25
Great weather, flat course, super boring, but I did a lot better than I thought I was. Probably because 2 readers recognized me and I felt like a celebrity all day.
10.10.10 Portland Marathon — 3:40:09
First marathon back after the fishing season. It was a nice, big race but poured the whole time. I ran in honor of my nephew Sutton and my family was there to cheer me on which made it all worth it.
10.17.10 Nike Women’s Marathon San Francisco — 3:43:49
My personal worst but also the first time I’ve ran marathons on back-to-back weekends. Hard, hilly course but with beautiful views of the city. I added my third Tiffany necklace to the collection, and I think three is good. No more NWM for me.
10.23.10 Huntington Beach Distance Derby 10 miler — 1:15:51
Ran this flat, fast 10 miles last year and had poopy diaper. This year, sweet revenge. and clean undies. 10th woman and 3rd in my age division.
11.07.10 New York City Marathon — 3:29:28
An AMAZING experience; everyone should run this HUGE race once. Best race experience to date. Plus, I chicked Andy Baldwin, reality star, at mile 25.
11.14.10 Malibu Marathon — 3:58:17
A PW! Ran my 10th marathon sick. not fun. at all. Had some bathroom issues, had all sorts of issues. Just a tough race.
11.20.10 Fishbowl Half Marathon — 1:43:46
By a strange turn of events, I might have come in 1st or 2nd in the race. (Update: I didn’t.) Did I mention it was super duper small? Like I was practically the only runner.
11.25.10 Dana Point Turkey Trot 10k — 44:11
I hadn’t ran a 10k in a year and a half… thought I was going to die. 10k runners are too fast for me! But beautiful, cold weather and nice scenery around the harbor.
11.28.10 Seattle Marathon — 3:26:36
A good, cold weather run for me. My mom and brother were there, and I felt pretty awesometastic the whole race.
12.05.10 Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon — 3:22:10 (PR)
My 12th marathon in 12 months. It was hard but incredibly satisfying… only because some guy told me I was “hottest runner on the Strip”. yeah, baby.
12.12.10 LA County Holiday Half Marathon — 1:38:35
My 7th race in 6 weeks, legs are tired. Finished first in my age division. Fun course.
1.09.11 Kaiser Permanente SoCal Half Marathon — 1:35:00
I was really indifferent and not really wanting to race but ended up pulling a PR out of my butt.
1.16.11 Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon — 3:20:54
Great running weather, flat course, had a cute skirt on. I practically had to pr.
1.23.11 Carlsbad Half Marathon — 1:36:04
Beautiful course, nice weather, I spent the whole time stewing in jealous envy of the full marathoners. good times.
2.13.11 San Dieguito Half Marathon — 1:39:01
A hilly course but fun. Accidentally had my first alcoholic drink while running. Who knew sangria’s the new Gatorade?!
03.05.11 Red Rock Marathon — 3:46:31
I ran this hilly, hard course with my friend Pam. We took it a little easy but paced ourselves well and finished strong. Always a good thing.
03.20.11 LA Marathon — 3:21:36
Monsoon’ed almost the whole race. Terrible weather, my ipod was wet and didn’t work but I pulled out some tasty negative splits and one of my faster marathon times.
03.26.11 Pacific Hills Half (Agoura Great Race) — 1:39:54
A hilly course made worse by the fact that I ran behind a guy who farted OUT LOUD twice. Being behind him, I got to hear and smell it.
04.16.11 Gansett Marathon — 3:21:13
A very scenic, New England course but very, very windy. Still, a good, strong finish. This race was kinda cool because the time qualifications are 5 minutes faster than Boston’s.
04.18.11 Boston Marathon — 3:26:32
The Holy Grail of races, ran it two days after Gansett. Felt good, maybe a little bored. Ate a bunch of candy on the course which was totally tubular and awesome.
05.01.11 Eugene Marathon –3:57:58
I ran with my brother Matti – his first marathon! The last 6 miles were hard for Matt and hard for me to watch, but it will always be my favorite race of all.
06.27.11 Simi Valley Half Marathon — 1:38:26
Ran in 4th of July “peace” sunglasses. Felt like I was blind and inebriated but still got 2nd place overall and 1st in my age division. I probably should mention it was a super tiny race.
09.18.11 Maui Marathon — 3:54:48
My first marathon after coming back from Alaska. Had 2 weeks to train so I’m insanely superhappy with my time. Btw, Hawaii is very humid and hot in September if you didn’t realize that like me.
10.16.11 Paso Robles marathon — 3:34:44
I took a tinkle in some winery bushes and then had a bike escort because I ended up being first woman. Weirder things have happened, like UFO’s or Donald Trump’s hair but not many.
10.30.11 Rock ‘n’ Roll LA Half Marathon — 1:40:10
I ran as a piece of candy corn… not as easy as I had imagined. My thigh high socks didn’t want to stay up and my hat didn’t want to stay on.
11.05.11 Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon — 3:29:30
A really unorganized, boring race, was suprised because I expected more.
11.06.11 New York City Marathon — 3:36:30
I ran with HungryRunnerGirl and completed my first double marathon weekend. A great race, huge and exciting, just like last year.
11.12.11 Santa Barbara International Marathon — 3:25:49
One of the first times I’ve ran positive splits, yeah for me!
11.26 Turkey Trot 10 Miler — 1:10:47 (PR)
This was a surprise since I did a few miles beforehand and a few afterwards, but I was happy with it. and got to eat so much later on in the day!
12.04.11 Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon — 3:26:07
Had some digestion issues for the first ten miles (a night race will screw up your eating!) and then had some major corral issues for the last 13 miles. super fun.
01.15.12 Rock ‘n’ Roll AZ Marathon — 3:23:07
Great day to run and I just didn’t bring it.
01.22.12 Carlsbad Marathon — 3:14:31
Oh, sweet sweet redemption. I ran with a pacer, never looked at my garmin and about had a heart attack when I saw 3:14 at the finish. 8th woman overall. AMAZING DAY.
01.29.12 Tinkerbell Half Marathon — 1:50:21
Ran as Minnie Mouse with my friend Monica who was Ariel and had such a fun time!
02.05.12 Surf City Marathon — 3:27:52
My first attempt at pacing someone; beautiful slightly warm day, great course, good fun even though we didn’t hit our goal.
02.11 Majestic Marathon 50K – 4:22:21
My first time ever running over 26 miles. It was flat and near the beach and I had friends running with me. I don’t think it gets any easier.
02.19.12 IMS Arizona Marathon — 3:14:18 PR
Couldn’t believe that I could break 3:20 on my own let alone PR. a great day.
03.11.12 San Diego Half Marathon — 1:34:04 PR
A fun race through downtown San Diego. I tried to catch my friend Pam at the end but she killed me!
03.17.12 Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Marathon — 3:18:21
A warm day out and a way too fast start, but I managed to finish in the top 10 women. what?! I think all the real runners were too busy drinking green beer.
04.14.12 Gansett Marathon — 3:18:40
A beautiful but tough course with some serious wind, but my parents were there to cheer me on which made it so fun.
04.16.12 Boston Marathon — 3:36:49
It was a hot race, near 90* at the finish, but I have a fun, relaxed race and enjoyed the Bostonmania.
04.20-21.12 Ragnar Relay SoCal ULTRA team – 1st place womens ultra teams
My first relay experience – it was hard running but so much fun! Can’t wait to do another one.
04.22.12 San Luis Obispo Marathon – 3:33:52
I ran this the day after the Ultra relay and had a great time, fun but hilly course.
04.29.12 Eugene Marathon – 3:32:41 (pacing)
I paced my friend Margot to a PR, so proud of her for gutting it out!
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{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
How did you start running?
How did you get your endurance up and everything?
Sorry if you have been asked these questions before, I searched around but could not find a post on them, and well I think you are amazing, and would love to know how you got there.
I am with bambizzle. Super impressive! I think it’s awesome how frequent you do back to backs! I love it! Give me some of that energy!
Wow good job on running all of those races! I usually run a lot of 5ks- for the past 3 years, I’ve been doing between 10-15 5ks per years
Wow good job on running all of those races! I usually run a lot of 5ks- for the past 3 years, I’ve been doing between 10-15 5ks per year
Have you ever done the Malibu Half Marathon? or heard good/bad things about it? I am debating Long Beach Half or Malibu Half?
Thanks!
Kelly
no, ive never done the malibu half. ive heard the malibu marathon in nov (i dont know if its the same race or not) is kinda lame, boring course.
ive ran the long beach half last year, good race, no complaints. its big, get there early bc of parking and traffic.
You are Fast! Nice race times.
Love your blog
Hey SR! I’ll throw out the ever popular ‘LOVE your blog!’ but really, you’ve got a great thing going here. I’ve got a question and knew you’d be the one to ask – are there any fun races this weekend (Oct 29-31) in the LA area? I’ll be visiting from Portland and would love to get a race in while I’m there. Thanks in advance!
la cancer challenge 5/10k on 10/31 is a good one
http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=337739
thanks so much for the recommendation of our race! Hope you enjoyed it!
Hello Sarah,
I’m 34 y/0, mother of 3, homemaker, runner. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog, race reviews, etc. You have a great personality and I love your fashion sense (we have the same r/w/blck harajuku lovers jacket 
). You remind me of Jewel(singer), she’s from Alaska also. 
We’ve also ran in a few recent races together. Pasadena 1/2 (which I’ll never do again, fell of course twice!), los angeles 1/2, Pcrf cinco de mayo and Vegas marathon. We’ll be in Vegas nxt month and I’d love to meet you! Maybe we could do a warmup run together on the strip, or lunch. I think you are awesome and inspiring. I really appreciate the time you take on posting reviews, comments! I especially liked your pics re: pasadena run. I was able to share my gripe with my hubby! 
Thanks for reading my comment! Have a GREAT DAY and take it easy, rest, you deserve it!! SEE YOU IN VEGAS!!
Great job in NY! I entered the drawing/lottery yesterday so, I hope I get in. I tried to get into boston but, the registration closed really fast this year!
How did you like the Rock N Roll half?
I was thinking of signing up for one, but wasn’t sure if it’s really worth the money!
I am new to the blogging world and ran across your blog. You are an amazing inspiration and super funny, I love it. Anyway I have been running for two years, till about Novemberish! I live in Oregon, it rains ALOT! So I keep getting sick, and not to mention the cold makes it a drag to run in. I don’t like dreadmills. Anyway Do you ever get sick and if so do you still run during it? I can’t seem to find my inspiration to get out and run again.Ugg
OH NO!! CAN’T BELIEVE THE GUY TOOTED!! EWWWW
HAHA!! I almost choked on my apple after I read this! Shoulda brought the febreze!! Next race… 
Hopefully, you got around that guy and lost him!!
I’ve been lurking here for awhile, but I just noticed your first long run was the nike women’s half in sf… I literally signed up for that last week, it’s the first race I’ve ever done! I’m kind of nervous even though it’s 6 months away… Any tips are of course always appreciated but just reading your blog will probably help
congrats on boston!
Okay…what is your secret for racing so many marathons without getting injured, burned out or suffering from overtraining? I am dying to know.
Please let me know your secret!
steroids.
um, do what you love and be sorta smart in the way that you do it.
thats the best i got.
Call me crazy, but I am SO ANTSY to see you break 3:20! (For the record, running a 3:2X:XX is my “life racing” goal…so I’m in no way knocking it!) You run a 3:21 and then a 3:26 two days later, at BOSTON of all races…clearly you have a 3:1X:XX hiding in there somewhere.
You are a speedy one, SR!
Do you ever run summer races? I notice a lot of your races are in the spring or fall. What’s the reason for that? Do you have any summer ones you’d recommend?
Check out the race i organize http://www.wrigleyriverrun.com
cant promise that skinny runner will be there but we have a lot of fun
Seriously you have been running a marathon every month for the last 7 months….sometimes 2 or 3 in a month! That is crazy!
hi Stacey. would you mind sharing this video I just finished for the LA Cancer Challenge? i think you ran this before and said you enjoyed it so I wanted to invite others as well
http://vimeo.com/25246305
Amazing finish times! That is very inspiring. Keep up the great work!
You are amazing! I’m training for my first marathon and am in awe of all of your races! I would highly recommend the St. George Marathon. The scenery is incredible!
the link to the portland marathon review is broken… would that be a good first 26.2?
yes! portland is a great race provided its not raining. theres one big hill at like 17 but most of the course is really pretty, great for spectating and easy logistics. i really liked portland, the expo isnt amazing but the race is good. do it!
Come to Clearwater, FL for the Iron Girl Half in April!! It’s going to be my first half ever!! I’m training with a running/athletic store here in Tampa. I am really enjoying your blog. Will be buying a shirt when I get skinny
Hi! I am just starting to figure this whole running thing out. A friend had mentioned your blog and I had to check it out for myself. You make running look like so much fun!! It’s so tough for me, any suggestions on how to build up to running longer and not wanting to rip my lungs out of my chest after just 10 minutes?!?!
Thanks!!
Hey there! I just came across your blog yesterday and I love it! I am so impressed with your runs and I have actually just started running as well. I have my first race ever this weekend and it’s a 5k, then I have a 10K coming up 1 month later! I am really getting in to running and I love reading your blog because I am the same way as you are. I am definitely not a runner, more like a normal jogger
, but it is addicting and I’m loving it! Keep up the good work, it’s extremely inspirational!