Last Sunday I completed my sixth half marathon, and it was absolutely fantastic.
This was my second time running the Poulsbo half, and it is the only half I’ve repeated thus far. This is also the course that holds my current PR from last year. Everything about this race is my favorite from the course to the time of year. October makes for perfect running weather.
This year Lily was in town to run it too, and she took second female overall. No big deal.
As for me, the race was just what I expected. My training was on point, and although I didn’t get a PR I was CLOSE. I felt strong the entire race, and didn’t feel the desire to walk despite the massive hills throughout the course. My time was about 2 minutes and 23 seconds slower than last year (and my current PR,) which I was more than OK with.
I finished with a time of 2:11:52, a 10:03 pace.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this race because despite finishing all my long runs, my mid week runs were slacking the last couple weeks because I was so wrapped up with school. I also didn’t have “fresh legs” because of all the exploring/hiking Lily and I did the two days prior.
I think I’ve come to a point where running half marathons are not longer a “big deal.” I didn’t feel nervous, and I was only moderately tired/sore after. I did run this entire race in my Vibram’s, which I had never done before. This contributed to some sore calves, but otherwise they were great. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this race.
I’d also like to thank my giant spaghetti feast and this Texas sized cookie for my prerace fuel.
My mentality throughout my entire training process and the race itself was they key to my successful run. I smiled, I laughed, I cheered on other runners, and I knew that I had the ability to finish strong. I’m still on such a runners high, & I’m searching for half marathon number #7!
I didn’t stop my watch at 13.1 so this is my time for an extra .04 of a mile. Every second counts.
Q(s):
- Runners, what’s your favorite time of year to run?
- Non runners, what’s your favorite time of year to do outdoor activities?
Blissfulbritt 
54 thoughts on “Poulsbo Half Marathon – Take Two”
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
Wow! 6 half marathons is amazing. I would love to do just one. Congrats on the time too 🙂
Charlotte
Damn girl- you’ve run more miles in six races than ive run in like, six(teen) years or so. That’s an amazing time! Fav time of year to do outdoor activities is now. Can’t beat fall in new england!
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
Awesome Race, Britt! Glad you are back to really enjoying running! No doubt that pasta and ginormous cookie fueled your run, haha. Already lookin for numero siete, nice.
apartmentwife
1/2 marathons no longer a big deal? giiirl, imma dream about the day i can say something like that 🙂 congrats on your success!
Change of Pace
Congrats on another speedy half! That is nice and close to your PR, and really impressive you ran it all in your Vibrams! Where are you looking to run half #7?
I also loooove fall running, especially on the trails with the leaves crunching underfoot and the beautiful colours 🙂
Brittany
I’m just looking around the Seattle or Portland area!! It’s tough to find one that coincides with school and work, but I wanna run one NOWWW! 🙂
di @ life of di.
Whoo-hoo for your sixth half marathon! 🙂 Any thoughts of training for a seventh?
I’m going to train for my fourth starting in January. Side-note: I’m hoping to run one in the spring but I’m not telling many people just in case I wait until the fall 😉
PS – I really love that picture of you and the cookie! You’re adorable!
Brittany
I think I’ll stick with my normal training for whatever half is next. I have a good baseline right now since I just came off a three month training schedule, and I am going to keep a weekly average of a few 4-7 milers and one long run on the weekends! SO jazzed for you to run another one!!
Jayda
Congrats on another half marathon!! I’m glad it went so well 🙂 I can’t even imagine running one of those, let alone getting to the point where they’re no big deal. Good for you, girl!
Amy @ A Desert Girl
Congratulations on your 6th half marathon! It’s amazing to me that half marathons are now #nbd. You’re too cool.
Brittany
It took a lot of work to get to this point!! HA. 🙂
B
I like doing outside stuff either in Spring or Fall, when it’s not too hot or too cold!
Brittany
Me too, that would be my exact answer!
charissarunning
Congratulations on the amazing race, Brittany!!! Sounds like you had a blast. I’m glad you had fun with the whole training process and everything 🙂 If you happen to pick a half marathon in the Northeastern area (in case you’re up for some travel!), count me in too! Also, fall running is definitely the best.
Aja
I like your stopwatch picture. Very creative. Congrats on the race!
Matt @ Runner Savvy
Congrats on the great race!
dorseyml
My favorite season to run is definitely the fall!! However, because most of the races I do are in the fall, it means I am training during the summer. Congrats on running a strong half marathon! xo
Brittany
Training in the summer is rough at times, but it definitely sets me up for success come fall!!
Ellie
I love running all year round. The winter solace of the gym can be peaceful, the steamy summer runs have their place and both spring and fall are so beautiful there is no reason not to run. I have to say I most enjoy running in the spring because it releases me from the winter blues and reminds me of the race season ahead of me 🙂
P
I think I’m at the point where halfs are still a good challenge, but plunging into marathon training is what I really need to stay motivated! Everything about this race seems awesome though, and you are right—having the right attitude makes all the difference!
Brittany
AH, marathon training!! I still haven’t made it to the point where that seems plausible. 🙂
Tina@GottaRunNow
Congrats on completing your 6th half marathon! It’s great that you felt strong for the whole race. Must have been that breakfast cookie!
Khushboo Thadani (@KhushbooThadani)
SIX half-marathons?? You are awesome dot com :)! In Mumbai, November through February is my favourite time to run outdoors as the weather finally cools down. I am almost certain this will get be back into my running groove!
Mary
So glad you enjoyed the race and that you’re already looking for half marathon #7! #addicted 😛
Love the medal and how you’ve taken the photo of it.
littleblissbook
Congrats on the race! I’ve only done 5ks…doing a half marathon gives me anxiety lol, I just don’t think I’m a runner. Asthma as a kid kind of engrained that into me, but swimming and biking I can do all day:)
xx Rakhi
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
I’m not much of a runner anymore but I did a half marathon in November and the fall training was PERFECT! Now I like to stick to long walks at night and the occasional apple picking adventure 😉
Lucie Elizabeth (@CollectingLight)
You are so fabulous! Im not a runner, but if I HAD to run, id certainly pick this time of year, a lot less sticky and sweaty than the summer!
theglowwithin.com
The Zen Kat
You’re kind of my hero. I’ve only done a 10 miler, but I hope to one day complete at least one 1/2 marathon. Go B!
Brittany
Only done a 10 miler?? 10 miles is legit! Be proud of that, and just think…a half marathon is ONLY 3 more miles..you could totally do it. 😉
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
Nice job on the half! I miss running halfs a lot – they really prove to you just how much you can push yourself! I can’t believe you’ve run 6! Have a great weekend and hopefully give your legs a break – so much hiking haha they’re probably screaming for some rest
Rach @ This Italian Family
Sounds like it was such a great run for you! I love how upbeat you are about the whole experience. You almost make me want to take up running again, haha! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the race! As a side note… I mentioned you on my blog today. 🙂
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
You’re an animal.
Now, you know I have to ask….is a full marathon on the horizon? You could do it. Plus, it means twice as many plates of spaghetti and post race cupcakes. 🙂
Brittany
I did NOT just look at the best “first timer” marathons in the US..there is NOT one in Portland next October that is just a short three hour drive from me…I AM NOT GOING TO RUN A MARATHON. Omg…I’m intrigued. Shit.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
You should be. It’s the next step in the evolution. They have marathons in Cleveland all the time. I would cheer like a lunatic for you. I might cry too; marathons have a weird effect on me.
Brittany
That sounds absolutely magical.
Arman @ thebigmansworld
1. I think you should do a vlog on how the eff to pronounce Poulsbo. I’m perplexed.
2. Is it bad I want to run a half purely to carb load and eat lots and lots and lots?
Congrats buddy.
Brittany
Why do you think I run….see number 2. on your list.
Hannah
Congratulations! I love reading your marathon posts. I’m starting to dig running, but I hate going on my own. Ridiculous I know! However, this month has been really nice for bootcamp 🙂
Ellesees.blogspot.com
kudos to you for nailing those runs! wow!
The Vegan 8
Congrats girl!! You are my running hero! Love hearing about such an awesome experience you had with this run and of course I’m thrilled you got to eat that amazing cookie!! YUM! You deserve it!
Choc Chip Uru
Wow congratulations 😀
Run like the wind (she’s like the wind!)
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Chelsea
I’m definitely on the non-side of things, but I enjoy all outdoor activities and I guess fall would be my favorite, the weather is so pleasant, you can just go anywhere and enjoy yourself. Congrats on the half marathon, sounds like lots of fun!
http://www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com
Nicole
You go, Girl!!! 🙂 It’s on my bucket list to run a half marathon, but I haven’t done one yet… My goal (to lose the baby weight next summer) is to run a BUNCH of 5k’s next year. Maybe I’ll have to train for my first half marathon to end a summer of running… Hmmm, it’s an idea anyway!! 🙂
Aussa Lorens
Nice! Can’t imagine a half marathon no longer being “a big deal.” You kick ass.
willrunforpizza
Good job!!!!! I’ve done 4 halves this year & I still get nervous/anxious! But yet I wasn’t really nervous for the full last weekend & i actually got sleep! Weird!! I still love the half the best, but I will do more fulls. I’m already dreaming of a better time bc I know i could have done better had i fueled better. And my goals for the many halves I want to do in 2015, are to get under 2 hours. Ahhh…the challenges. I love it. Lol. And you could totally do a full! 😉
Luv What You Do
Congrats! Looks like a super fun race! I love running in the fall!
Amalia
You’re inspiring me to get back out and running. Congrats on the great finish (and that medal is super cool)
Mimi Loves to Run
Great job! Running first half in 8 years next Saturday!
Brittany
Thank you!! Have a blast in your race, and welcome back to the half marathon scene.
Mimi Loves to Run
Thanks! I am looking foward to it. 🙂
Mimi Loves to Run
Awesome time, too.
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